The Eye Bank Coordination and Research Centre (EBCRC) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a grand event marking the inauguration of its new premises at Shantilal Shanghvi Eye Institute (SSEI), Wadala East, Mumbai on 7th September 2025.
The occasion brought together eminent personalities, eye health professionals, donors, and well-wishers, reaffirming EBCRC’s three decades of dedicated service to sight restoration and eye donation awareness.
The inauguration was led by Dr. G. N. Rao , Chairman LV Prasad Eye Hospital, Hyderabad and Mr. Dilip Sanghvi, Managing Director of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., the event commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Nisheeta Agarwala, EBCRC’s Honorary Medical Director and Trustee. Dr. Quresh Maskati anchored the program. A specially prepared video of the eye bank and the inauguration was screened in the auditorium.
Distinguished speakers – Dr. G. N. Rao, Mr. Dilip Sanghvi, and Dr. Somasheila Murthy addressed the gathering. Mr. Jashwant Mehta, Chairman EBCRC and Dr. Nisheeta Agarwala took the audience through the remarkable 30- years journey of EBCRC, tracing its growth as a leading institution in eye banking.
A special segment was dedicated to appreciating donors and well-wishers, along with the felicitation of Eye Donation Centres. An emotional highlight was the sharing of feedback by a recipient, underscoring the life-changing impact of eye donation.
The event honoured Eye Donation Centres and technicians for over 1000+ eye donations, including Tarun Mitra Mandal, Arpan Eye Bank, Shakundevi Multanmulji Mehta Eye Bank, Kandivali Eye Donation Centre, Rotary Eye Donation Centre, and KVO Drashti Foundation for Blind. The event also witnessed the launch of the 5th edition of the book “Eye Donation & Eye Banking in India”, authored by Mr. Jashwant Mehta and released by Dr. G. N. Rao, Dr Prashant Garg and Dr P. M. Bhujang.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Medical Director, Dr Rashmi Shukla. This was followed by lunch and a guided tour of the newly relocated Eye Bank, giving attendees an insight into the advanced facilities designed to strengthen EBCRC’s vision for the future.
Over the past three decades, EBCRC has emerged as a pioneer in eye banking, creating awareness and bridging the gap between the demand and supply of corneal tissues. The anniversary celebration and inauguration symbolized not only its rich legacy but also a renewed commitment to continue its mission of restoring sight and spreading the noble message of eye donation.
Till date the Centre has distributed over 12800 corneas, and helped convert despair to hope. For more details, please contact Ms. Suchitra, Eye Bank Manager, or Ms. Archana at 79981 91919 / 95944 19191 / 80970 21919, or write to us at ebcrc123@gmail.com.
