Becoming a Cornea Donor

Each year, over 30,000 corneal transplants are performed in the United States, with more than 3,000 people waiting for this sight-restoring procedure at any given time. There is no substitute for human corneal tissue—transplant depends solely on cornea donation.

Thousands of Americans—and maybe someone you know and love—will go blind this year without a corneal transplant. How can you help?

Give the Gift of Sight
By becoming a corneal donor, you can help someone in need of the ultimate gift. To become a corneal donor, please follow these simple steps:

1. Share your decision to become a cornea donor with your family, friends, and doctor.
2. Fill out an organ/tissue donor card and indicate your wishes on your driver’s license. To request a donor card, click here or call the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank at 1-800-NE-PA-EYE (637-2393).
3. Carry your donor card with you at all times.
4. Most importantly, please make sure your next-of-kin are aware of your wishes to donate your corneas and/or organ organs/tissue. The Northeast Pennsylvania Eye Bank and other agencies such as ours cannot act without the permission of the next-of-kin of the donor.

Need more information on becoming a cornea donor? Contact the Eye Bank today or call 1-800-NE-PA-EYE (637-2393).