November is Eye Donation Month, an annual observance established by the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) in 1983 to raise awareness about the importance of eye donation and the benefits of corneal transplantation. Since 1961, EBAA member eye banks have provided tissue for more than 2 million sight-restoring corneal transplants. Altogether, the efforts of eye banks across the country make a significant difference each year, yet there is still a great need for eye donation. In the New York Metro Area, more than 1,000 people need corneal transplants each year, and they rely on the gifts of eye donors to restore their sight.
This year’s special theme for Eye Donation Month is “I Can See Clearly Now,” inspired by the lyrics of the iconic 1972 Johnny Nash song with the same title. The theme underscores the tangible gift of sight: the ability to see, as well as the more symbolic impact: the profound shift in perspective experienced by donor families, recipients, and advocates.
Reflecting this theme, The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration’s 2024 Eye Donation Month campaign highlights just how meaningful sight restoration can be for an entire family. The campaign features one-year-old Greyson and his parents. Greyson was born with a blinding eye disease called Peters anomaly. He needed corneal transplants in both eyes very early in life to ensure that his eyesight could develop. Thanks to the generosity of his eye donors, Greyson received two cornea transplants and is now able to see clearly, recognize his parents, and do one of his favorite things — point out different animals at the zoo.
To support Eye Donation Month, sign up in the New York State Donate Life Registry to be an eye, organ and tissue donor and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Also, be sure to follow us on social media (@eyebankny) and engage with our posts! Together, we can provide New Yorkers in need with a brighter future.