- What is an Eye and
Tissue Bank?
- An eye and tissue bank retrieves,
evaluates and distributes donated eyes and tissue for
transplantation, research and education.
- Who can be an eye
an tissue donor?
- Anyone whose heart
has stopped should be routinely referred as a
potential eye and tissue donor. The patient will be
evaluated by a Coordinator from the Lions Eye and
Tissue Bank to determine Donor suitability. It is
important to discuss your wishes with family
members.
- Why should eyes
and tissue be donated?
- There is no
substitute for human tissue. The transplantation
process depends upon the priceless gift of Corneas,
Skin, Bone, Veins, Soft Tissue, and Heart Valves for
donation.
- If I sign a donor
card, will it affect the level of medical care I receive,
and how will I know that my wishes will be carried
out?
- No, the level of
care is always directed at what's best for you to
preserve your life. Let your family members know ahead
of time of your wishes to donate. Next-of-Kin consent
is required for donations to take place.
- If I donate a
loved ones organs and tissue, can I know the names of the
recipients?
- A letter can be
forwarded to the recipient through the procurement
organization. The recipient can make the decision as
to whether he or she feels comfortable in responding.
Many welcome and respond to the letters.
- Are there
religious objections to organ/tissue
donations?
- Organ and tissue
donations are approved by all major religious
denominations. However you may want to discuss any
concerns with your priest, minister or
rabbi.
- Does the donor
family incur any charges for donation?
- It is illegal to
buy or sell any tissue. There is No Cost to the
donor family.
- Will donation of
organs or tissues affect the appearance of my loved one
and will it delay funeral arrangements?
- There is no change
in the appearance of your loved one after donation.
Funeral arrangements, including a viewing may proceed
as normal. Organ and tissue recoveries are conducted
in the operating room by qualified surgical
personnel.
- How do I provide a
referral to the Lions?
- Simply call our 24
Hour Donor Hotline at 1-800-535-4483.
The Lions Eye
and Tissue Bank is a Non-Profit Organization seeking to
meet the needs of those in our community.
Established in
1956, we are proud to be a Charter Member of the Eye Bank
Association of America (EBAA). In September of 1998, we
increased our service to include non-ocular
tissue.
|
