Queensland Eye Bank
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Why is eye tissue needed?
Blindness is a terrible affliction confining sufferers to a dark and often painful world. By becoming an eye tissue donor, you can enable sufferers of sight-limiting diseases to have their vision restored.
The donation of eye tissue is a very valuable gift. Both the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) and the sclera (the white of the eye) can be repaired from donated tissue. At least two, perhaps up to four people can be helped by a single eye tissue donor.
Can I become an Eye Tissue donor?
Almost anyone can become an eye tissue donor. Age is of no consequence – even very old people can be eye tissue donors. Most people who die from cancer are able to donate eye tissue. Wearing glasses does not pose a problem because transplanted tissue will work very well in another person to restore their sight. Cataracts are not an obstacle either.
In the few cases where eye tissue cannot directly be used for transplantation, and where consent has been gained, the tissue can still help restore sight to others by being used for vital research into sight-threatening diseases.
How can I become an eye Tissue donor?
If you want to donate your eye tissue, it is vitally important that you tell your family of your wishes to donate.
Once you have told your family and friends formalise your decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
When can I become an Eye Tissue donor?
You can only become an eye tissue donor following your death.
It is not possible for the Eye Bank to record your intention to donate eye tissue now. The most important move you can make now is to inform your family of your decision.
What will happen when I donate my eye tissue?
Donating your eyes or a loved one’s eyes:
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may give at least two people the chance to see.
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will not alter the appearance of the donor - we take great care to ensure this.
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will not cause any delay in funeral or memorial services.
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will not entail any cost to the donor family.
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may offer comfort to the donor’s grieving family.
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will not mean any loss of confidentiality.
What is the Eye Bank?
The Queensland Eye Bank, based at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, is one of the most efficient and productive Eye Banks in Australia. The Queensland Eye Bank retrieves eye tissue from people who have consented to donation and have died in a hospital.
A great deal of credit for the Eye Bank’s efficiency can be attributed to both Australia Post and Australian Air Express, who generously donate their services through the ‘Wings & Wheels for Vision’ program.
It is most important to discuss your decision about eye tissue donation with your family.
Supported by
The Queensland Eye Bank is supported by:
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Princess Alexandra Hospital
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Queensland Health
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Prevent Blindness Foundation
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Lions Kidney & Medical Research Foundation
Sponsored by
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Australian Air Express
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Australia Post
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Prevent Blindness Foundation
Contact Information
Queensland Eye Bank
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba Qld 4102
Telephone: 07 3240 2104
Facsimile: 07 3240 5299
Email: eyebank@health.qld.gov.au
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