Those who opt out of donating their organs when they die for fear of appearing disfigured at their funerals have got transplant coordinators concerned.

Many are worried about donating their corneas due to this reason, said Dr Howard Cajucom-Uy, 43, manager of the Singapore Eye Bank.  He assures potential donors that it is merely a myth.  “The procedures are so advanced that little difference can be seen on the body, hence allowing an open casket at funerals,” said Dr Cajucom-Uy.

He received the Most Oustanding Award at SingHealth’s first Transplant Coordinator Awards held at the Singapore National Eye Centre on Monday, for his contributions to the fields of eye-transplant research and education.

Transplant coordinators advise potential donors and their families, as well as organ recipients.

At the ceremony, two coordinators received the Most Inspiring Award, and seven others received the Most Dedicated Award, for more than five years of service at SingHealth.  One recipient, Ms Kerk Ka Lee, 40, received awards in all three categories, including as second runner-up for the Most Outstanding Award.  She has contributed to the heart-and-lung transplant programme for nine years, and hopes to see more people willing to donate their lungs.

During the ceremony, the Lee Foundation also announced a $5-million donation to SingHealth’s transplant services.  This boost will be channelled towards training transplant coordinators, as well as raising public awareness of transplants, said Professor London Ooi, the Chairman of Singapore General Hospital’s Division of Surgery.  He also oversees SingHealth Transplant, which comprises eight transplant programmes and tissue banks. 

There is a rising need for organ donors, he said, because the waiting list for kidney transplants, for instance, has 500 patients, with fewer than 100 matching donors available. 

Prof Ooi said :”Members of the public need to understand that by donating their organs, they are giving the gift of life to those in need.”