Eye Banking Services
Restoring Vision, One Donation at a Time
At Vijay Eye Care Hospital in Erode, our Eye Bank is dedicated to lighting up the lives of those suffering from corneal blindness. Cornea is the transparent front layer of the eye, and when it becomes cloudy due to injury, infection, or disease, it leads to severe vision loss. A simple, selfless act of eye donation after death can restore sight to an individual through a life-changing procedure called Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty).
We are proud to serve the community of Erode and Tamil Nadu by facilitating the noble process of eye donation, adhering to the highest standards set by the Eye Bank Association of India (EBAI) and the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA).
What is Corneal Blindness and Keratoplasty?
Corneal Blindness: This is a condition where the cornea loses its transparency, blocking light from entering the eye and causing blindness. It is the fourth leading cause of blindness globally.
Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty): A surgical procedure where the damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with a clear, healthy cornea donated from a deceased individual. Our Cornea Specialists in Erode perform this delicate surgery to restore clear vision.
How the Eye Donation Process Works (Our Commitment)
The process of eye donation is sensitive, respectful, and time-bound. Our 24/7 Eye Donation Team ensures the utmost dignity for the donor and support for the family.
Immediate Notification: A family member or friend must call the Vijay Eye Care Eye Bank within 6-8 hours of the donor’s death. This limited window is crucial for ensuring the cornea’s viability.
Verification and Consent: Our trained Eye Donation Counsellors will arrive at the location (residence or hospital in Erode) to obtain the required legal consent from the next of kin.
Cornea Retrieval: A qualified, certified technician or ophthalmologist performs the quick, simple procedure of retrieving the eyes (or just the corneas). The process takes only 15-20 minutes and is performed with respect, ensuring no disfigurement to the donor’s face.
Evaluation and Testing: The donated tissue is transported to our state-of-the-art Eye Bank facility in Erode. Here, it undergoes rigorous testing, grading, and evaluation (including checking for infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis) under the supervision of our Cornea Surgeon.
Transplantation: Once deemed healthy and safe, the cornea is allocated to a matching recipient on our waiting list for a life-changing Corneal Grafting surgery.
Who Can Donate Eyes? (Eligibility and Facts)
| YES, You Can Donate If… | NO, You Cannot Donate If… | Essential Facts |
| You wear spectacles or contact lenses. | Death was due to infectious diseases (e.g., AIDS, Hepatitis B/C, Rabies). | Age is not a barrier. People of any age can donate. |
| You have undergone Cataract Surgery. | You had certain types of active eye infections or systemic cancers that affected the eye. | One donation can help up to two people. |
| You have Diabetes or Hypertension. | The entire process is completely free of cost. | |
| You are blind due to other causes (e.g., Retina or Optic Nerve problems). | Donation does NOT delay funeral arrangements. |
Take the Pledge: Be a Visionary
Your decision today can bring light to someone’s world tomorrow. We encourage everyone in Erode and Tamil Nadu to discuss this noble decision with their family members, as their consent is legally essential.
How can we pledge our eyes for eye donation?
One can pledge their eyes for future eye donation and help in furthering the cause of eradicating needless corneal blindness. A simple pledge form is available below.