Americans will receive approximately 48,000 cornea transplant surgeries this year to preserve or restore their vision. With healthy vision, these people will be able to lead joyful, independent lives. March is National Eye Donor Month, so Saving Sight encourages you to pledge to be a donor through the donor registry and to speak with your family about your decision.
It starts with you. Thanks to the generosity of eye donors, their families and supportive hospital staff, Saving Sight was able to provide donated eye tissue for 2,985 corneal transplants in 2014, an average of 8 people per day. During National Eye Donor Month, Saving Sight honors donors and encourages you to join our mission:
- Learn more about eye donation on our website.
- Pledge to be an eye, organ, and tissue donor on the donor registry online or at your local motor vehicles office.
- Speak with family and friends about your choice to donate.
- Celebrate National Eye Donor Month on your social media account(s) using NEDM images we’ve provided.
According to the Eye Bank Association of America, “over 95 percent of all corneal transplant operations successfully restore the corneal recipient’s vision.” So eye donors have an incredible impact on the lives of recipients, often relieving pain and reviving independence. In fact, a recent study coordinated by the EBAA found that corneal transplants in the U.S., by enabling people to resume employment and lead healthy lives, offer a total lifetime net benefit of nearly $6 billion. “The EBAA’s study does a great job of illustrating that eye donors not only give the gift of sight to recipients but they also enhance prosperity in our communities,” said Tony Bavuso, chief executive officer of Saving Sight.
On behalf of the 2,985 people who received the healing gift of sight in 2014, Saving Sight thanks you for your support during National Eye Donor Month. Sign up today donatelife.net. You can join us and the millions of Americans who have pledged to be donors by signing up for your state’s eye, organ, and tissue donor registry today at the Donate Life America website or your local motor vehicles office. Together, we are saving sight.