Cornea Donation
Since 1960, Saving Sight has coordinated cornea donation and the distribution of corneas for transplant. Today, we operate in Missouri, Kansas, and central Illinois, and we distribute corneas to transplant surgeons in those states, the rest of the U.S., and around the world to help people receive the precious gift of sight.
Help us spread the message about eye, organ, and tissue donation in your community. If you haven’t yet, register your choice to donate online at Donate Life America or your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. And be sure to speak with your family about your decision.
Vision Lost for 27 Years is Finally Restored
After losing her vision in her left eye to a case of shingles 27 years ago, Kris of Kansas spent the majority of her adulthood compensating for her lost sight. As a busy nurse and mother of three, Kris had long refused to let her vision problems stand in her way,...
Correspondence Makes a Difference for a Donor Family
When someone loses a loved one, it’s difficult to find the good in such a heartbreaking situation. However, for many families, eye, organ and tissue donation has given them a sense of hope. And when those families hear from their loved one’s recipients, it’s...
A Mother’s Surprising Pledge Inspires Her Family
When Evelyn of Missouri passed away from a heart attack, her family had no idea she had pledged to become an eye donor through the state’s donor registry. Said her daughter, Deanna, “Mom had just gotten her driver’s license renewed a few months before her passing. On...
Cornea Recipient Helps Others Facing Blindness
Imagine living your life as if you were looking through waxed paper. You couldn’t read the newspaper or your favorite recipes. You would have trouble identifying your grandchildren on the soccer field. You could no longer safely drive your car, relying on others to...
An Incredible Talent, a Loving Heart
When 18-year-old Max passed away following an auto accident, the world lost a talented young man. Yet, Max’s legacy lives on – both through his incredible music and his gift of sight. As a high school student in Kansas, Max discovered a passion for music. He was the...
15 Eye Donors & Cornea Recipients Honored With Roses on Donate Life Rose Parade Float
On January 1, 2011, 15 roses were placed on the Donate Life Seize the Day! Rose Parade float by Saving Sight to celebrate the lives of eye and tissue donors from its service area and to recognize cornea recipients who have been blessed with the gift of sight. Photos...
Eye Donor Helps Recipient Escape a Lifetime of Blindness
Nolan understood the challenges of blindness and the miracle of organ donation. For 11 years, his mother, who lost her eyesight to glaucoma, lived with Nolan and his wife, Wanda. He also had a cousin whose life was saved thanks to a liver transplant. When Nolan passed...
Eye Donation Saves Sight of a Volleyball Star
In 2008, Jana, an active high school soccer and volleyball player was diagnosed with a corneal ulcer that become infected with the bacteria pseudomonas. Although the infection cleared, it created a scar over her cornea, stealing both her vision and her freedom....
Eye Donor’s Gift Inspires a Family’s Pledge
Like many individuals, Gordon registered to become an eye, organ and tissue donor, but as he got older, he wondered if age and health issues would prevent him from fulfilling his pledge. However, when he passed away in November 2009, Gordon gave the gift of sight to...
Carthage Humanitarian Helps His Community in Life and in Death
Throughout his life, Thomas of Carthage, Mo. took care of his community by donating his time, money and experience to help those in need. It was only fitting after his passing that he continue to improve the lives of others – thanks to Thomas’ pledge to become an eye...