THERE'S MORE THAN WHAT MEETS THE EYE
Although the eye is a small structure, it is extremely complex and contains an immense network of nerves, blood vessels, cells and specialized tissues.
The mechanics of sight are complex and research has provided a great deal of information about the visual system. Such information is valuable, not only for understanding how the eyes function in health, but also for studying certain disease processes.
Diseases of the eye can cause visual disability ranging from minor impairments to total blindness. Some forms of visual disability can be prevented through prompt attention and others may be cured. Unfortunately, there are other eye conditions that cannot be prevented or treated.
The Process of Donation
For patients with corneal blindness, their only option for having sight restored is through cornea donation.
The process for donation begins when an individual registers to be an eye, tissue and organ donor or a patient’s family provides consent for donation. The cornea transplant procedure involves replacing a diseased or scarred cornea with a cornea recovered from someone who has passed away. Eye banks facilitate this process for donors and recipients.
The Call
The eye bank receives the call of the donors passing and must work donor’s recovery within 24 hours.
Consent & Medical Review
The eye bank will reach out to the next of kin to obtain consent. Once approval is provided, the eye bank will work with the next of kin to complete a medical-social history.
Recovery
Once the eye bank coordinator determines the donor as eligible, they dispatch a technician to complete the recovery. Recoveries can take place in most hospitals, funeral homes and coroner’s offices.
Evaluation
The corneas will be evaluated with two ocular microscopes to make sure all criteria for transplant are met.
Release of Tissue
Medical records, infectious disease testing, and evaluations are reviewed by a Certified Eye Bank Technician and/or the Medical Director in order to make a final eligibility determination.
Transplantation and Tracking
Corneas are transplanted within 14 days and the eye bank then tracks the recipient’s outcome.
STORIES
If you are a cornea recipient or donor family, we would for you to share your story with us.
VISIONARIES
Visionaries, a volunteer organization within the BRREB, consists of individuals dedicated to promoting and supporting eye donation through education and outreach projects.