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Eye donor awareness: Frequently asked questions

Who is an ideal candidate for an eye donation.

Referring to reception of the tissue, eye tissue is used several different ways, most commonly for corneal transplantation. Patients who need a corneal transplant are those who have a disease, scar, or active infection involving the cornea. The cornea is the clear part of the eye much like a watch crystal.

How many people can a eye donor help?

In addition to the cornea, other parts of the eye including the sclera or white part of the eye are used in some types of oculoplastic surgery and in glaucoma surgery. You can be an eye donor and help two or more people.

Is it possible to help someone who is completely blind?

People who are completely blind and cannot see light cannot benefit from any type of corneal transplantation.

Must an eye donor be dead?

For the most part, corneal donation comes from people who are dead. In very rare circumstances, a donor may be living. For example a patient who has an ocular tumor in the back of the eye may be able to donate the eye at the time the eye is removed. If an eye is blind and it is removed, but is healthy in the front, that cornea might also be used. There are no instances of donation between people who are living in other circumstances. Another special circumstance where a person may donate a cornea to themselves is where one eye can still see and one can't. That is very rare.

Can artificial tissue be used instead of a donor cornea?

There are types of surgery called keratoprostheses, which use artificial corneas. These are very difficult to use and are still being investigated. Probably no more than 400 or 500 of these procedures are done each year worldwide. It's used where it's impossible to get the donor cornea to take. For example, some patients with severe scarring of the eye socket, where the lids don't operate normally, might benefit from a keratoprosthesis. There are newer types of prostheses being developed to substitute for the cornea, but nothing is as useful as a human-donated cornea.

How common is corneal transplantation?

Corneal transplantation is not a new procedure. The first ones were done in the late 1800s. The first eye bank was established nearly 90 years ago. This procedure has been done routinely since the 1960s. At present, there are more than 44,000 corneal transplants done every year, making it the second-most common transplant after blood donation.

Could a living person donate an eye?

You have to discuss with the potential donor the motivation for the donation. Under ordinary circumstances, eyes are not the same as kidneys and are generally considered to need both for your best function. In circumstances where you've lost vision in an eye or you no longer see daylight, there might be exceptions, but otherwise donation would not be acceptable.

Would someone with macular degeneration benefit from a corneal transplant?

Patients with macular degeneration have a disease of the retina. The retina is like the photographic film inside a camera. It is a thin tissue that lies in the inside of the eye. Consequently, unless the cornea is also affected in some way, corneal transplantation would not help a patient with macular degeneration. There are some people who have corneal dystrophies such as Fuchs who also have macular degeneration, and they can benefit from transplantation when the cornea becomes cloudy.

Are people with glaucoma candidates for this procedure?

People with glaucoma have an eye condition where the optic nerve is being damaged, usually by pressure inside the eye that is too high. The cornea is not affected by glaucoma, but some patients will have both glaucoma and a corneal condition. Those patients may require surgery for the glaucoma and surgery for the cornea. Glaucoma is one of the factors that harms corneal transplant, so the glaucoma must be controlled before or at the time of the corneal transplant.

Would someone with diabetic retinopathy benefit from a corneal transplant?

Diabetic retinopathy affects the retina, not the cornea directly, so transplant would not help unless there is also a problem with the cornea.

Does having diabetes prevent someone from being a eye donor?

Only the advanced stages of diabetes that require insulin prevent a patient from being a donor. Patients who have diet-controlled diabetes may still be eye donors. Patients who have severe forms of diabetes may donate their eyes for research rather than for corneal transplantation. Research is a very valuable mission and may lead to prevention or cure of blindness for many more than one patient.

Are corneal transplants done more frequently on elderly or younger patients?

Many patients who receive transplants are older, but the populations who are very old or very young are the populations that receive most transplants. Similarly, most of the donors are also older. The typical eye bank will accept donations from the age of 2 to 70 and donors younger than 2 and older than 70 are helpful for research tissue but not for corneal transplantation. In general, patients receive corneal tissue from donors approximately the same age or younger than themselves.

How long can the eye be recovered after donation?

It's always the sooner the better. Eye banks are allowed to set their own time frame but typically if the donor has been kept cool, the tissue may be recovered for up to 8-12 hours and then placed in special solution before 24 hours. This would allow the tissue to be used for up to seven days.

Where should you go for help on organic brain damage?

Organic brain damage, where there's no known cause for the damage, is a contraindication to corneal donation. There are many causes for organic brain damage. Among them are chronic abuses of alcohol or hardening of the arteries. Organic brain damage may lead to clinical dementia and patients with organic brain damage are usually helped through their family doctor or internist with the assistance of a neurologist.

Who is the ideal candidate for a corneal donation?

The ideal candidate is a person with corneal disease in the center of the cornea, and no other problems. The typical ideal candidate is one who has a condition called keratoconus. Patients with this condition have thinning of the central cornea to the point they can't wear glasses or contact lenses. Corneal transplant replaces that thin zone, allowing them to see. This group has the best prognosis for good vision with a clear graft. In general, good candidates have corneal conditions that need the transplant and have good ocular and physical health so they can take care of the transplant and it will survive.

What was the procedure Stevie Wonder had done at Hopkins?

The procedure that Stevie Wonder was considering is to implant electrodes in the retina area that would then pick up light and transmit it to the brain. There are some similar procedures done creating artificial retinas with electrodes implanted in the brain that help patients to tell night and day and shadowy images. These are somewhat useful in very select patients but they take a great deal of learning. They will not be widely available for many more years.

What is your opinion of Lasik Surgery?

My opinion of Lasik surgery of the eye is that is it very useful for the right people. We do Lasik surgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics as do most academic medical centers.

How do you find and choose a good Lasik surgeon?

The best way to find a surgeon is talking to patients who've had the surgery or learning about the surgeon's experience both with Lasik and in ophthalmology in general. The patient needs to be careful that the surgeon they pick counsels them and examines them before surgery and after surgery.

In some circumstances patients are "co-managed." Co-management involves other ophthalmologists or optometrists who see you first and then refer you for surgery. If you are in such a situation, you should know the financial arrangements to be sure that the co-manager is compensated appropriately and that you are not being led to surgery only for someone else's profit.

How successful is corneal donation?

A corneal transplant is successful if it remains clear. Success rate is usually determined at one, two, and five years. The best success rate in one year will be 98 percent clear corneas and is usually in patients with keratoconus or other corneal dystrophies. Over time, success rates drop, so that at five years, this group would be 90 percent clear.

For all grafts, success rates are typically 80-90 percent in one year and 70-75 percent in five years, but that includes patients who are less than ideal candidates or who have problems that involve the peripheral cornea. These patients have a higher rate of corneal rejection.

How does one become an eye donor?

The first thing about becoming a donor is to tell your family. In every state it is a matter of eye bank policy that the family will be asked whether the patient wished to be a donor, even if you have signed an advance directive. When you go to the driver's license bureau in many states, you can sign a card stating that you wish to donate. The card will allow you to specify whether you wish to donate your eyes or your organs or other tissues. If you wish to donate then of course you should sign the card, but the most important thing is to tell your family and close friends about your desire to help even after you're gone.

In some states, if you die and the circumstances involve the medical examiner, such as in a car accident, then the medical examiner can authorize donation, but nowadays, every attempt is made to find your family or close friends to find out what your wishes were. So the best thing is to always tell your family. If you have questions about donation, you can contact the eye bank in your area or the organ procurement organization, sometimes called OPO or OPA, for your region. They can provide further information. In Iowa, you can sign up through the Iowa Donor Registry on the internet.

What would disallow a person to become an eye donor?

The principal things that disallow you to be a donor are things that would be regarded as unsafe for people who collect the tissue. This would include obvious conditions such as HIV positive status or AIDS, severe infectious problems such as sepsis or hepatitis that is active, which would be unsafe for technicians. The concern would be transmission of these diseases to both the technician through a needle stick or to a recipient of the transplant. There are other more rare conditions such as rabies, which the eye banks and the eye bank technicians will be aware of, but the general public would probably not know about. Every donor has their medical history screened prior to being accepted and having the tissue recovered.

Can someone who had Lasik surgery be an eye donor?

The tissue can be used for research and possibly for new forms of deep endothelial corneal transplant. Anyone who's had Lasik, PRK, RK or other corneal surgeries except for cataract surgery cannot be a donor for typical transplant purposes.

There are two concerns: The first is the new shape for the cornea will be incorrect for the new recipient. The second is these prior surgeries may keep the donor cornea from surviving the next surgery or transplantation. The healthy posterior portions of donor cornea can be used for this new procedure, DLEK (Deep Lamellar Endothelial Keratoplasty) that helps people with swollen corneas from cataract surgery or Fuchs Dystrophy.

Has consumer designation on driver's licenses been successful?

