Donor Families

For Donor Families

This organisation extends our deepest sympathy to those families that supported the donation  wishes of their loved ones. The donation decision is a powerful act, providing the bridge between hope and possibility.

Commitment to Confidentiality

This organisation maintains a strict confidentiality policy for donors and recipients. The decision to donate is confidential, and the gift of sight is made anonymously.

Materials containing specific donor information are stored securely and destroyed when no longer needed. Employees are prohibited from discussing specific donor information with persons not immediately affiliated with the eye bank or the donation.

Care in Eye and Cornea Donation

This organisation practices both whole eye (during which the entire eye is removed) and in situ (in which only the cornea is removed) donation. While the cornea (the clear tissue in the front of the eye) is the only part of the eye regularly transplanted, the sclera (white of the eye) can also be used in surgery to repair the recipient’s sclera.

To ensure recipient safety, a sample of the donor’s blood is sent to a laboratory to test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.

This organisation evaluates all donated to ensure they are healthy enough for transplantation. In the event the corneas may not qualify for transplantation, we seek the family’s consent to use the eye or parts of the eye not transplanted for research.

Scientists study donated eyes to discover new medications and surgical techniques that might cure diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetes-related blindness. Nationwide, more than 23,000 eyes are donated annually for research and education.

Correspondence

This organisation acts as the intermediary between donor families and corneal recipients and always strives to serve the needs of both parties to the best of our abilities.

As a donor family member, you may at some point wish to write a note to the recipients of your loved one’s corneas. There is no time limit for such correspondence, and you have no obligation to write. The choice is your personal decision.

The organisation has a responsibility to facilitate the communication process, but it is our policy to share no information that breaches the privacy rights of a donor, a donor’s family, or a patient. Your card or letter will be reviewed to ensure confidentiality.