The Donation Process

When consent is given for eye donation, it means that the eyes will be removed within a few hours after death by a trained professional who works with the Lions Corneal Donation Service. Verbal consent from the senior available next-of-kin is sufficient. For patients in a hospital, the doctor will note the details of the consent in the medical record. Occasionally the doctor may ask the next-of-kin to co-sign this entry. Outside hospital a Lions Corneal Donation Service staff member will document verbal consent. Alternatively an individual may complete a consent form shortly before his or her death or the legal next-of-kin may complete the form after death has occurred. However, consent cannot be given by a next-of-kin if it was known during the person's lifetime that the person objected to organ or tissue donation.

In most instances, eyes are recovered at a hospital, but someone who dies at home, in a nursing home, or in other facilities such as Hospice centres may also become a donor. Eye removal is a surgical procedure performed under sterile conditions and typically takes an hour or less to complete. It is not necessary for family members to remain at the hospital while the procedure is being performed. The potential donor's medical notes will be reviewed and the doctors will also be asked questions about the donor's medical history. The next-of-kin may also be asked about the medical history of the donor.

Once eyes are removed, they are brought to the Lions Corneal Donation Service for examination. The eyes are evaluated for corneal transplantation potential and a blood sample-taken at the time of eye recovery-is sent to be tested for certain infectious diseases. Eyes are also examined microscopically for corneal defects, disease processes, and to count the number of cells present in the corneal layer responsible for pumping excess fluid from the cornea. The pumping function is a primary factor in the cornea's ability to produce clear vision.

Based on the results of this thorough evaluation, a determination can be made about whether the corneas can be transplanted. Corneas that have passed the evaluation for transplantation are offered to local corneal surgeons whose patients have been listed with the Lions Corneal Donation Service, or corneas may be distributed for urgent cases or to relieve waiting lists in other Australian states.