|
Eye Donation > For Potential Donors
About Becoming an Eye Donor
Register
To Register, download the Donor Registration Form below.Sign and obtain the witness signatures.
Mail or fax to the Foundation to the address or fax number provided on the form. Or, if you prefer, contact the Foundation by phone (800-683-5555) and tell the operator you would like an eye donor registration form.
 |
In order to better understand the causes and consequences of retinal degenerative disease, researchers must conduct studies that can only be performed using eyes donated after the death of a person affected with a retinal degeneration.
- For example, using high-powered microscopes, scientists can observe the damaging results of RP, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and other inherited retinal degenerations in donated eye tissue.
- The disease pathology of specific genetic mutations can be observed.
- Chemical markers and probes can be deployed to reveal abnormalities in photoreceptors and other retinal cell types.
These types of studies, which are critical to understanding the disease process, depend on an abundant supply of donated eyes.
Because donated eyes are so valuable to research, The Foundation established the nationwide Retina Donor Program. Under the management of Foundation staff, the Retina Donor Program ensures rapid, standardized preservation of donated eye tissue. To facilitate reliable collection of donated tissue, The Foundation depends on close collaboration with a nationwide network of eye banks that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When notified of a pending donation, the eye donor coordinator contacts the nearest eye bank to ask their assistance in harvesting and preserving the eye tissue.
Once collected, donated tissue is shipped immediately to The Foundation’s Histopathology Center at the Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
- The Histopathology Center prepares detailed medical reports for each donation.
- When available, the most recent medical and ophthalmic records are consulted to confirm the disease diagnosis and extent of vision loss.
- The donated eye tissue is microscopically examined to prepare histopathology reports describing the effects of the disease on the retina.
These reports as well as the donated tissue are then made available to the entire retinal degenerative disease research community for further study.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Retina Donor Program
Q: Who can participate in the Retina Donor Program?
A: Any person, of any age, with any degree of vision loss resulting from retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Usher syndrome, age-related and inherited forms of macular degeneration such as Best and Stargardt disease, or any other rare, inherited retinal degenerative disease is encouraged to participate in the program.
Q: How do I register in the program?
A: Complete and sign a retina donor consent form and return it to The Foundation. After we receive your form, you will be sent a wallet size identification card containing a toll-free 24-hour “hotline” number to be used by your family or representative when the time comes for recovery of the donation. One half of the card is for you to carry with you at all times and the other half will be to share with your family. Be sure to inform your family and physician of your participation in the program and give them the contact information for the Retina Donor Program provided on the card.
Q: What should I do if my retina donor card is lost?
A: Contact The Foundation at 800-683-5555 to request a replacement card. It’s not necessary to re-register.
Q: What happens during a donation?
A: At the time of death, the donor’s family or medical care giver contacts The Foundation at the hotline number listed on the donor identification card. The hotline is attended by a donor coordinator 24-hours a day. The coordinator will then make arrangements for the donation with the nearest eye bank.
Q: How soon after death must the donation be obtained?
A: To have the most value, tissue must be obtained and prepared within a few hours after death. However, certain important studies can still be performed on older tissue.
Q: Will a “Donor” designation through the Department of Motor Vehicles ensure my eye donation to The Foundation?
A: No. To ensure that your donation reaches The Foundation Fighting Blindness, it is best to register with The Foundation's retina donor program, carry your donor card in your wallet, and most importantly, tell your family or health care representative of your wishes.
Q: Is there any cost to the donor’s family or estate?
A: No. All expenses involved with the donation are assumed by The Foundation.
Q: How can I register as a donor?
A: Download the Donor Registration Form. Sign and obtain the witness signatures. Mail or fax to the Foundation to the address or fax number provided on the form. Or, if you prefer, contact the Foundation by phone (800-683-5555) and tell the operator you would like an eye donor registration form.
|