Consumer designation has been successful because it raises awareness of the public to the need for both tissue and organ transplantation. In this country we have a shortage of organs such as kidneys, hearts and livers for transplantation b/c the requirements are much more stringent than for tissue such as cornea, sclera, bone or skin. By raising the awareness, we make it possible for more people to become donors by asking their families.

One law passed in the last year has required all hospitals to notify their regional organ procurement organizations on every death in the hospital. If they don't, the government will cut off their federal funding. This has increased the number of potential and actual donors by a large amount. But nevertheless, unless the potential donor wished to donate or the family feels they wished to be a donor, their tissue and organs cannot be recovered.

What if there’s no possible donors, due to Lasik?

First of all, not everyone will have Lasik surgery because only about 25 percent of the population needs it. At the present time, less than 1 percent of the population who needs Lasik surgery has had it. There will always be people who have not had eye surgery who can be donors. It merely means we have to get the word out to everyone. People who need corneal transplants will be able to get corneal transplants.

What are floaters?

Floaters are symptoms of things in front of the eye when you know there's nothing there. They are typically found inside the vitreous cavity. Most of the time they are remnants of arteries that helped form your eye. When you get older the vitreous jelly begins to liquefy and you can see these floaters more easily. Most of the time, they are harmless, but patients who have new floaters, especially associated with flashes of light, should see their ophthalmologist for a complete dilated eye exam to rule out more serious problems such as retinal tears, detachments, or bleeding.

What are the risks of undergoing an eye transplant?

Risks of transplantation are numerous. The most common is that the transplant fails to work. At the time of surgery there are the risks inherent in surgery including infection, bleeding, and leaking of the wound so that the eye becomes too soft. But the more usual risks are that the patient will have a rejection episode. Rejection occurs when the body recognizes new tissue that doesn't belong there and tries to eliminate it. This happens about one in seven times. Most of the time it can be prevented or treated with special medications including steroids.

Other risks include glaucoma, as mentioned earlier, and problems with focusing afterward such as astigmatism or being too near or far-sighted. In general, the procedure is very successful with very rare severe complications but may need to be repeated in order to finally succeed.

The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.

March 24, 2022 in About Donation , Registration

Eye Donation Explained

A simple introduction into why the most common type of donation is so important.

The oldest eye donor in Minnesota history was 107 years old! Eye donation is the most common of all donations, with more than 80,000 people worldwide receiving corneal transplants each year.

One eye donor alone can help heal up to 10 people. Corneas from one donor can actually be transplanted into two people. The Sclera can be divided into eight parts and used to repair disease or trauma to the eye. What’s more, the entire eye can be used for education and medical research.

Over 70,000 people donate their eyes each year and every 7 minutes someone receives a corneal transplant. But that’s not all, since 1961 over two million people have had their eye sight restored through corneal transplants.

Your medical history is an important factor but it may not prevent you from becoming an eye donor. Those who have had prior surgeries like LASIK, anyone who has poor eyesight, chronic illness or even many cancers can still donate.

So remember that anyone can register to be an organ eye and tissue donor online, in the health app or at the DMV .

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• v.2022; 2022

Eye Donation: Awareness, Knowledge, Willingness, and Barriers among Paramedical and Allied Health Science Students at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in South India

Aimanfatima kacheri.

1 KLE University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India

Rekha Mudhol

2 Prasad Medical College, BLDE Deeemed to be University, Vijaypur, India

Sanjeev Chougule

3 Department of Hospital Administration (MBA), J. N. Medical College, KLE University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India

4 Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

Sagarika Kamath

5 Manipal Institute of Management, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

Rajesh Kamath

Associated data.

Data are available from authors on request.

Visual impairments have physical, emotional, social, and economical consequences and are a crucial element influencing one's quality of life. A total of 1.285 million people are estimated to be visually impaired worldwide of which 39 million are categorised as blind. These figures are startling, given that 80 percent of known vision impairments are either treatable or preventable. Corneal transplants appear to be our best hope for resolving this problem; however, a global shortage of available donors continues to dampen efforts addressing this issue.

This two-year cross-sectional study employed a convenience sampling technique and a standardised questionnaire to survey 150 paramedical and allied health science students at a tertiary care teaching hospital and assessed the awareness, knowledge, willingness and barriers regarding eye donation.

The study revealed a 93.3% awareness rate of the donation procedure, of which 46% attributed their awareness to media sources. However, other aspects assessed had much lower awareness rates; when the eyes are donated (53.3%), optimal time period for retrieval of tissue/organ (54%), ideal part transplanted (54%), age limit not restricting donation (67%), donation by donors using spectacles (48%), confidentiality of the donor and recipient (54%), hospital having the facility of an eye bank (63%). 49 percent of the respondents were willing to pledge themselves as eye donors, and a majority of the unwilling respondents reported that familial opposition was the reason for their hesitation.

Knowledge levels appear to be below expectations, and more effort is required to ensure that knowledge is imparted to our healthcare practitioners, who will then transfer this knowledge to the population, resulting in an increase in donation rates.

1. Introduction

Eye donation involves the recovery, preparation, and delivery of donated eyes for corneal transplants and research. The first successful corneal transplant was performed in 1905, and the first eye bank was founded in 1944. Organ donation found its breakthrough when Doctor Joseph Murray performed a kidney transplant procedure in which Ronald Lee Herrick donated a kidney to his identical twin brother in 1954, making it the first-ever organ donation. He later went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990. Organ donation in India is governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, which provides the legal structure guiding organ donation for both the deceased and the living. According to the World Health Organization, the percentage of organ donation in India is 0.01%.

Vision is the ability to perceive the surrounding world using light in the visible spectrum reflected by the objects in the environment and any diminishment of function results in visual impairment or blindness ranging from partial to complete with varying visual acuity.

According to estimates provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), someone goes blind every five seconds, which is extremely alarming when 80% of known visual impairments are either curable or preventable [ 1 ]. A total of 1.285 million people are estimated to be visually impaired worldwide of which 39 million are categorised as blind. Developing countries account for 80% of the world's blind population. The yearly global costs of productivity losses related to vision impairment from untreated myopia and presbyopia alone are estimated to be US$ 244 billion and US$ 25.4 billion, respectively, due to vision impairment [ 2 ].

A finding of the recent global survey performed on eye banking and corneal transplantation computed that there is only 1 cornea available for every 70 corneal recipients worldwide, which shows that the world is experiencing a drastic mismatch between the demand and supply of donor corneas [ 3 ].

Corneal transplantation remains the best available option for visual rehabilitation. Based on the current accessibility of donor eyes and its consumption rates, it is projected that 2,70,000 donor eyes will be needed to complete 1,00,000 corneal transplants per year in India, a fourfold increase over current donor eye availability. To overcome this scarcity of eye donors, a 3-tier community system has been proposed for India, and these are eye donation centres, eye banks, and eye bank training centres that are responsible for collecting, processing, and allocating tissue and creating public awareness as well as training and skills enhancement of eye banking personnel. The EDC is responsible for public and professional awareness of eye banks. It coordinates with donor families and healthcare institutes to stimulate eye donation to harvest corneal tissues. It also collects blood for serology and promotes safe practices in eye transplants [ 4 ].

There have been several studies carried out in the past regarding eye donation awareness among the general population. This study focuses on paramedical and allied health science students at a tertiary care teaching hospital who were chosen as they represent our country's young and well-trained cadre, who have full access to newspapers, digital media, and other sources of literature. As future healthcare practitioners, their awareness of aspects related to eye donation should be superior to that of the general public. As they pursue their medical degrees, they will be a viable source for increasing the number of eye donations among patients through patient counselling [ 5 , 6 ]. The intention of this study is to measure the knowledge, willingness, and barriers regarding eye donation among paramedical and allied health science students and thereby enhance the awareness and importance of promoting this endeavor.

2. Methodology

A sample size of 150 was determined for this cross-sectional study of paramedical and allied health science students at a tertiary care teaching hospital, and a convenience sample strategy was used to select participants and gather data.

•   Inclusion criteria: Students belonging to the DMLT, DOT, BPH, MHA, MLTC, MPH, nutrition and dietetics, and perfusion technology health sciences streams and those who are willing to participate in the study.
•   Exclusion criteria: All students belonging to health science streams not previously specified and those students that are not willing to participate in the study.

The research took place over a two-year period, from January 2020 to December 2021. Written consent and the demographic details of the respondents were obtained prior to their participation. Questionnaires were distributed to the participants and collected to be analysed over a three-month period. The standardised questionnaire consisted of 17 closed-ended questions and was divided into two sections: the first assessed participants' awareness and knowledge of eye donation, and the second assessed their willingness to donate their eyes as well as any barriers that would prevent them from doing so. MS Excel version 10 was used to compile and analyse the data, and the results were obtained using percentage and descriptive statistics.

