Models showcase a segment from the fashion show on Wednesday. Picture by UB Photos

Oct. 3: Designer-choreographer Prasantt Ghosh today pledged to donate his eyes and generate awareness through a fashion show for the visually impaired.

“The incidence of eye diseases in the Northeast is three times higher than in any other region. Besides, the awareness level about eye donation after death is negligible. It is sad that people organise rallies and forget the cause after a few days. So, I have decided to convey a message by donating my eyes,” Ghosh said today.

“As many as two million Indians suffer from corneal blindness and every year, another 30,000 are added to this figure. Around a half of this number can get their sight restored through corneal graft surgery. However, against an annual demand for 100,000 corneas, only 16,000 are available. So, the only hope for majority of patients is eye donation,” he added.

The designer, who owns an event management firm, Kreative People, will organise a fashion show — Vision Beyond 2012 — at Racquets and Billiards Club in Geetanagar on Saturday.

“The show will feature as many as nine models from across the region, who will be attired in black and in blindfold in order to give the audience a feel of what darkness means to visually-impaired people,” Ghosh said.

The fashion show will comprise casual, western and partywear themes. “The show will be followed by a DJ Nite as well,” the designer said.

Asked if any visually-impaired person will take part in the show, Ghosh said: “A talented but visually-impaired boy, Siddharth Baruah, from Jorhat will be the show-stopper. I had once organised a show in Jorhat where all performers were blind. But this time, I wanted to make it a little different to highlight the significance of eye donation.”

Ghosh said sponsors were eager to come forward to do their bit for shows on Valentine’s Day or any other celebration, but are reluctant if it is for a cause such as eye donation.

“It is sad that I had a tough time getting sponsors for the event. Such a cause should be supported by one and all,” the designer added. He also said there are hardly any hoardings in the city to highlight the cause.