Dear Editor:
March is National Eye Donor Month, a time set aside to commemorate the miracle of corneal transplant surgery that reverses blindness and to honor those who give the gift of sight. Nearly everyone can be an eye donor, but not enough people are aware of how their donation of eye tissue changes lives or exactly how to donate. National Eye Donor Month is the perfect time to send five minutes to take the most important step in becoming an eye donor; tell your family that when you die you wish your eyes to be donated to the Eye Bank. If family members know now how you feel, they’ll be able to confidently agree to donate when the time comes. Signing a donor card, though commendable, is not enough; nor is leaving a note in your will. Those directions may not be found in time, since eye tissue has to be taken as quickly as possible after death. Just a five minute family discussion and you have changed someone’s life forever by restoring their sight.
Last year more than approximately 50,000 Americans benefitted from corneal transplant procedures. These people, facing a life of corneal blindness, had their sight returned by a donated dime-sized piece of tissue. The Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey has been providing eye tissue for transplants and for critical research and education since 1970, and with your help we will continue to serve the people of New Jersey. This March, discuss donation! It’s five minutes well spent.
For more information, call 1-800-653-9379.
Marshall S. Klein, President
Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey