The Gift of Sight:A Lasting Legacy
The Eye-Bank offers our deepest sympathies to you and your family in this time of personal loss. The early stages of grief may be very difficult. We are here to support and guide you through the process of giving the beautiful gift of sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Family Support Coordinator reached out to you because your loved one may be able to give the gift of sight to someone in need through eye donation.
When a person passes away, The Eye-Bank is notified by the hospital through a standard process. You were contacted very quickly because eye donation is time sensitive.
One donor can restore sight in two people.
People with blinding eye diseases rely on the gifts of donors to have their sight restored through cornea transplantation. With a 95% success rate, transplants with donor tissue remain the gold standard for restoring vision.
Eye donations are also needed for medical research into blinding eye diseases. Research donations may help countless people see again in the future.
Our Family Support staff have access to the Donate Life Registry and, upon request, can provide you with a copy of your loved one’s registration form. Donor registration is a legal decision, like the wishes documented in a person’s will.
In New York State, when a person signs up on the Registry, a written description of their decision is sent to them. This description clearly describes what registering to be a donor means. Written notice is also sent to people who make changes to their registration or remove themselves from the Registry.
The Registry is updated regularly, so it always includes the most current registration decision.
Yes. If a family believes their loved one would have wanted to give the gift of sight, the legal next-of-kin can give permission for the donation. This kind of permission is given on a recorded telephone line with a trained and compassionate Family Support Coordinator.
Donating should not delay funeral arrangements or prevent an open-casket viewing.
All donor families receive a letter of thanks from The Eye-Bank about two weeks after the donation takes place. This letter includes the donation outcome.
Have more questions?
If you have questions after the donation, Eye-Bank staff are available to speak with you at any time during business hours.
Do not hesitate to contact us at:
