EYE DONATION CENTRE
K.I.M.S. HOSPITAL
K.R. ROAD, V.V.PURAM, BANGALORE

ABOUT US

Eye Donation Centre, Dept of Ophthalmology, K.I.M.S. Hospital, is an institutional centre started in February 2009 with the Formal Inaugural Function on 21 February 2009. Inaugural lamp lighting was done by Dr M K Sudharshan, Principal, K.I.M.S., Dr. V.V. Himanshu, Prof. & H.O.D., Dept of Ophthalmology, K.I.M.S., Dr Raviprakash, Prof. & Head of Cornea Clinic, Minto R.I.O.

Dr Rekha, Director, B.W.Lions Eye Hospital, Dr T K Ramesh, Cornea Specialist, Minto R.I.O., Dr Naveen, Dr Ankit Punjabi, Dr Aditya Bajaj gave introductory lectures on Eye Banking, its functions, activities and role of each eye bank in tackling corneal blindness. Dr Captain Venkatesh, M.D, K.I.M.S., Dr. T.H. Anjanappa, M.S., K.I.M.S. felicitated Lion B. L. S. Murthy.

Dr H N Sowbhagya, Prof., Dept of Ophthalmology, K.I.M.S., is Medical Director – Eye Donation Centre, K.I.M.S. has already started eye bank activites by collecting two eyes and performing one full-thickness corneal grafting and other eye utilized at B.W. Lions Eye Hospital by the end of February 2009.

We have tied up with B.W. Lions Eye Hospital for evaluation of donated eyes (corneas) procured at our hospital and further dispensing. An immense help is provided by the Dept of Forensic Medicine for Eye Call.

HOW WE WORK

On receiving an Eye Call, we obtain consent from the relatives of the deceased and procure the eyes. We then forward the procured eye to the B.W. West Lions Eye Hospital, Bangalore for further evaluation, processing and dispensing the eyes / corneas for corneal transplantation. All work is done with a disciplinary and team approach.

We are also planning to conduct Eye Donation Awareness Campaigns in and around our Institute to promote eye donations.

FAQS OF EYE DONATION

What is Eye Donation?
It is the donation of eye after the death of a person.

What is an Eye Bank?
An Eye Bank is a non-profit, organization affiliated to Eye Bank Association of India which is entitled to procure, medically evaluate and distribute eyes (which are donated voluntary by humanitarian citizens after death) to certified institutions. These eyes are used primarily for corneal transplantation (grafting). Other uses are for sclera reconstruction, research and education.

What is an Eye Donation Centre?
An Eye Donation Centre is a organized body affiliated to Eye Bank Association of India which procures eyes from the donating person and sends these to Eye Bank for further evaluation and distribution.

Why eye donation is necessary?
There are millions of Corneal Blind persons across the country, and most of them are children. The only treatment is transplantation of corneal acquired by eye donation after death. The present rate of eye donation is just 0.3% of the required number of corneas. Thus donated human eyes and corneal tissues are necessary for the preservation and restoration of sight of these corneal blind people.

Is the whole of the eye is transplanted?
No. Only the cornea can be transplanted to the needy. The sclera can also be used for sclera reconstruction. Rest of the eye is used for valuable research into ocular diseases & treatment and for education.

What is Cornea?
The cornea is a clear transparent anterior surface in the front of the eye and is the main part for focusing the light. When cornea becomes cloudy (from disease, injury, infection or any other cause), then the vision is severely reduces and person is called as corneal blind.

What is Corneal Transplantation?
It is a surgical procedure wherein a central round segment of the damaged cornea of the blind person is replaced with a similar piece of healthy cornea which has been acquired by eye donation. In most of the cases, vision is significantly improved after corneal transplantation and the patient is no more corneally blind.

Who can donate eyes?

1. Anyone and everyone can donate eyes.
2. Donor can be of any age and sex.
3. Patients who are using spectacles, contact lenses or have a history of previous ocular surgery can be donors
4. Diabetics, hypertensives, asthematics, TB patients, Cancer patients can also donate.
5. All religions endorse eye donation.
6. Even if one has not pledged eyes, they can be a donor.

Will eye donation affect the appearance of face?
No. Great and utmost care is taken to procure the eyes without causing any change in appearance or disfigurement of the face of the donor. In fact, until the relatives know, they wont be able to make out that eyes have been removed.

Has the donor family to pay or receive any fees?
No. Donated eyes are neither bought nor sold. Doing this is illegal at any cost.

What instructions have to be followed by donor’s family?

1. Eyes has to be removed as soon as possible. So call your nearest eye bank immediately after death.
2. Keep the body in a cool room.
3. Raise the head of the person and close the lids.
4. Keep wet cotton with ice over closed lids.
5. Switch off any fans. Air-conditioner can be kept on.
6. Call Eye Bank and give correct address with specific landmarks & correct phone numbers
7. Keep death certificate ready if available.

Will there be any delay in funeral arrangements?
No. Eyes procurement just takes 20-30 minutes. By the time funeral arrangement are undertaken, eye donation is completed.

Will the eye bank reveal the information of corneal recipient?
The recipient information is always kept confidential and anonymous. It will not be revealed on any grounds. The donor’s family members should be satisfied knowing that the eyes have been used to restore sight to two blind persons.

Is there any benefit to the donor’s family?
In addition to fulfilling our loved one’s wishes, donation can offer comfort to a grieving family. Just knowing a small part of our loved one is going in life, helping someone see in this world is consolation, something to hold on to in a time of sorrow.

How can I become a donor?

1. Decide to donate eyes and take a pledge now.
2. Tell your wish to your relatives & talk about it.
3. Discuss with your legal representative & mention it in your will.
4. Spread the word across your community & contacts.
5. Display your pledge card in a prominent place in your home.

Where should I make a call for Eye Donation?

You can call on our mobile number. For pledging eyes you can contact through mobile, post or email.
Alternatively you can call on 1919 – This is the 24 hours toll-free phone number of Eye Bank Association of India. You can alternatively call any of the nearest Eye Bank or Eye Donation Centre or Eye Hospital and give the details.

STATISTICS / REPORTS

CONTACT

Dr. H.N. Sowbhagya,
Incharge-Medical Director
Eye Donation Centre,
Dept of Ophthalmology,
K.I.M.S. Hospital,
K.R. Road, V.V. Puram,
Bangalore -04

Ph: 09620937759
Email: edc.kims@gmail.com