About Eye Donation

The gift of sight starts with YOU.

The process of donation starts with the decision to become an eye, organ, and tissue donor.

Cornea transplants are one of the most common human transplant procedures. According to the EBAA there were more than 85,000 transplants worldwide performed in 2019. The need for corneal tissue is never satisfied. In cornea transplantation, the damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy, donated tissue.

Why is eye donation important?

Corneas are the most commonly transplanted tissue worldwide, and the number of corneas needed around the world for transplant continues to rise. There is currently no substitute for human tissue and those who require cornea transplants depend on the generous gift of eye donation. By electing to become a registered eye donor, you could help up to two individuals see again.

What is an Eye Bank?

An eye bank is a nonprofit organization that facilitates the gift of sight from a donor to a recipient. It could have different structures and/or functions of offered services based on geographical location, population, and other collaborative relationships. An eye bank plays an essential and pivotal role in the process of giving the gift of sight.

What does an Eye Bank do?

An eye bank is a medical facility where technicians surgically recover deceased ocular tissue from consented donors and then evaluate it with technology specific to ophthalmology. Donor suitability is then determined based on medical/social history, serological/other laboratory testing, and final tissue suitability. Finally, the cornea is processed to surgeon specifications, and then distributed for transplant locally, nationally, and internationally.

Who can be a donor?

Almost anyone can become an eye donor. Regardless of blood type, eye color, and age, you can be an eye donor. Even if you have poor vision or a history of illness such as diabetes or cancer, you are still eligible to donate.

In the cases where donation is not possible for transplant, ocular tissue can be utilized by researchers to further studies on the causes and cures for eye diseases.

Who receives a donated cornea?

A patient who suffers from diminished or depleted sight due to cornea blindness from a disease, injury, or infection. There are several reasons why someone suffering from cornea blindness might need a transplant. People who need a cornea transplant often have a disease, scar, or cloudiness affecting the cornea, and this adversely affects their ability to see.

Ready to register?

Sign up to become a donor today and help us restore sight and change lives.