Giving the gift of sight
Every year, transplants help restore the sight of more than 4,000 people across the UK.
This is only possible through the generosity of those who are willing to donate and help others, people like Nicole.
At 25, Nicole was diagnosed with Fuchs dystrophy, an inherited condition that can lead to the cornea clouding over. When she was 28 and pregnant, Nicole lost vision in her right eye. Then, earlier this year, she received a cornea transplant.
She said, “I keep telling everyone about my incredible surgery. I can’t believe how my life has changed and the black cloud above me has disappeared. I have my donor in my thoughts each day. Cornea donation has enabled me to live my life to the full, work, and see my daughter grow up.”
If you have not yet signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register it’s worth knowing that almost anyone can donate their sight; it doesn’t matter if you have poor eyesight, you could still donate and transform lives. In fact, you are more likely to be able to donate your corneas than your organs.
It only takes two minutes to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, so do it today and say Yes I Donate to eye donation. Share your decision with your family so that they know to honour your wishes.
To register as an organ donor or to update your details or preferences please visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk
In this issue of The Donor magazine...
I just saved my neighbour's life
The incredible response from my city
Taking the organ donation message into the classroom
Scientific review offers chance for more people to give blood