Our Process

At the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank, we coordinate all services related to corneal donation and transplantation. Broadly stated, we obtain, medically evaluate, and distribute donated corneal tissue. But perhaps our most important function is to provide comprehensive laboratory services for the testing and preparation of donated corneas. Using state-of-the-art technology and the highest medical standards, we ensure that every cornea donated and distributed is completely safe for sight-restoring surgery.

Timing is critically important when it comes to corneal procurement, testing, and distribution. For this reason, the Eye Bank never closes. Ideally, cornea donation should occur within four hours of the death of the donor. Skilled medical technicians will remove the donated corneas in a sterile hospital environment as soon as possible within 24 hours after death. Meticulous care is taken to preserve the appearance of the donor—cornea donation almost never interferes with funeral arrangements, including open-casket services. Corneal transplant surgery typically takes place a few days after processing in our lab.

Unlimited Service Area
The Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank serves a 37-county area, including 60 hospitals. But our service area is unlimited. If no suitable cornea transplant recipient is found locally, we will conduct a search among other U.S. eye banks. If we still cannot find a suitable match, we will conduct a search using our international networks to find a recipient in other parts of the world. At the Eye Bank, no transplantable tissue is ever wasted.

Comprehensive Resources
In addition to our technical functions, the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank provides services for donors and their families, hospitals, and transplant surgeons. The Eye Bank can also provide information on support groups for transplant recipients. The Eye Bank conducts a variety of educational and informational programs for medical professionals and the public and also coordinates programs with other organ and tissue donor agencies in the state and across the country.

An Anonymous Gift
The family of a cornea donor can share in the donation process by providing medical and social history that will assist the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank in determining transplant suitability. The gift of sight, however, is made anonymously, and any identifying information about the cornea donor or donor family will not be made available to the recipient. The Eye Bank can convey a recipient's thanks to the donor family and vice versa if requested.

Need more information on the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank? Contact us today or call 1-800-NE-PA-EYE (637-2393).