AbstractPurpose: To determine the “awareness of eye donation” and “willingness to donate eyes” in the rural population of North karnataka. Methods: A total of 300 subjects representative of the rural population of north Karnataka participated. Subjects in age group of 18yrs to 70yrs were interviewed by a standard questionnaire regarding awareness of eye donation and willingness to donate eyes Oral consent was taken before interviewing the subjects. Results: Out of 300 subjects, 19% were aware of eye donation, 81% were having no knowledge about eye donation. Out of those aware, 2% were females. Majority of those with knowledge about eye donation belonged to age group of 18 to 30 years (8%). Out of those with awareness 16% were literate and 3% were illiterate. The major source of awareness was media (11%) out of 300 subjects, 8% wanted to pledge their eyes, 12% were not interested, 64% needed more information about the procedure and 16% wanted to consult with relatives. 1% participants were aware that eye donation had to be done within 6 hours. Illiteracy and female sex were major predictors of ignorance. 16% were of opinion that there will be disfigurement after donating eyes. Conclusion: Eventhough multiple strategies are currently followed to increase awareness of eye donations, more creative strategies have to be applied, especially to target rural, illiterate population.
Keywords: Eye Donation; Awareness; Rural Population; North Karnataka.