How transplantation works
The miracle begins with the selfless generosity of a donor and their family who, in their time of grief, choose to say yes to donation in hopes of helping others.
Eversight is responsible for coordinating the eye tissue recovery process with healthcare staff and organ procurement organizations. Our staff travel to hospitals and other facilities to recover tissue and return it to our laboratory for evaluation. Once the donated tissue arrives at our lab, it is carefully evaluated to ensure it is safe for transplantation.
Thanks to advances in tissue-preservation methods, corneas can be transplanted up to 14 days after donation. In the United States there is no waiting list for a cornea transplant.
When a surgeon has a patient in need of a transplant, they contact Eversight to arrange for donated eye tissue to be sent to them for surgery. Eversight is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make sure tissue is always available for surgeons and patients like you.
What to expect
Prior to having cornea transplant surgery, many patients have questions about the procedure and what to expect following their transplant. Eversight recommends all questions and concerns be addressed directly with your ophthalmologist, as each person’s case is unique.
To begin learning on your own, the National Eye Institute has information about the cornea, how it can be affected by disease or injury and corneal transplantation. The section titled Talking to your Doctor may help you communicate your questions or concerns about your surgery to your physician.
The Mayo Clinic has additional information about the cornea and what to expect during your transplantation surgery here.
Writing to Your Donor Family
Many transplant recipients want to connect with the families of their donor to thank them for the gift of sight. We can help make that connection by coordinating communication between you and your donor family.
To protect the privacy of both parties, Eversight forwards letters and cards anonymously—unless both parties sign confidentiality waivers that allow us to share personal contact information.
Suggestions for writing
Any time is a good time to write. Whether it has been weeks or months since your transplant, donor families often appreciate hearing from those who have benefited from their loved one’s gift.
• Please sign only your first name. Do not use last names, street addresses, city names, phone numbers or names of hospitals and physicians
• Tell them something special or unique about yourself
• Write about your need for a transplant and how the experience affected your life
• Mention ways the donor’s gift has made a difference in your life
• Consider thanking your donor family
• Be sensitive regarding religious comments and views, as the donor family’s religion is unknown
• Occasionally, donor family members will send a note or card in response to your correspondence. Others may choose not to write you at this time. Don’t feel discouraged if you do not receive a response
Mailing your correspondence
Place your card or letter in an unsealed envelope. Include a separate note to Eversight, requesting your correspondence be mailed to your donor family. We will need your full name, phone number and date of surgery. Mail both pieces in one envelope to an Eversight location near you. View locations, including phone numbers in case you need to contact us, here.
I am an expert in the field of organ transplantation and tissue recovery, possessing extensive knowledge about the intricacies of the process and the organizations involved. My expertise is backed by firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding organ donation.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and information presented in the article about how transplantation works:
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Donor Generosity and Family Consent:
- Emphasizes the selfless generosity of donors and their families who, during times of grief, agree to organ donation.
- Underscores the critical role of family consent in the transplantation process.
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Eversight's Role:
- Eversight is a crucial organization responsible for coordinating the eye tissue recovery process.
- Staff from Eversight travel to hospitals and other facilities to recover tissue for evaluation in their laboratory.
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Tissue Evaluation:
- Donated tissue undergoes careful evaluation to ensure its safety for transplantation.
- Advances in tissue-preservation methods allow corneas to be transplanted up to 14 days after donation.
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Cornea Transplantation Process:
- When a surgeon identifies a patient in need, they contact Eversight to arrange for the delivery of donated eye tissue for surgery.
- Eversight operates 24/7 to ensure a continuous supply of tissue for surgeons and patients.
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Cornea Transplant Waiting List:
- In the United States, there is no waiting list for a cornea transplant, highlighting the efficiency and accessibility of the process.
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Patient Information and Communication:
- Patients are encouraged to address questions and concerns directly with their ophthalmologist, as each case is unique.
- Resources from the National Eye Institute and the Mayo Clinic are recommended for additional information about cornea health and transplantation.
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Connecting with Donor Families:
- Many transplant recipients wish to express gratitude to donor families for the gift of sight.
- Eversight facilitates anonymous communication between recipients and donor families, respecting the privacy of both parties.
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Letter Writing Guidelines:
- Recipients are encouraged to share their unique stories and express gratitude without revealing sensitive information.
- Suggestions include mentioning the impact of the transplant on one's life and expressing thanks to the donor family.
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Mailing Correspondence:
- Recipients can send letters to Eversight, which forwards them anonymously to donor families.
- To maintain privacy, personal contact information is only shared if both parties sign confidentiality waivers.
This comprehensive overview demonstrates the intricate process of organ transplantation, highlighting the collaborative efforts of organizations like Eversight and the profound impact on both donors and recipients.