This section describes the demographic characteristics of the respondents.

The male-to-female gender distribution in the respondent's pool was 36.67 percent to 63.33 percent as represented in Table 1 and Figure 1 .

Distribution of students according to their gender.

Student distribution according to their gender.

The age distribution of the participants was as follows: 33.3% (50) of them belong to the age group of 18–20 years, 38.7% (58) of them belong to the age group of 21–23 years, 30 of them belong to the age group of 24–26 years, 10 of the participants belong to the age group of 27–29 years, and only 2 of them are above 29+ year age group as represented in Table 2 and Figure 2 .

Distribution of students according to their age group.

Of 150 students, 110 students belong to Allied health science, 7 (4.3%) students belong to BPH, 18 (12%) students belong to MHA, 29 (19.3%) students belong to MLTC, 30 (20%) students belong to MPH, 18 (12%) students belong to nutrition and dietetics, and 8 (5.3%) students are from perfusion technology. The remaining 40 students belong to the paramedical field, of which 30 (20%) students belong to DMLT and 10 (6.7%) students are from DOT as represented in Table 3 and Figure 3 .

Distribution of students based on their respective courses.

The following section describes the findings of the study:

Out of 150 students, 93.3% (140) students are previously aware of the eye donation procedure. Majority of the students 46% (69) responded that mass media is their source of information, 26% (39) said that they got to know about eye donations through lectures, 11.3% (17) of the students gained insight through organ donation campaigns, about 3.3% (5) of students mentioned doctors as their source of information, 10.7% of students identified the hospital/clinic as their source of information about eye donations, and 2.7% (4) were not able to identify a particular source. Eighty students were aware eye donation is carried out only after death, and majority, 54% (81), were well aware of the optimal time for retrieval of eyes after death. 63% (94) of students were aware that their hospital has an eye bank, and 18% (27) knew of a person who has donated their eyes. Thirteen (9%) students responded that the whole eye can be transplanted, 4 (3%) said the lens is transplanted, and 85 (56%) were aware that the cornea is transplanted, while 42 (32%) were not aware of which part of the eye is transplanted during eye donation. 66.67% (100) of the students were unaware there is no age limit restricting the donation of eyes, and 52% (78) were unaware that people using spectacles can donate their eyes. 81% (122) were aware that eye donation requires prior consent, and 71% (106) were well aware that the donor's family will not be charged for the donation. 44% (66) were aware that eye donation can't cure all types of blindness. 54% (81) of the students were aware that the name of donors and recipients remain unknown, whereas the 46% (69) who responded “No” were unaware of the confidentiality maintained. Regarding awareness on scope of benefits from one donation 36% (54) responded that one person is benefitted, 11.3% (17) responded that more than two people are benefitted and majority 52.7% (79) responded that exactly two people are benefitted. These data are represented in Table 4 .

Participants' awareness and knowledge of eye donation.

Of 150 students, 73 (49%) were willing to pledge their eyes and 77 (51%) were unwilling to pledge their eyes. 14% (11) stated “lack of awareness,” 63% (48) stated “objection by family,” 22% (17) stated “unacceptable idea of the removal of eyes,” and 1% (1) stated that they will be born blind in the subsequent birth as reasons preventing them from registering as donors. A majority of them (37.7% (29)) attributed their response to family opposition, 13% (10) attributed it to perceived effects in the future, 27.3% (21) found the procedure complicated, 14.3% (11) feared that organs would be missed, 1.3% (1) believed the distortion of physical appearance was a barrier for eye donations, and 5% (5) found that it to be a clear violation of human rights, as represented in Table 5 .

Willingness and barriers related to eye donation.

4. Discussion

According to the findings of this study, 93.3 percent (140) of participants were aware of eye donations, which is still shy of the required 100 percent optimal result considering the healthcare background of the participants. A similar study conducted by Sushma et al. [ 1 ] among medical and paramedical students in tertiary care hospital revealed a 99.2 percent awareness rate, which is considered to be much closer to a desired result. It is necessary to make an effort to uncover knowledge and awareness gaps in students, particularly those from healthcare institutes, and to shift education from a syllabus-oriented model to a wholistic intellectual approach.

When asked about the sources of their awareness regarding eye donation, majority of the participants (46 percent) stated that the media is their primary source of information. The accelerated advancements in technology and increased access to the Internet have made it possible for the younger generation to easily gather knowledge. This demonstrates the significant impact that media has on the youth. Similarly, a study carried out by Nekar et al. [ 7 ] among dental students of KIST Medical College, Nepal revealed that 69.1 percent of the participants identified media to be their primary source of information (44.8% from television and 24.3% from newspapers). [ 7 ] Access to information is no longer an issue, but ensuring that the proper information reaches the intended audience has become a major hurdle due to the introduction of a plethora of disruptions. The intended message is lost either in translation or in the sheer vastness or amount of material disseminated. These aspects should be kept in mind, particularly while developing educational resources.

A study conducted by Williams and Muir [ 8 ] to assess the awareness and perception of eye donation among medical staff brought to light that only 0.5% of study participants knew of a person who had donated their eyes. The data from this study showed a slight improvement in numbers, with 18% (27) of the students having first-hand knowledge of someone who had donated their eye. Personal experiences create personal beliefs, and public opinion cannot be impacted for the better until we emphasise on known examples in our communities. Examples of prominent members of society who have pledged or donated their eyes can be used to inspire others to do the same.

56% (85) of the participants knew that the cornea is transplanted during the donation of eyes, which seems to be a slight improvement when compared to a study carried out by Lal et al. [ 9 ] on “Awareness of eye donation among college students of Hubli city” in which only 33% of the participants were aware that the cornea is harvested during eye donation. 44% (66) of the participants were aware that eye donation is not the cure for all types of blindness, and 52% (79) of the students knew that the scope of benefits from one donation can extend to two unsighted persons. Understanding the full extent of benefits is critical since it will serve as a powerful drive for donations. Well over 50% of the families of the deceased can be motivated to donate their eyes by a well-trained eye donation counsellor [ 10 ], and thus, it is critical that due diligence be given to the development of such skilled personnel.

53 percent (80) of the students were aware that eyes can be donated only after death, and it is much higher when compared to a study assessing awareness and willingness of eye donation among paramedical workers carried out by Rangu et al. [ 11 ], which revealed that only 38% were aware of the procedure being undertaken after death. 54% (81) of the students were aware of the optimal time within which the donor eye will have to be retrieved; that is, 6 hrs and 67% (100) of students were aware that age limit was not a restriction for eye donation. It was also observed that only 63% of students were aware that their hospital has an eye bank and 54% (81) of the participants knew that the identity of the donor and recipient would be kept confidential. Similarly, in the study conducted by Rangu et al. [ 11 ], only 40% participants knew that the donor and recipient names would remain confidential. These figures indicate that we are barely halfway of the optimal goal of achieving 100% awareness among the sampled healthcare professionals. This can be accomplished by re-emphasising the importance of interdepartmental communication and inclusion, which is critical in a diverse healthcare environment that has developed departmental silos over time.

A higher percentage of students (81%) were aware that prior consent was required and that the family would not be charged for the donation (71%). These seemingly higher awareness rates could be attributed to the fact that the participants belonged to the medical field and were routinely involved in obtaining consent prior to any procedures.

In this study, the most common reason for not pledging eyes was objection from family, which accounted for 63 percent of the respondents. This differs from similar studies carried out by Basnet et al. [ 12 ] & Williams and Muir [ 8 ] in which students attributed their refusal majorly to the lack of information and awareness, respectively. Although 49% of the respondents responded that they would be willing to pledge themselves as an eye donor, the question still remains as to how many donations would follow when the time came, given the societal and familial norms that act as barriers. India, an inherently traditional society, deems the familial unit to be a sacred institution. Many pledges may not be translated into transplants if they are left to the discretion of relatives. Fundamental religious beliefs of reincarnation dominate the majority. This reinforces the belief system in individuals who conform to the collectivism found in eastern societies, which social scientists describe as influencing decisions affecting most aspects of life. [ 13 ].

5. Conclusion

Allied health science and paramedical students are the future of our healthcare system, since they will be the pillars that sustain it, and their degree of knowledge and awareness is crucial in promoting eye donation. When these healthcare professionals are well informed about the implications and benefits of encouraging eye donations, they will in turn counsel family members to donate their eyes. Educated families will then transfer this responsibility by shaping public views, thereby building a supportive community. However, failure to transfer such knowledge can have disastrous consequences, as many potential donors may be lost. Current corneal donation rates are insufficient to meet India's transfer needs, and each missed opportunity adds to this growing quandary.

