About Eye Donations

About The Singapore Eye Bank
The Singapore Eye Bank was established in 1993. It is a non-profit, independent organization.

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.

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, and 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 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. It is about the size and shape of a contact lens. Corneal removal is performed shortly after death and should not delay funeral arrangements. Also, it is still possible to have an open-casket funeral service, as one is not able to detect that corneal donation has been achieved.


Can I donate my eye if I have 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’ll find one on this booklet. You can also contact the Singapore Eye Bank hotline: 6221 4881 or 6322 8340 or fax: 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 doante 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 have may
For example, let your family know that becoming a donor:

should not interfere with funeral arrangements or disfigure the body will 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.