Firecracker Eye Injuries: With Diwali celebrations increasing the risk of firecracker-related injuries, ASG Hospital Limited has launched ‘Surakshit Ankhein, Surakshit Diwali’, a special initiative aimed at protecting children’s eyesight and ensuring timely medical treatment for those injured during the festive season. Under this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, children below 15 years of age who suffer eye injuries due to firecrackers will receive treatment at ASG Eye Hospital centres. The programme will run from November 4 to November 14, 2026, across more than 200 ASG Eye Hospital centres in over 95 cities.
The initiative aims to ensure that financial concerns do not prevent children from receiving timely specialist eye care. Treatment will include first aid, emergency eye care, pharmacy support and surgery wherever medically required. However, optical products, including spectacles, are not covered under the programme. Families can contact the dedicated helpline at 1800 1211 804 for assistance and information about the nearest participating centre.
Over 500 Children Treated for Firecracker Eye Injuries Last Diwali
Firecracker-related eye injuries remain a serious concern during Diwali, with children accounting for a significant proportion of reported cases. Such injuries can affect the cornea and other parts of the front of the eye. Without timely medical attention, some injuries may lead to long-term damage or even permanent vision loss.
The first few hours following an eye injury are particularly important in determining the chances of recovery. Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, ASG Eye Hospital revealed that more than 500 children received treatment for firecracker-related eye injuries at its centres during Diwali last year.
Dr. Arun Singhvi, MD and CEO of ASG Hospital Limited, said that children eagerly look forward to Diwali every year, and a few seconds of carelessness around firecrackers should not put their eyesight at risk. He emphasised that most such injuries can be prevented through basic safety precautions and close adult supervision.
He further stated that if an injury occurs, children must be taken to an eye specialist without delay. Through the ‘Surakshit Ankhein, Surakshit Diwali’ campaign, the organisation aims to help families celebrate responsibly while ensuring that injured children receive specialist treatment on time.
Firecracker Eye Injuries: ASG Eye Hospital Prepares Medical Teams Across 95+ Cities
Dr. Vikas Jain, Group COO of ASG Eye Hospital, said that medical teams across the hospital network are prepared with the necessary trauma protocols to manage eye injuries during the festive period. He encouraged parents who are unsure about the correct first-aid response to contact the dedicated helpline for guidance and directions to the nearest centre. He also cautioned families against using home remedies such as kajal, ointments or eye drops, as these may worsen an eye injury.
ASG Eye Hospital has urged families to take basic precautions while celebrating Diwali. Children and adults should maintain a safe distance from firecrackers, use protective eyewear and ensure that children handle fireworks only under adult supervision. People should never lean over a firecracker while lighting it or approach one that has failed to explode. The hospital has also advised families not to rub an injured eye, as doing so can push foreign particles deeper and worsen the damage.
Firecracker Eye Injuries: Parents Advised Against Home Remedies for Eye Injuries
In case of a firecracker-related eye injury, parents should keep the child calm and avoid unnecessary movement of the eyes. The injured eye should not be rubbed or pressed, and any object stuck in it should not be removed. Families should also avoid washing the eye with a strong stream of water or applying kajal, ointments, eye drops or other home remedies.
Instead, the injured eye should be covered gently with a clean protective shield, such as the bottom of a paper cup, without applying pressure. Parents should immediately call ASG Eye Hospital’s helpline at 1800 1211 804 and take the child to the nearest ASG Eye Hospital centre or eye emergency service.
Through ‘Surakshit Ankhein, Surakshit Diwali’, ASG Hospital Limited aims to raise awareness about firecracker safety while making specialist eye treatment accessible to children during the festive season. The campaign highlights an important message: celebrating Diwali responsibly can help protect children’s eyesight and prevent avoidable injuries.