This study is extremely important as it illustrates the lack of awareness among our young healthcare professionals. Much effort is required in imparting knowledge to bring about effective change. Media is indeed a powerful tool in ensuring that knowledge is communicated in a way that has a lasting impact on the recipients and should be used in raising awareness. Similar studies are warranted to analyse the widespread lack of awareness so that it can be effectively addressed.

We take pride in family ties and social norms instilled in us by our cultural heritage, but they are inevitably a major impediment to an effective increase in donation rates. The perception of one's experiences shapes a person's belief system, and within a community, similar shared experiences tend to establish a shared belief or value system. We must endeavor to not only break stigmas but create values that will inspire benevolence and humanitarianism. Positive reinforcement such as government or private initiatives will drive behaviors that will help to foster an organ donation culture. Policies mandating a structured dual counselling process, which would include an initial request made by the attending medical personnel, followed by a referral provided by an eye bank personnel at the sources for eye donation, would be extremely beneficial in converting pledges to actual donations, as it would ensure all healthcare facilities, emergency departments, morgues, and funeral homes to actively engage in the donation [ 10 ].

Data Availability

Conflicts of interest.

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Donating Your Eyes for the Gift of Sight

What Parts of the Eye Can Be Transplanted?

Did you know that your eyes could help bring sight to someone after you die?

You can choose to donate your eyes to science and medicine. That donation may provide the gift of sight to someone who needs new corneas . Or you may help millions of people who benefit from research on other parts of the eye.

The cornea is the most commonly used donated eye tissue. Cornea transplants are performed to give vision back to people with corneal injuries or keratoconus .

The rest of the eye is just as important as the cornea in saving sight. Scientists working to find treatments and cures for eye disorders and diseases rely on donated tissue from the retina , lens and other parts of the eye. Researchers need donated eye tissue to help them develop new treatments and cures for cataracts , diabetic eye disease , glaucoma , macular degeneration and many other conditions.

Anyone Can Choose to Be an Eye Donor

Anyone can decide they want to donate their eyes for science and medicine. At the time of death, medical professionals will determine if your eye tissue can be used for transplants or research.

Some people wonder if their religion allows organ, eye and tissue donation. Rest assured that most faiths see it as a gift of charity. Check with your minister, pastor, rabbi, imam or other religious leader if you have questions.

It’s Easy to Become an Eye Donor

Tell your family you want to be an eye donor. Eye banks—the agencies that help get eye donations to medical and research institutions—will always ask your family if you told them you wanted to donate your organs.

In many states, you can sign a card at the driver's license bureau stating that you want to be an organ donor. You may say whether you wish to donate your eyes, organs or other tissues.

Choosing to be an eye donor is a special gift. You can be proud to know that you will help improve the quality of life for someone with little to no sight.

Here are links to websites where you can learn more about eye and tissue donation and find help in your area:

• United States Health Resources and Services Administration (USHRSA): organ donation and transplant information
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: OrganDonor.gov
• Donate Life America: DonateLife.net

• Find an Ophthalmologist Search Advanced Search

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Your Questions About Donation Eye Answered

• December 8, 2023

Are you in the dark about eye donation? Wondering who can donate their eyes, why it’s important, or how to become a donor? Look no further! In this article, we’ve got all the answers to your burning questions about eye donation. It’s a selfless act that can bring light to someone’s world and cure corneal blindness. Anyone, regardless of age, can be an eye donor as long as they pledge and register at an eye bank. But there are some conditions that might prevent donation, like tetanus or blood borne infections. We’ll cover the entire process, from tissue removal to donor confidentiality. So let’s dive in and shed some light on your inquiries about eye donation.

Who Can Donate Their Eyes

Anyone can become an eye donor at any age, as long as they pledge for eye donation and register at an eye bank. Exploring eligibility is important to understand who can donate their eyes. There is no age limit for eye donation, so people of all ages can make a valuable contribution. Increasing awareness about eye donation is crucial to overcome misconceptions and encourage more individuals to pledge. By donating their eyes, individuals can have a direct impact on recipients who may regain their vision and improve their quality of life. Promoting community involvement is essential to create a culture of eye donation where more people are willing to participate. By spreading the word and educating others, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need. Remember, anyone can donate their eyes and make a meaningful impact on someone’s life. Take the first step by pledging for eye donation and registering at an eye bank today.

Who Cannot Donate Their Eyes

Some individuals are ineligible to donate their eyes due to certain medical conditions or causes of death. Eye donation is not recommended for people with tetanus, AIDS, syphilis, or blood borne infections. It is also ruled out if a person died due to rabies or infectious diseases. These medical conditions and causes of death pose a risk of transmitting the infection or disease to the recipient of the donated eyes. Additionally, there may be legal restrictions that prevent certain individuals from donating their eyes. However, it is important to note that misconceptions about eligibility for eye donation exist. People with diabetes, cancer, glasses, and hypertension can still donate their eyes. As long as the cornea is not damaged and there are no long-term retinal or optic nerve diseases, a person with these conditions can potentially be eligible for eye donation. It is crucial to consult with an eye bank or organization to understand the specific eligibility criteria and legal requirements for eye donation. By ensuring that only suitable eyes are donated, the impact on recipients can be maximized, providing them with the gift of sight and improving their quality of life.

Importance of Eye Donation

If you are considering eye donation, it’s important to understand the significance and impact of this selfless act. By donating your eyes, you can bring the gift of vision to a blind person and help cure corneal blindness. To further emphasize the importance of eye donation, consider the following:

• Benefits of Eye Donation: Eye donation can restore sight and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from corneal blindness. It provides hope and a new lease on life for those who have lost their vision.
• Impact of Eye Donation: By donating your eyes, you have the power to transform someone’s life. Your selfless act can bring joy, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose to someone in need.
• Raising Awareness about Eye Donation: It is crucial to raise awareness about eye donation to overcome misconceptions and encourage more people to pledge their eyes. By promoting eye donation campaigns and sharing information about the process, we can inspire others to make a difference.

How to Become a Donor

To become a donor and make a difference in someone’s life, all you need to do is register online or contact an eye bank. By registering as an eye donor, you can contribute to the global effort of providing vision to those in need. Many misconceptions and myths surround eye donation, but it is important to understand the risks and benefits. Eye donation can have a profound impact on recipients, as it can restore their vision and improve their quality of life. According to global eye donation statistics, there is a significant demand for corneal transplants, with millions of people suffering from corneal blindness worldwide. To raise awareness and encourage more people to become donors, various eye donation campaigns are conducted. By participating in these campaigns and spreading the word, you can help increase the number of donors and save more lives through eye donation. So, take the first step today and register as an eye donor to make a meaningful impact on someone’s life.

Can Diabetic or Cancer Patients Donate

Diabetic or cancer patients can still donate their eyes, regardless of their medical conditions. Eye donation is not limited to individuals without these conditions. Here are some important points to consider:

• Can diabetic patients donate?
• Yes, diabetic patients can donate their eyes. Diabetes does not disqualify someone from being an eye donor. Even if a person has diabetes, their corneas can still be used for transplantation.
• Can cancer patients donate?
• Yes, cancer patients can also donate their eyes. Having cancer does not automatically exclude someone from being an eye donor. It depends on the type and stage of cancer. In some cases, the corneas can still be used for transplantation.
• Benefits of eye donation:
• Eye donation can provide vision to a blind person and help cure corneal blindness. It allows the eyes to live on and give life to someone even after death. By donating their eyes, individuals can make a significant impact on someone else’s life.

The eye donation procedure involves the removal of eye tissue within a few hours of death. Trained professionals perform the surgery under sterile conditions. The donated eyes are examined for defects and signs of disease before being offered to corneal surgeons. It is important to understand that being a diabetic or cancer patient does not prevent someone from becoming an eye donor and making a difference in someone’s life.

Can People Blind Due to Retinal or Optic Nerve Disease Donate

People with retinal or optic nerve disease can donate their eyes as long as the cornea is not damaged. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye that is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. Retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, affect the retina, while optic nerve diseases, like glaucoma and optic neuritis, affect the optic nerve. Although these conditions can cause vision loss, they do not necessarily affect the cornea. Therefore, individuals with retinal or optic nerve disease can still contribute to eye donation and potentially help someone regain their sight through a corneal transplant .

To provide a clearer understanding, here is a table summarizing the eligibility criteria for eye donation:

Can Living People Donate Their Eyes

Living individuals cannot donate their eyes as it is against the rules and regulations. Eye donation is only possible after death. Here are some key points to consider regarding eye donation:

• Can underage individuals donate: In many countries, individuals must be at least 18 years old to legally consent to eye donation. However, some countries may have different age requirements, so it is important to check the specific regulations in your country.
• Myths about eye donation: There are several myths surrounding eye donation, such as the belief that it can affect the appearance of the donor or delay funeral arrangements. However, these are not true. Eye donation does not alter the donor’s appearance, and it does not cause any delays in funeral arrangements.
• Benefits of eye donation: Eye donation can provide the gift of sight to someone who is visually impaired. It can significantly improve their quality of life and allow them to engage in daily activities independently.
• Eye donation in different countries: Eye donation programs vary from country to country, but the goal is the same – to increase the availability of corneas for transplantation and help those in need of vision restoration.
• Impact of eye donation on society: Eye donation has a profound impact on society by reducing the burden of visual impairment and blindness. It not only improves the lives of individual recipients but also contributes to the overall well-being and productivity of communities.

