Legal guidelines must be followed before death can be certified. A physician certifying a patient's death cannot be in any way involved with eye procurement or with the transplant. In addition to fulfilling your loved one's wishes, donation can offer comfort to a grieving family. Just knowing a small part of your loved one is going in life, helping someone see in this world is consolation, something to hold on to in a time of sorrow. The most important action you can take to ensure you will be a donor is to tell your family and legal representative.
Most states now require that families be offered the option of donation when a loved one dies.
Families may give consent for donation. It is most helpful if they know how you feel in advance. A donor card can serve as an indication to your family, your legal representative and hospitals of your intention to be an eye donor.