Be a part of the vision.
Donating Your Eyes.
COLOR MY WORLD
--- Drawn by Aaliya Belvo,
whose daughter Tammy became an eye donor at the age of 14, following a
tragic auto accident
How can I become an eye donor?
In Ohio, an individual can enter his/her name in the Donor Registry at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. To do this electronically, click on the following: https://www.dps.state.oh.us/netsys/netdb/ENGLISH/APPRV.asp
Recent state laws now confirm that registered donors have consented to donation and that no additional consent from the next-of-kin must be documented at the time of the registered donor's death. Completion of the Registry Form creates a legal record of your consent to be a donor of anatomical gifts. You may choose to donate any body parts that could help others, or indicate specific parts (eyes, heart, kidneys, for example) that you will donate upon your death. You may specify whether you want to donate for any purpose authorized by law, for transplantation, research, medical education, and/or therapy. You may even complete this form to indicate that you do not want to be a donor. Whatever you decide, it is important to tell your family. They will be asked to make the decision if you are not in the Ohio Donor Registry.
Who can be an eye donor?
More people are eligible to be eye donors than to donate any other body parts. Eyes can be donated regardless of the donor's age or whether or not he/she wore glasses or contact lenses. This is because donor eyes are needed for eye research and medical education as well as for corneal transplants. When eyes are donated, they must be very carefully evaluated, along with the medical history of the donor, to determine whether the corneas can be transplanted. Even if the corneas can not be transplanted, an eye donor can make an important contribution to the advancement of eye care.
Help us achieve our vision.
The Eye Bank relies on community support to help us fund our vision restoration initiatives. Contact us to learn how you can help give the Gift of Sight today.