Eye Donation Process and Assessment

The process of eye donation involves the removal and assessment of eye tissue after death. Eye tissue removal is typically performed within a few hours of death by a trained professional in a surgical procedure under sterile conditions. The procedure usually takes an hour or less and can take place at a hospital, morgue, or funeral home. After the removal, the eye tissue is examined for defects and signs of disease. Lab tests are conducted to check for infectious diseases in the donor’s blood. New advancements in corneal transplantation have made it possible to restore vision in individuals with corneal blindness through eye donation. The impact of eye donation on the recipient’s life can be life-changing, as it provides them with the gift of sight. It is important to address myths and misconceptions about eye donation to encourage more people to consider becoming eye donors. By understanding the process and assessment involved in eye donation, individuals can make informed decisions and potentially help restore vision to those in need.

Appearance and Confidentiality After Donation

After the eye tissue removal process and assessment, the appearance of the donor remains unchanged, ensuring that open casket viewings can occur without any concern. This allows the donor’s loved ones to say their final goodbyes in a meaningful way. The donation process respects the donor’s appearance and preserves their facial features, as no skin incisions are involved.

Here are some key points regarding appearance and confidentiality after donation:

• Communication with family: The donor’s family is not informed of the recipient’s identity, ensuring confidentiality. However, the family does receive a letter acknowledging the donation, which can provide them with some comfort and closure.
• Donation process: The surgical procedure for eye tissue removal is performed under sterile conditions and typically takes an hour or less. It does not delay funeral arrangements, allowing the family to proceed with their plans.
• Donor confidentiality: By law, the identity of recipients and the donor’s family must remain confidential. Anonymous correspondence between the recipient and donor family can be facilitated if desired. The Lions Eye Donation Service covers the costs associated with eye donation, ensuring there is no financial burden on the donor or their family.

Registering as an eye donor is a simple process that can be done online with the Australian Organ Donor Registry or by contacting the Lions Eye Donation Service. By registering, you can make a significant impact and potentially give the gift of sight to someone in need.

Registering as an Eye Donor

To become an eye donor, you can easily register online or reach out to an eye bank for assistance with the necessary formalities. Eye donation is a noble act that can bring vision to a blind person and help cure corneal blindness. Registering as an eye donor allows you to express your intention to donate your eyes after death and contribute to this life-changing cause. By registering, you ensure that your wishes are known and can make a difference in someone’s life.

Here is a table summarizing key points related to registering as an eye donor:

Registering as an eye donor is a simple process that can be done online through the Australian Organ Donor Registry. You can also reach out to the Lions Eye Donation Service, one of Australia’s largest providers of donated eye tissue, for assistance. By registering, you contribute to the pool of potential eye donors and increase the chances of restoring sight to those in need.

It is important to debunk myths about eye donation and raise community awareness through programs and initiatives. Creating awareness about the benefits of eye donation and educating the public about the importance of organ donation laws can help dispel misconceptions and encourage more people to register as eye donors.

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Eye donation: Important things you must keep in mind

"during the time of the donation, next of kin’s consent is required in the presence of two witnesses to allow the donation to take place," said nikkhil k masurkar.

In India, nearly 40 million people are blind or visually impaired , which also includes 1.6 million children according to the World Health Organisation. “It is also estimated that there are 8.4 million people in the country who have corneal blindness with vision less than 6/60 in at least one eye. While blindness continues to be a major health concern in India, many people are unaware of the fact that corneal blindness can be cured through corneal transplantation that replaces the diseased or damaged corneal tissue with corneal tissue from a donor. Though, the infrastructure and skills required for corneal transplantation are easily available in India, fear and lack of awareness act as critical barriers to eye donation,” said Nikkhil K Masurkar, executive director, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.

What is corneal blindness and its treatment?

Corneal blindness is a term used to describe any visual impairment that results from the cornea getting scarred or clouded due to injuries or other infections. “It includes a range of eye diseases, infections or injuries that damages the corneal tissues leading to permanent blindness,” he added.

The common causes of corneal blindness include:

*Congenital disease. *Deficiency of vitamin A. *Eye trauma. *After-effects of fungal, viral or bacterial infections. *Traditional medicines or home remedies often damages eyes instead of improving the condition.

“A corneal transplant is primarily used to treat corneal blindness. It is a surgical procedure where the diseased or opaque cornea is replaced with a clear cornea obtained from a human donor,” he explained.

How to become an eye donor

Since eye donation only occurs after death, it is important to sign a pledge to donate the eyes to a registered eye bank. Masurkar elaborated that after going through the details and submitting the form, the next step is to inform family/friends about the decision. “During the time of the donation, next of kin’s consent is required in the presence of two witnesses to allow the donation to take place,” he added.

How soon do the corneas need to be harvested

It is always recommended to harvest the corneas six hours after the donor’s death, he suggested. To maintain the viability of the corneas after death, it is important to keep the eyes of the deceased closed and covered with cotton or a wet cloth. A short procedure of 15-20 minutes is usually required to harvest the corneas.

Who can donate?

People of all sexes and ages can pledge to donate their eyes. People with refractive errors such as hyperopia and myopia and those with problems like high blood pressure can also donate their eyes. However, certain conditions doesn’t make people ineligible to donate their eyes which includes: Hepatitis B and C, AIDS, rabies, septicaemia, tetanus, cholera, acute leukaemia (blood cancer ) and infectious diseases like encephalitis and meningitis.

Some other points to keep in mind while donating eyes

*Eyes can be donated even if the deceased person had not formally pledged to donate the eyes. *The decision eyes can also be taken by the deceased’s relatives. *A person with a cataract or spectacles can also donate eyes. *One cornea is grafted to one person. *Eye donation leaves no disfigurement that interferes with common funeral practices. *It’s important to keep the head of the deceased person raised by at least six inches before the eye donation.

“Every eye donation can gift vision to two people and can decrease the shortage of eye donors in India. It also contributes to improving the nation’s overall health. It is a noble cause, and people shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to restore vision in those who need it the most,” he said.

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Speech regarding eye donation.

EYE DONATION

Dear Friends, 

Today, I would like to talk to you about the importance of eye donation. Imagine a world where everyone has the gift of sight, where blindness can be prevented or cured. By donating our eyes after we pass away, we can make this dream a reality. 

Eye donation can give someone a new chance at life, allowing them to see the beauty of the world. It is a selfless act that can bring light into someone's darkness. Let us all consider becoming eye donors and give the precious gift of vision to those in need. Thank you.

Speech Writing. 

Dear Friends, we have one life. Let us make our one life more meaningful by donating eyes. Eye donation is the mother of all donations. Eye donation directly gives vision to another human being. It not only gives vision to one individual but also to the entire family of that individual. A person who wishes to donate his eyes after his death has to go to an eye hospital and need to register his name with the hospital.

The information about the person who agreed to donate eyes and died is to be given to the respective hospital as early as possible. So, his eyes can be removed and saved within six hours. We can see the world even after the death of ourselves by the way of donating eyes.

So, friends let us put our hands together and make a promise to donate eyes after our death. 

Speech regarding Eye Donation Speech Writing Dear Friends, Today I am going to deliver a speech regarding eye donation. Eye donation means donating the eye of a person after death for transplantation with the family consent. Anyone can be a donor, irrespective of age, sex, blood group, religion Anyone with cataract or spectacles can donate eyes. Persons suffering from hypertension, diabetes can also donate eyes. One can donate the Eyes of the departed relatives though they have never registered as Eye donors. To donate the eyes of the departed, contact the nearest Eye Bank at any time of the day or night. Eyes have to be removed within 6 – 8 hours after death.  Removal of Eyes will take only 15 to 20 minutes. It will be done right at the place where the body is, at any time of day or night, without disfiguring the face and without any expense to the donor family.  However, 10ml of the deceased’s blood will be collected for the required tests. In Spite of enrollment in any Eye Bank, Eyes can be offered to the nearest Eye Bank as place of death cannot be predicted.  Donated Eyes will be collected only after death and a living person's eyes cannot be taken out for grafting purposes.  Neither any synthetic material nor animal eye is a substitute for human eyes  The information about the Donor and the Recipient is not disclosed to each other as this is maintained confidential by the Eye Bank.  When registering yourself as an Eye Donor it is advisable to discuss the matter with your family, friends, lawyer, Personal physician etc, because your noble offer may not be fulfilled when the family is ignorant of or forgets this matter Please motivate your friends and relatives to enroll as Eye donors. In the event of anyone's death please find out the possibility of Eye donation and contact the Eye Bank if consent is obtained. Only those of legal age (+18 yrs) can enroll as Eye Donors by submitting one completed Pledge form, although age is no bar to donate the eyes of the departed, Please intimate change of address if any to the Eye Bank.  Eye  banks  come  under Human  Organ  Transplantation  Act  (1994),  and  are  given registration after inspection by competent authorities.  Donated eyes cannot be bought or sold as it is a crime under the above mentioned Act.

