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 here. 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).