There is no substitute for human tissue. The transplantation process depends upon the priceless gift of corneal donation from one human to the next. Donated human eyes and corneal tissue are used for research, education, and transplantation. Cataracts, poor eyesight, or age do not prevent you from being a donor. It is important for individuals wanting to be donors to inform family members of their wishes.
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 eye procurement or with the transplant. The gift of sight is made anonymously. Specific information about the donor family is not available to the recipient. The eye bank will convey a recipient's thanks to the donor family.