Eye donation slogans.

Eye Never Die, Donate Eye

Let Eye Donation be your family tradition. 

Give an eye! don’t be shy!

Eye Donation - a gift of beauty, a return for Eternity. 

Seeing is believing, please donate!

So they can see the light, donate your sight

After you die, donate your eye

One Eye Donation can make two blind people see. Let’s make Eye Donation a family tradition.

Don’t just leave a will, leave a vision.

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Be a part of the breakthrough and make someone’s dream come true.

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DUMP YOUR " I "  BUT DON'T DUMP YOUR "EYE"  DONATE IT.

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Importance of Eye Donation Reading Time : 7 minutes -->

• Assam MyGov

Though all organs of the body are equally significant, eyes can somehow be considered a little more special. It renders us vision and lets us enjoy the aesthetics that the world has to offer. However, due to several kinds of visual impairments, many people lose their vision and the world turns dark to them. We can give them the gift of light by a simple step of eye donation.

Blindness is a major cause of concern around the world today. According to WHO, after cataract and glaucoma, blindness is mostly caused by corneal impairments. Most of these impairments are curable, specially through eye donation, which refers to donating one’s eyes after death. Just like any other body organ, the cornea of the eye can also be donated after death which will render vision to the blind.

However, due to lack of awareness, social or religious reserves, etc., eye donation is yet get it’s due importance in our country. Thus, to raise awareness among the masses on eye donation, the National Eye Donation Fortnight is observed from August 25 to September 8 every year.

Donated eyes are used to restore vision in people suffering from corneal blindness. Cornea is the clear tissue covering the front of the eye. If it is impaired, vision is reduced or lost. In such cases, vision can be restored by a simple surgery called keratoplasty wherein the cornea is replaced. As of today, there is no other solution for corneal blindness than the replacement of cornea.

• Anyone can be a donor irrespective of age, sex, blood group or religion
• Anyone with cataract, long/short sightedness, operated eyes or common illnesses can donate eyes.
• Corneal blindness can be treated by replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy donated human cornea.
• It is essential to remove cornea from the body within six hours of the person’s death
• Donation of eyes by one person can give vision to two corneal blind persons
• Total procedures take 15-20 minutes. No scar or disfigurement is left in the face of the donor
• Eyes cannot be traded in any way. It is a punishable offence.
• Identity of both donor and receiver is kept anonymous
• All facilities for eye donation are provided free of cost at govt institutes and NGOs
• Willing persons may get themselves registered at an eye bank. After their death the eye bank must be informed and their team will come over to extract the cornea

• Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), GMCH (Ph no: 9678002222)
• Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar (smcassam.gov.in)
• Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh

Needless to say, eye donation is truly a divine deed. What can be more noble than giving someone the gift of light and let them see the world in colours? However, many misunderstandings Android misbeliefs come in the way of this noble deed. Let us all pledge to eliminate the misbeliefs surrounding eye donation and raise awareness on the issue.

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• Eye Donation

Why should we donate eyes?

"The eye is the window to the world, at the same time, it is the window of the soul." - Shakespeare. 35 million people are BLIND or going blind in the developing world and most of them can be cured. Out of 3 million corneally blind people 60% are children below the age of 12. Target retrieval of corneas by Eye bank of India is 150,000 corneas per year. So, if we have got God's gift of Vision, why not try to pass it on to somebody who doesn't have it? The number of people awaiting corneal transplant is out numbering the available donor tissues. Corneal Transplantation is the only effective restoration for the replacement of human tissues in the eye. This is considered as a precious and possessed gift of sight for millions of people all over the world.

Facts on Eye Donation

Eyes may be donated only after death

1. Eyes must be removed within 4-6 hours after death, and the nearest eye bank should be informed immediately. 2. Eyes may be removed only by a trained doctor. 3. The eye bank team will remove the eyes at the home of the deceased or at a hospital. 4. Eye removal takes only 10 to 15 minutes, is simple and does not lead to any disfigurement. 5. Please remember that only the transparent section of the eyes called cornea is taken out and not the full eye ball. 6. A small quantity of blood will be drawn to rule out communicable diseases. 7. The eyes can be pledged to any eye bank preferably the nearest one. 8. The identities of both the donor and the recipient remain confidential. 9. One pair of eyes gives vision to TWO corneal blind people.

Who can donate eyes?

� Eye donors can belong to any age group or sex. � People who use spectacles, short sightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism or even those operated for cataract can still donate, as these conditions may not affect the cornea. � Patients who are diabetics, those suffering from hypertension, asthma patients and those without communicable diseases can also donate eyes. � Persons who were infected with or died from AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, rabies, septicemia, acute leukemia, tetanus, cholera, meningitis or encephalitis cannot donate eyes. � Eyes donated to The Eye-Bank that are not medically suitable for transplant may be used for medical research and education.

When you come across death..

Please take the following precautions to preserve the eyes      (Tips for safe retrieval)

� Close the eyes of the deceased and place moist cotton over them. � Raise the head about six inches with a pillow, to lessen incidence of bleeding during removal of the eyes. � Fans should be switched off. � Put a polythene cover with few ice cubes on forehead. � If possible instill antibiotic eye drops periodically to prevent infection. � Inform eye bank immediately.

What is an eye bank?

An eye bank is a non-profit community organization managed by a medical director, eye bank manager and eye bank technicians. It collects, evaluates and distributes the eyes donated by the loved ones. All eyes donated are evaluated using strict medical standards. Those donated eyes found unsuitable for transplantation are used for valuable research and medical education.

Functions of the eye bank

1. Availability of trained staff round the clock to attend the calls. 2. Evaluate and provide quality corneas to corneal surgeons 3. Enable corneal research using eyes unsuitable for grafts to find newer techniques, improve preservation methods and train corneal surgeons. 4. Increase public awareness about eye donation and eye banking.

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Cornea Donation

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An estimated 12 million people around the world suffer from corneal blindness that could be restored with a cornea transplant.

A cornea transplant is a procedure involving the replacement of a diseased or scarred cornea with a cornea recovered from a person who has passed away. Right now, there is no artificial cornea – only tissue from a deceased human donor can be used for transplantation.

The process of cornea donation starts with an individual’s generous decision to be an eye, organ, and tissue donor, or a family’s consent to give the gift of sight. EBAA eye banks facilitate the life-transforming process of cornea transplantation.

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Over 2 million corneal transplants have been performed by EBAA member eye banks.

Recipients range from newborns to senior citizens and come from all walks of life. You can transform the life of someone suffering from corneal blindness; register as an eye, organ and tissue donor, and let someone see life through your eyes.

Giving another human being the opportunity to see the wonders of the world was something Tefa would have done without hesitation. Her happiness, peace, and serenity demonstrated that she appreciated every aspect, moment, person, and visual in her life.

My family was not aware that he had registered to become a donor. It wasn’t a great surprise though because that’s the kind of person he was: loving, caring, respectful, gracious and giving.

Dr. Maisha Gray Diggs suffered from a progressive eye disease that caused her vision to be blurry and distorted, making daily tasks very difficult. She became legally blind at the age of 26, but her vision was restored thanks to a double-corneal transplant.

“Vision was a gift from two people, and I needed to do something with it,” he said, explaining that the two organ donors who provided his corneas inspired him to start reclaiming his former active lifestyle.

Thanks to a generous donor, Colton received a sight-restoring cornea transplant. Today, he isn’t scared to do any of the things he loves, like swimming and riding four-wheelers with his cousins or playing quarterback with his brothers during football.

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Write Your Donor Family.

Receiving the gift of sight is a very special gift, one that certainly deserves a thank you. We encourage cornea transplant patients to send a thank-you letter to their donor families. This may be done anonymously through The Eye-Bank.

Many donor families find great comfort in knowing that their donation has improved the lives of others. Finding the words to express a thank you to the donor family can be challenging.

Here are some suggestions for sharing your transplant experience and your gratitude with your donor family.

How to Begin

You may want to send a greeting card or a letter telling them about yourself. Here are some suggestions for writing to your donor family:

• Begin with, “Dear Donor Family”.
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• Do not include names.
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• Use simple language.

Share your experience

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On a separate piece of paper write your name and date of surgery so The-Eye Bank can identify your donor family.

