LGH Revives Corneal Transplant Program After a Decade, Restores Sight to 25 Blind Patients

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Department of Ophthalmology at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) has successfully revived its corneal transplant program after a 10-year hiatus, performing 25 successful corneal transplant surgeries that restored vision to 25 previously blind patients.
A ceremony was held at LGH to celebrate the achievement, with Principal Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal attending as the chief guest. The event was also attended by Dr. Amjad Shahzad, Member of the Federal Medical Tribunal, MS Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain, HoD Ophthalmology Prof. Tayyaba Gul Malik, faculty members, consultants, nurses, and paramedical staff.
Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal described eyesight as one of life’s greatest blessings, saying that only those who lose it truly understand its value. He noted that restoring vision to a blind person is among the highest forms of humanitarian service and a lasting act of charity. He highlighted that corneal diseases are the fourth leading cause of blindness in Pakistan and stressed the urgent need to establish local eye banks and promote cornea donation through nationwide awareness campaigns. He also emphasized the economic benefits of blindness prevention, stating that every dollar invested in preventing blindness saves six dollars for the economy.
Prof. Tayyaba Gul Malik said that a single corneal transplant in the private sector costs between PKR 300,000 and PKR 500,000, whereas deserving patients at LGH received the surgery completely free of charge. She explained that the corneas were donated through organizations, including AAPNA, while philanthropists covered all remaining treatment expenses. She congratulated the entire surgical, anesthesia, nursing, and post-operative care teams and announced plans to expand the program to provide free corneal transplants to even more patients.
Medical Superintendent Prof. Dr. Faryad Hussain reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Patients First” vision and pledged full institutional support, including modern facilities and additional funding for the Department of Ophthalmology.
The ceremony concluded with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal presenting appreciation certificates to the doctors, nurses, and staff members in recognition of their dedication and outstanding contribution to the successful revival of the corneal transplant program.