Strict laws are in existence which protect the potential donor. Legal guidelines must be followed before death can be certified. The physician certifying a patient's death is not involved with the procurement or the transplant. Tissue must be used long before the will can be probated. However, the time of making a will is a good time to discuss eye, tissue and organ donation with close family members.
Donation is a gift of life, or sight, to others.
As such, eye, organ, and tissue donation are consistent with beliefs and attitudes of major religions. Great care is taken to preserve the appearance of the donor. No one will be able to see that anything has been done. Families may proceed with funeral arrangements, including a viewing if so desired. Most states now require that families be offered the option of donation at the time of the death of a loved one.