• Place your card or letter in an unsealed envelope.
• Place both these items in another envelope and mail to:

The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration 120 Wall Street 3rd Floor New York, NY 10005

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To ensure recipient and donor confidentiality, it is our policy that any correspondence between donor families and recipients be made through The Eye-Bank without disclosing the identity of either the donor or recipient. Once your card or letter is received, it will be forwarded to the appropriate donor family.

When will I hear from the donor family?

Any reply from the donor family will be promptly forwarded to you. Not all donor families are prepared to respond right away, if at all, so please be patient and understanding.

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How to Write a Speech for a Nonprofit Fundraiser: Tips & Examples

• February 2, 2024
• 10 Comments

These tips for writing fundraising speeches include a real example of a successful inspirational speech for a charity. I share the actual talk my Little Sister and I gave at a Big Sisters Fundraising Gala in Vancouver, BC, Canada. We received a standing ovation and raised more money for our charity than the planning committee hoped for!

Writing a strong, meaningful speech for an inspirational charity or nonprofit organization requires heartfelt emotion and true stories of healing, support, and love. There is a great deal of competition for people’s time, energy and money. Hundreds of excellent, helpful, service-oriented nonprofit charities are trying to raise finances and other forms of support.

I’m a volunteer Big Sister with the nonprofit organization Big Sisters/Big Brothers (which is almost worldwide). My “Little Sister” is now 22 years old. We were officially matched when she was 11. The Big Sisters organization asked us to give an inspirational speech at their annual fundraising gala with Big Sisters at a posh hotel function in Vancouver.

The following three tips will help you learn how to write persuasive stories, write an inspirational speech for your organization, and feel confident that you’re doing the best you can to raise funds and support the people who benefit from your nonprofit. nonprofit organizations.

After these three tips, my true story and example of an inspirational speech will further explain and describe how to write a fundraising speech for a charity event.

3 Tips for Writing Inspirational Speeches

Remember to infuse your speech with passion and optimism. Appeal to the values and aspirations of your audience, and don’t forget to express gratitude for their potential support.

1. Ask one of your nonprofit’s recipients to tell a compelling story

Share a story that connects emotionally with your audience. Share a real-life example or personal experience (such as my story in the sample speech below) that highlights the impact of your organization’s effect on people.

Most importantly, ask someone who has actually been helped by your organization to share their story. First-hand narratives are more interesting and relatable. They are irrefutable proof that your nonprofit’s contributions make a tangible difference in someone’s life. This personal touch creates a stronger emotional connection, encouraging people to get involved, donate money, and support your organization.

2. Hi ghlight your organization’s achievements and goals

Outline your nonprofit’s achievements. Be passionate and excited at how far you’ve come! This won’t be superficial or fake passion if you ask someone who is truly grateful for your nonprofit organization and will share their story during your fundraising speech.

Also, make sure you are emphasizing the positive impact your nonprofit has had on individuals or communities. Paint a vivid picture of what your organization has accomplished and the positive change you aspire to bring going forward. This helps instill confidence in potential donors, showing them that their support will contribute to your nonprofit and the people’s ongoing success and growth.

3. Clearly articulate your nonprofit’s need

Finally clearly communicate why your organization nonprofit needs financial support. What will you do with the money or other resources?

Break down the specific areas where funds are required and explain how these resources will be allocated. Are you hoping to fund a specific project, expand outreach efforts or support ongoing operations that are working? Be transparent. This helps donors understand the concrete impact their contributions will have. Your honesty fosters trust and commitment.

Below is the inspirational speech my Little Sister and I gave at a fundraising gala dinner (not quite a “charity ball”, but close). In the speech I shared what it’s like being a Big Sister. Below, I break the speech down into specific parts so you can use the format as a sample inspirational speech for your own charity event.

If your nonprofit doesn’t blog, read How to Start an Inspirational Self-Help Blog to Inspire and Encourage Others .

Example of a Fundraising Speech for a Nonprofit Organization

Speaking at this charity event taught me that the most inspirational speeches and best fundraising ideas have to involve sharing how your charity or nonprofit organization actually affects people’s lives. Weave true, heartfelt stories, emotions, and touching experiences into your inspirational speech. Include real people who have benefitted from your nonprofit organization or charity – people who are sincerely grateful for your work.

Use the details I highlighted in bold as hints that will make your own inspirational speech and charity event excellent.

We got a standing ovation after we spoke at this fundraising gala dinner, by the way! It was AWESOME. At the end of my inspirational speech, I share a link to an article about public speaking tips. Also, Big Sisters’ goal was to raise $210,000 for the charity, and they succeeded. 🙂

And that’s your first tip for raising funds for a charity:  Know how much money you want to raise. Be bold, and don’t be shy about asking for money for your nonprofit organization.

Speaking at a Big Sister’s Fundraising Dinner for Charity

Word for word, this is the inspirational speech I gave at the Big Sisters Fundraising Gala.

Hi everyone, I’m Laurie, and this is my BIG Little Sister, Sarrah.  (note to reader: this is funny because my Little Sister is physically bigger and taller than I am. Ha ha!).

How this charity changed my life

Without the Big Sisters organization – and all the sponsors, volunteers, staff, and board members – I would never have met my Little Sister Sarrah. And I would’ve missed out on one of the highlights of my whole life: being a Big Sister.

Without Big Sisters, I would have also missed out on being a Little Sister! When I was 11 – about 32 years ago, give or take a few dozen years – I had my own Big Sister. We were matched for about a year, before I moved to a different city. Even though we were only together for a short time, my Big Sister changed my life. I’m not even sure what she did or how she did it. It was just that she made time for me and listened to me.

My Big Sister made me feel good about myself, and I am 100 per cent certain she changed my life in ways I can’t even comprehend. My mom struggles with schizophrenia and I’ve never had a father in my life, and having a Big Sister made me feel happier, more confident, and more loved.

What this inspirational charity does for girls and women

I believe Big Sisters changes girls’ lives by making them feel valuable, special, and unique.

The more confident and loved a girl feels, the more likely she’ll make good decisions that help her succeed. And it’s not just individual and families who benefit from – the whole community is positively affected when girls make smart choices! So, I was wrong when I said I’m not sure how my Big changed my life. It was simply that she changed how I saw myself and how I felt about myself. This in turn changed how I saw and interacted with the world.

The beauty is that a Big Sister doesn’t have to be university educated, or be young, or cool, or trendy, or wealthy – she just has to have an extra couple of hours a week to spend with a girl.

What life would be like without this charity

This is an important part of an inspirational speech at a charity event: what if the organization didn’t exist?) If I didn’t have a Big Sister, I don’t know if I would have become a Big Sister myself. For me, it just seemed like a “no brainer.” But, even though I know firsthand how powerful it is to have a Big Sister, I was a bit worried about committing to a year – or more!- to being a mentor.

Problems or worries faced by the volunteers, charity, or organizers of the fundraiser

My biggest worry was that my Little and I wouldn’t connect. Spending 2 to 4 hours together once a week is a big commitment – what if we didn’t like each other? What if we had nothing in common? I feel so lucky to be paired with Sarrah. Our Big Sisters counselor, Michelle, did a wonderful job matching us.

The first time we ever met was in a park right beside her home. Sarrah’s mom brought homemade cookies and fresh fruit, and I was so touched at her thoughtfulness. I brought my dog Georgie, because I thought she’d help break the ice. I was right; the ice was broken and has stayed broken the whole time!

Successes (every inspirational speech needs hope and joy!)

Sarrah is so smart, curious, interesting, and fun to be with. She’s open to trying anything and everything, and looks on the bright side of everything that happens. She takes after me that way! I’m particularly impressed that Sarrah is so willing to try new things, because she was isolated for the first few years of her life. She didn’t’ go to school until grade two, and now she’s getting A’s in grade seven. I love that she wants to be a doctor or a writer when she grows up – and I’m encouraging her to be both.

Specific examples of how the charity operates

We’ve done lots of fun things together, as you can see from our photos…but my favorite is walking our dogs at Ambleside beach and getting a slurpee. Sarrah’s favourite slurpee flavour is everything all mixed together or when I was growing up it was called“Swamp Water”, and mine is plain old coke and Dr Pepper. So far, slurpee flavours is the only thing we disagree on! We talk a lot, and Sarrah has shared challenges she faces at school with her friends. She’s also talked about the changes she’s experiencing in her life, and I love being a sounding board for her.

One of my best memories is when I gave Sarrah the choice between doing two super fun fantastic activities. She said she didn’t care what we do, she just wants to spend time together. That was one of the most beautiful, kindest things anyone has ever said to me! I feel the same way about her – it really doesn’t matter if we’re walking the dogs, surfing the waves or packing a Christmas Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child . It really is good to just be together.

