There are millions of people who are blind because of
problems affecting the cornea. They can regain good vision by corneal transplantation (so
called eye transplant). But the rate of eye donations is far less than the need.
Therefore, it is an appeal to everyone to pledge to donate your eyes. One of the most noble deeds one can do.
Can a living person donate his eyes?
Eye donations are NOT taken from a living person, but are
removed only from the dead. However, anybody can pledge to donate his eyes and his wish
can be fulfilled by his kin after his demise.
What part of the eye is transplanted?
Although the entire eye is removed from the body but it is only the cornea
that can be transplanted. Usually artificial or plastic eyes are put in the socket of the
dead and eyelids stitched together to restore normal appearance of the face.
How to pledge?
All you have to do is to fill up a eye donation form available from any
eye bank and submit it in the nearest eye bank. For your convenience eye donation form of
the National Eye Bank is given below. You can take a print out of the form and post it to
the address of National Eye Bank given at the bottom.
Any other formality?
In the event of death of the individual the relatives / kin are required
to inform the nearest eye bank or the physician taking care of the individual about his
wish of donating his eyes. They are also required to sign a consent form before the eyes
can be removed.
Will the relatives get to know the recipient of the eyes?
No. The identity of both the recipient and the donor is kept a secret.
Are there any payments involved?
No. There are no payment or money involved for donor or for the
recipient
for the corneal transplantation i.e., there is no payment for the eye or cornea. (However,
the recipient may have to pay for the operation charges).
Author - Dr. Sanjay Dhawan
Last Update -
30 June, 2007
New Delhi, India
(Form for pledging to donate the eyes)
Please print this form and send it at the address given at the bottom
after carefully filling it.
National Eye Bank
(Authority by Donor for removal of eyes)
I, ____________________________________________son/daughter/wife of
_____________________________________________ aged _________ years, residing at
________________________________________________________________________ hereby express my
free and frank consent for the removal of my eyes after my death from my body, by a
registered medical practitioner (Ophthalmic) of a recognized Eye Bank / Hospital for their
use for therapeutic purposes. I have been explained and I understand all the aspect of
such a donation.
| Place _____________________________ |
Signature ___________________________ Date ______________ Time ______
AM/PM |
| 1. Witness (Next of kin) Signature __________________________
Name ____________________________
Relationship _______________________
Address __________________________
Telephone No., if any ________________ |
2. Witness Signature __________________________
Name ____________________________
Address __________________________
Telephone No., if any ________________ |
Name of the nearest hospital
_________________________________________________
Name of the family physician, if any ____________________________________________
| for official use only Donor Card No. _______________________
Dated _______________________________ |
Addressed to:
The National Eye Bank
Dr. Rajinder Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
New Delhi - 110 029 |
(End of form)
The information given here is for public interest. Please do not send us
this form. Also note that it is not essential to pledge to donate the eyes. |
