DONATING YOUR EYES

About The Singapore Eye Bank

The Singapore Eye Bank was established in 1993. It is a non-profit, independent organisation. The aim of the SEB is to procure, process and distribute tissue of the highest quality for transplantation in Singapore. In Singapore today, there is a growing list of patients who are blind and waiting for a corneal graft operation to restore their sight.

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Questions & Answers about Eye Donation
 

What is eye donation?

It’s giving your corneas upon death to restore the sight of someone who is blinded by disease of the cornea.
 

What is the cornea?

The cornea is the clear transparent window at the front of the eye that allows light to enter the eye. The cornea can be damaged by injury or infection.
 

Why should I consider eye donation?

Because for many, the only hope of sight is offered by someone who donates his or her cornea.
 

Will removal of the corneas disfigure the face?

Absolutely not! The body is treated with respect. Only the cornea and not the whole eye is removed. The cornea is only about the size and shape of a contact lens. It would still be possible to have an open-casket funeral as corneal removal makes no noticeable changes to the face.

Also, corneal removal is performed shortly after death and should not delay funeral arrangements.
 

Can I donate my eye if I have a vision problem?

Yes! Your eyes may be useful even if you have poor vision. You are never too young or too old to be an eye donor. People with short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism can also donate their eyes. Even people with eye diseases other than corneal disease can donate their eyes.

 
How can I become an eye donor?

If you are 18 or older, just fill out an Organ Donor Card. You can also contact the Singapore Eye Bank hotline at (65) 6221 4881 or (65) 6322 8340, or fax (65) 6227 5080. An Organ Donor Card will be issued to you by the Ministry of Health. Carry the card with you at all times. It will instantly alert medical personnel to your wishes.
 

Can my family members donate my corneas for me?

It is very important to let your family know your wish about donating your eyes. Immediate family members or next of kin may also give consent for eye donation under The Medical (Therapy, Research and Education) Act, 1972.
 

Discuss your decision with your family

A completed donor card is a legal document. However, it's very important to let your family know your wishes. After the passing away of a loved one, immediate family members are often faced with the decision as to whether they should consider eye donation. If the loved one has previously communicated the wish to donate his or her corneas, then the decision is much easier for the family.
 

Explain why you want to become a donor

Talk about how becoming a donor can help:
• others who are blind and waiting for a cornea donor
• the grieving family, who may find comfort in knowing that something positive has come from a loved one's death
 

Discuss any concerns that they may have

For example, let your family know that becoming a donor:
• should not interfere with funeral arrangements or disfigure the body
• not interfere with attempts to save your life
• you'll receive the same high-quality medical care that a nondonor receives
 

Encourage others to become donors

But, remember, becoming a donor is a personal decision.

For more information, please call the Singapore Eye Bank at:

Tel: (65) 6322 8340 or (65) 6322 8311
Email: zhang.jia.qin@snec.com.sg

Please visit the following relevant links:

I Want an Eye Examination / an Appointment
Common Eye Conditions & Procedures
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