Why this nonprofit organization is so important

The biggest change I’ve seen in Sarrah is her increased confidence in herself. When we were first matched, our first outing was the Big Sisters picnic in Stanley Park – in the pouring rain! Sarrah was so shy and quiet, and she spoke so softly that people couldn’t hear what she was saying.

Now, I am so proud of how confident she is. When we were at the library last week working on our speeches, she went to the librarian by herself to ask for a guest pass for the computer. Before, she would’ve been too shy to do this alone. She takes the bus by herself now, and even has a job delivering papers. Her first job!

Conclude the inspirational speech with an “ask”

Being a Big Sister is amazing – and I’m so grateful to the Big Sisters organization and all its supporters, volunteers, staff, and sponsors. Because of you all, Sarrah and I have a friendship that neither of us will ever forget. I look forward to many more years walking alongside Sarrah as she enters high school, starts thinking about boys as more than pests (which I hope doesn’t happen for a long long time!), and drives me to the 7-11 for our slurpee breaks.

Thank you! Thank you so much for making such a Big difference in our lives, and for giving me and Sarrah the gift of friendship.

Are you stuck for ideas on how to write a fundraising speech? Read Practical Tips and Writing Inspiration for When You Can’t Write .

Summary of an Inspirational Speech

In your charity fundraising speech, describe:

• How and why your charity is life-changing, both specifically and generally
• The challenges your charity has overcome, or is overcoming
• The successes you’ve faced as a charity or an individual
• End your inspirational speech with an ask for a specific amount of money. Don’t be shy about asking for money – that’s what charity events and fundraising galas are for.

This inspirational speech is from my heart, which is what made it work. If you’re giving a speech at a charity event, write it from the very core of you! The more authentic and sincere you are, the better your fundraising efforts, inspirational speech, and charity event will be.

Why are you searching for charity speeches? Feel free to share your nonprofit organization’s information here — including what you’re raising money for. This is a good and safe place to practice your fundraising efforts 🙂 Feel free to share links to your organization or charity event.

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10 thoughts on “How to Write a Speech for a Nonprofit Fundraiser: Tips & Examples”

Thanks for these tips. I’m trying to convince the manager of our nonprofit to approve a fundraising dinner, but she thinks it’s too expensive. The costs will outweigh the benefits of an organizing a dinner with speeches, she says. I really think we should try it because our charity hasn’t done it before, and I know our clients will be willing to participate. How do I convince my supervisor to approve a fundraiser?

Good question, Jeremy! I understand your manager’s hesitation because sometimes it can look bad for nonprofits to spend alot of money trying to raise funds. It can look like a misuse of the money the organization has, even though it’s money well spent.

Convincing your manager to approve a fundraising dinner requires a strategic approach.

Here are three pieces of advice:

1. Prepare a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis that outlines the potential expenses and the expected returns. Clearly demonstrate how the investment in the fundraising dinner aligns with your nonprofit’s goals and mission. Break down the costs, including venue, catering, and any other expenses, and juxtapose them with the anticipated revenue from the event. Highlight additional benefits beyond financial gains, such as increased community engagement, brand visibility, and the opportunity to connect with potential long-term donors.

2. Be creative! Showcase the uniqueness and innovation behind organizing a fundraising dinner. Since your charity hasn’t done it before, emphasize the novelty and the potential for creating a memorable experience for participants. Highlight how a dinner event can provide a platform for networking, community building, and sharing the organization’s mission in a more personal and interactive way. Emphasize how this approach can set your charity apart from others, attracting attention and support from a broader audience.

3. If you know your clients are willing to participate, use their enthusiasm to your advantage. Collect testimonials or statements from clients expressing their support for the fundraising dinner. These testimonials can serve as powerful evidence of community backing and the potential impact of the event.

Additionally, propose involving clients in the event itself, whether through testimonials, personal stories, or participation in some aspect of the dinner. This not only adds authenticity to the event but also creates a stronger connection between the donors and the cause.

By combining a solid financial argument with a focus on innovation and client engagement, you might be able to convince your manager that a fundraising dinner with an inspirational speech will be profitable for everyone.

Nonprofit Writing – How to Write a Donation Letter to Raise Money

Include a story – tap into the reader’s emotions. The donation letters I’ve written included stories about sick babies, hospitals in need of new medical equipment, and people losing their lives to disease. I interviewed patients, doctors, and nurses, and share their experience from their point of view. Here’s a snippet of a donation letter that asked for money for incubators for the hospital — it’s from a mother’s perspective: “I cried so much that first week. Not only was childbirth stressful, coping with a serious case of jaundice was almost too much! I couldn’t hold my baby unless I was feeding her. I felt scared and helpless.”

Be dramatic, and use powerful “please help us” words. At first, nonprofit writing – especially writing donation letters – may seem false and overly dramatic! But, that’s how nonprofits encourage people to donate. My hospital clients encouraged me to write sentences such as, “Funding for this hospital is literally a matter of ‘life and death’ – and your family could be next,” and “I was one of many new mothers who felt helpless and frustrated. You don’t realize how powerless you are as a parent until your baby has to wait for an incubator.” It felt over the top at first, but I understand the need to impress upon potential donors with strong writing. A weak, timid request doesn’t help nonprofits raise money.

Use italics, bold font, and underlining. Set your most powerful sentences apart by centering them and leaving white space around them. Use italics, bold font, and underlining to specifically ask for money in the donation letter. Here’s a sentence that I bolded, underlined, and set apart: “I ask you to give a gift to this hospital to alleviate the need I saw at the hospital – and keep ensuring the best care is given.”

Tie the donation letter to a holiday or special occasion. The hospital I write for sends their donation letters on Mother’s Day, Christmas, Easter, and hospital anniversaries. It’s more effective to connect your request for money with a heartwarming occasion – especially if a personal story can be naturally woven into the theme of the holiday.

Keep the donation letter short. Two pages should be more than enough to share a story, explain why the nonprofit needs to raise money, and make the request. People don’t have time to read long letters, and they may never get to the end of the letter – where the final appeal for money is made.

Make it easy for readers to donate money. Include a tear-off slip at the end of the donation letter, giving people the option to donate different amounts of money. Include tax credit information, a contact name and number for donors who want more info, and different ways to make a donation.

Great article Laurie! A few other tips for nonprofit fundraising letters and speeches:

– Tie your ‘ask’ to something specific. For example: “Your $35 donation will feed a hungry child for a week.” – Include something in the letter that encourages the reader to respond, even without a gift. For example, several of the hospital clients I write for encourage donors to sign and return a special Holiday Card to display and brighten the hospital for patients at Christmastime. Most people will include a gift with the card, but might not have responded without it. – There is a place for longer letters. As a fundraising account director, I found that longer letters (4 pages) worked well for some clients — usually when prospecting for new donors to their cause. It all depends on the story, the cause and how much information is needed make a compelling case for support.

I’m the founder and CEO of Frankel Foundation For Diabetics, an NGO to serve, support and advocate for children, adolescence and adults living with diabetes and their families in Ghana, West Africa. Its less than a year old. It’s in honor of my mom and my 15 year old son who are both diabetics. And am also diabetic. Ill be launching it in Worcester, Massachusetts and looking for a sample speech for our fundraising event. I love your inspirational speech. Very heart touching.. God bless you.

Hi I have a speech to give tomorrow in a charity dinner in church, we’ve been planing for three months now .We are called Society of St Vincent de Paul at St Denis catholic church Bariga in Lagos . My mission tomorrow is to drive words into their soul and sparkly that nerve of charity i know exists in us all.

Thanks for this write up , though not exactly what i need but it has shown me how i need to work hard to get a convincing speech to touch my audience

How did your speech go, Ifeanyi? Were you nervous giving the speech, or did you find the charity dinner surprising in anyway?

I hope it was great 🙂

Hi. I am glad I found your article because I am just getting into motivational speaking, and I wanted to know how to write my speech. My friend has a nonprofit organization, and she will need me to be her inspirational speaker. Do you have any more tips?

Susan, thanks for your information.

I hadn’t thought about the language and geographic barriers when writing donation letters…this is great to know.

I’ve written email appeals for nonprofits, and with email, it’s even more important to keep things short and have a clear to action (usually a hyperlinked request for donations that takes the reader directly to the donations page). Storytelling is a powerful way to appeal to the reader’s emotions, but unfortunately, some nonprofits have a tough time collecting those stories.

For instance, my main nonprofit client offers programs in developing countries, so there’s a language barrier and also a geographic barrier between the people working in the trenches and the ones in the headquarters writing creative briefs. Sometimes there are confidentiality issues as well. In cases where we can’t get a brand new story, sometimes we’ll use statistics to put things into context and demonstrate the severity of the situation. (For instance, “every XX seconds, a child dies of the preventable, yet deadly disease known as malaria.”)