ASG Eye Hospitals to treat children under 15 hurt by firecrackers free during Diwali

ASG Hospital Limited has launched a special campaign to protect children's eyes from firecrackers this Diwali. The campaign is called 'Surakshit Dole, Surakshit Diwali'. Under the company's corporate social responsibility initiative, children below 15 who suffer eye injuries from firecrackers will be treated at ASG Eye Hospital.

The initiative will run from November 4, 2026 to November 14, 2026. According to ASG, it will be run at more than 200 ASG Eye Hospital centres spread across more than 95 cities.

ASG says the campaign's message is simple: celebrate the festival responsibly and keep every child's eyes bright. The initiative will include first aid, emergency eye care and treatment with medicines. Surgery will also be performed where needed. Families can call a special helpline, 1800 1211 804, for the right advice and to find out about their nearest centre.

According to ASG, firecracker eye injuries rise every Diwali, and young children make up a large share of them. Most cases involve injuries to the cornea and other parts at the front of the eye. ASG says that if an eye doctor does not treat them in time, some of these injuries can cause permanent damage to vision. The first few hours after an injury determine how well the eye will recover. Last year during Diwali, ASG centres treated more than 500 children with firecracker eye injuries.

Dr Arun Singhvi, MD and CEO of ASG Hospital Limited, said: "Diwali is a festival children wait for all year. A few seconds near a firecracker should not take away a child's eyesight. Most of these injuries can be prevented with simple precautions and strict supervision by adults. If an injury does happen, time is critical and the child should be taken to an eye doctor immediately. Through the 'Surakshit Dole, Surakshit Diwali' campaign, we want all families to celebrate the festival safely and injured children to get treatment from specialist doctors without any delay."

ASG has advised families to follow five precautions during Diwali. First, keep a safe distance: light a firecracker from a full arm's length, preferably using a long incense stick, and step back as soon as it is lit. Second, wear protective eyewear: children and the adults lighting firecrackers should wear safety glasses. Third, watch the children: children should burst firecrackers only under adult supervision. Fourth, never lean over a firecracker: do not bend over it while lighting it, and do not go back to one that has not gone off. Fifth, never rub an injured eye: according to ASG, rubbing can push fine particles from the firecracker deeper into the eye and worsen the injury.

If an injury occurs, ASG advises keeping the child calm and trying to keep both eyes as still as possible. Do not rub or press the eye, and do not try to remove anything lodged in it. Do not wash the eye with a strong jet of water, and do not try kajal, ointments, drops or any home remedy. Lightly cover the eye with a clean covering without pressing on it, and take the child immediately to the nearest ASG Eye Hospital centre or eye emergency service. ASG says timely treatment from specialist doctors can fully restore the eye and prevent permanent loss of vision.