In Good Health -- Central New York by In Good Health: CNY's Healthcare Newspaper

Eye and Tissue Bank urges people to donate organs

he Central New York Eye and Tissue Bank (CNYETB) this month will promote the many benefits of eye donation in 14 Central New York hospitals at which it recovers donated eye tissue. March is designated as National Eye Donor month. CNYETB will distribute its ‘Gift of Sight’ eye donation material in high traffic locations at five Syracuse-area hospitals (Upstate University Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, Community General Hospital, Crouse Hospital, Syracuse VA Medical Center), two Binghamton-area (Wilson Regional and Binghamton General) hospitals, and hospitals in Oswego, Cortland, Chenango, Carthage, Star Lake (Clifton-Fine Hospital), Hamilton (Community Memorial Hospital), and Massena. Included in the information to be available to hospital staff, patients, and visitors will be New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry forms that, when completed and submitted to the state’s Department of Health, represent an individual’s legal consent to the donation of his or her eyes (and if he or

FYI

• The corneal is the clear covering over the front of the eye. Over 90 percent of the more than 40,000 corneal transplant operations performed each year successfully restore vision to persons suffering from corneal problems. • Corneal transplant is one of the most frequently performed transplant procedures. Since 1961, more than 700,000 corneal transplants have been performed, restoring sight to individuals ranging in age from nine days to 103 years.  • The sclera of the eye (white part) can be used in glaucoma surgeries, eyelid repair, and periodontal surgeries for gum repair. • Donated eye tissue may be used for corneal transplants, other surgeries, medical education, or research. • The upper age limit for eye tis-

she chooses, also his or her organs and other tissue) at the time of death. “The more people we can educate and inform about eye donation and its many benefits, the more they will understand about the indisputable value of giving the Gift of Sight,” said CNYETB community relations coordinator Jessica Duffy, who oversees the organization’s efforts at promoting eye donation. “Although there are over two million New York state residents who have registered as organ and/or eye and tissue donors, our state’s designated donor ratio — the rate at which individuals enroll in a state registry expressed as a percentage of all drivers’ licenses and ID cards issued within a time period — is a lowly 12 percent. We rank fiftieth of 50 states maintaining this proportion and our goal in March will be aimed at helping raise that percentage.” CNYETB will supplement its inhospital education, information, and donor enrollment March 2011 effort with a variety of public service announcements and related publicity. sue donors is 79 years. • Cancer, diabetes, blindness, eye diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, previous cataract surgery are NOT exclusions to eye donation • Eye donation is usually not noticeable at the time of the funeral. The donation process does not delay the funeral arrangements nor does it prevent the family from having an open casket viewing. • The NY State Donate Life registry is checked to find out which registry (consent or intent) if any, the deceased is on. If on intent registry or not on registry, permission from the next of kin must be obtained before any donation can take place. If on consent registry then permission from NOK is not necessary and donation will proceed. • The family is notified of the use of the tissue and is thanked. • A blood sample is drawn on every donor to meet transplant criteria.

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