Eye Donation & Recovery Process
Your loved one has the potential to provide the life-changing gift of sight to those in need. Below you will find answers to some of the commonly asked questions about the eye donation and recovery process.
Frequently asked questions
What is Eversight's role in the donation and recovery process?
Eversight is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to restore sight and prevent blindness through the healing power of donation, transplantation and research. Eversight is responsible for coordinating the eye tissue recovery process with healthcare staff and organ procurement organizations, and works in close partnership with hospitals in the areas we serve.
How did you know my loved one passed away, and how did you get my phone number?
In every state, hospital deaths must be reported to the appropriate organ procurement organization (OPO). Eversight partners with OPOs and hospitals in the areas we serve to gain information about potential donors.
Why are you contacting me so soon after my loved one's passing?
Ocular recoveries need to be done within 24 hours of passing. However, to ensure the best possible outcome of the gift, it is important to complete our processes as soon as possible.
How long does the recovery take?
Once our technician arrives, the recovery takes approximately one to two hours to complete.
Is the whole eye recovered?
The entire eye may be recovered for use in research and education, however only the corneas can be transplanted to provide sight restoration.
Why does Eversight need to obtain medical records, and who else sees these?
We obtain medical records to ensure that a donor is suitable for donation. Eversight follows HIPAA guidelines, and these records are kept confidential and only shared with those agencies, physicians and other health care personnel who are involved in the treatment of the donor and tissue recipients, or those who are involved with the removal of the anatomical gifts. .
Will donation interfere with an autopsy?
No, Eversight has strong relationships with medical examiners and coroners throughout our service areas, and we work together to coordinate donation.
How will the donor look for viewing at their funeral?
To keep the natural shape of the eyes after recovery, Eversight uses the same techniques as funeral homes.
I gave you permission, why do I need to complete paperwork/questions?
Because of regulations and the safety of our staff and potential recipients, we are required to complete this paperwork.
Can my loved one still be an eye donor if their body is being donated to science?
Yes, Eversight works with many Anatomical Gift Programs throughout our service areas.
My loved one had cancer; how can they be a donor?
The corneas do not get blood flow from the body and are thus not affected by many common cancers
My loved one had poor vision; how can they be a donor?
Typically, the parts of the eye that affect someone’s vision are tissue that is not transplanted. We are concerned about trauma, surgery, infections or corneal diseases when determining donation eligibility.
Can I know who received my loved one's gift?
Within 12 weeks after the donation occurs, Eversight will send the donor family a follow-up letter that includes general information about the outcome of the donation.
Many donor families would like to connect with the individual(s) who received their loved one’s tissue, and Eversight is pleased to help make that happen by coordinating communication between you and the transplant recipient.
What phone number will you be calling from to talk about donation?
Our Donation Support Center staff service multiple state locations and will be calling from one of these phone numbers:
Toll Free (866) 898-4391
Michigan (734) 215-7882
Illinois (331) 232-2077
New Jersey (732) 882-7071