Eye Donation

To make a decision of donating Eyes after death is not an easy one. A lot of support and motivation is required for a person to make up his/her mind to pledge eyes. It is also important that the relatives are informed about the donor's will to pledge and provide consent for the same. Eye donation is considered as one of the noblest of all causes. It is a great feeling when we donate our eyes to a person who has lived in darkness and brighten their lives to see the world. From darkness to light is the most precious and biggest of all gifts a person can get. It is a blessing not just for the patient but for the donor too. So we request you to be a part of this noble cause and lighten people's lives and help them to lead a bright life ahead.

Why Eye Donation?

Eye Donation shows your responsibility to society as a caring, committed citizen.

  1. Your eyes can live even after death.
  2. More importantly, we can light the life of two blind people by donating our eyes after our death.
  3. Not to mention, eye donation is one of the noblest of all causes.

Practically anybody can donate from the age of 1 year. There is no upper age limit. Even if the deceased has medical history of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, tuberculosis etc., even spectacle wearers and people who have undergone cataract operation can 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.

Practically anybody can donate from the age of 1 year. There is no upper age limit. Even if the deceased has medical history of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, tuberculosis etc., even spectacle wearers and people who have undergone cataract operation can 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

A special number 1919 (BSNL) has been allotted for eye banks. Most of the eye banks all over the country have this number, once information for eye donation is given here; the eye bank sends its team to collect the eyes. By calling this number details about eye donation can also be provided.

  • Eye donation is only after death and should be collected within six hours of death.
  • Eyes (corneas) will be collected at the donors place at any time in the day or night.
  • Collection of eyes will take only 10-15 minutes and will not disfigure the face of the donor.
  • A trained physician using sterile procedure removes the eyes.
  • Artificial eyes are fitted in place to ensure no scar or disfigurement of the face.
  • 10 cc of blood sample is also collected from the donor for testing.
  1. Close the eyelids of the deceased.
  2. Place a polythene cover with few ice cubes on forehead.
  3. Wrap some ice cubes in damp cotton, & keep them on the eyes. This prevents the tissue from drying up, & helps keep it fresh.
  4. Switch off the fan.
  5. Raise the head of the deceased slightly by placing a pillow underneath.
  6. If possible apply antibiotic eye drops periodically to prevent infection.
  7. Inform the nearest eye bank, dial immediately 1919 (BSNL).
  8. Give the correct address with specific landmarks and telephone number to enable the eye bank team to locate the place easily.
  9. If the death certificate from the physician is available, keep it ready.
  10. Eye donation can be done only with the written consent of the next of kin in the presence of two witnesses.

The recipients are chosen from the eye bank`s waiting list and called for corneal transplant. The donor family should be happy knowing that the eyes have been used to restore the vision of two blind persons. A Letter of Appreciation along with an Eye Donation Certificate is sent to the Donor's family from the eye bank. Neither the patient knows whose cornea is used for him, nor do the relatives of the donor know who has received the cornea. This information is strictly confidential.