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Transplantation & Recipients

We restore sight and prevent blindness through the
healing power of donation, transplantation and research.

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About transplantation

The miracle begins with the selfless generosity of a donor and their family who, in their time of grief, choose to say yes to donation in hopes of helping others.

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Writing to your donor family

We can help by coordinating communication between you and your donor family.

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Get involved

Through giving, fundraising, volunteering and collaboration, you have a direct impact on making vision a reality for people in need around the world. #YouChangeLives

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About transplantation

How transplantation works

The miracle begins with the selfless generosity of a donor and their family who, in their time of grief, choose to say yes to donation in hopes of helping others.

Eversight is responsible for coordinating the eye tissue recovery process with healthcare staff and organ procurement organizations. Our staff travel to hospitals and other facilities to recover tissue and return it to our laboratory for evaluation. Once the donated tissue arrives at our lab, it is carefully evaluated to ensure it is safe for transplantation.

Thanks to advances in tissue-preservation methods, corneas can be transplanted up to 14 days after donation. In the United States there is no waiting list for a cornea transplant.

When a surgeon has a patient in need of a transplant, they contact Eversight to arrange for donated eye tissue to be sent to them for surgery. Eversight is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make sure tissue is always available for surgeons and patients like you.

What to expect

Prior to having cornea transplant surgery, many patients have questions about the procedure and what to expect following their transplant. Eversight recommends all questions and concerns be addressed directly with your ophthalmologist, as each person’s case is unique.

To begin learning on your own, the National Eye Institute has information about the cornea, how it can be affected by disease or injury and corneal transplantation. The section titled Talking to your Doctor may help you communicate your questions or concerns about your surgery to your physician.

The Mayo Clinic has additional information about the cornea and what to expect during your transplantation surgery here.

FAQs about cornea transplantation

Is the whole eye transplanted?

No – only the corneas can be transplanted. However, the entire eye may be recovered for use in research or education.

How successful is corneal transplantation?

Over 97% of all corneal transplant operations successfully restore the corneal recipient’s vision.

Will the recipient be told who donated the corneas?

The gift of sight is made anonymously. Specific information about the donor family is not made available to the recipient. If they wish, recipients can write anonymously to their donor family, by way of Eversight, to express their gratitude. Eversight will pass along this communication.

How soon after a donation must a cornea be transplanted?

Recovery of the donor eye tissue takes place within hours of death. The preservation medium used in the United States will keep the cornea’s cells alive for 14 days after recovery, but most transplants occur within a week of recovery.

What happens if corneas are not suitable for transplant?

Some medical conditions pose a problem for transplantation and a hazard for medical personnel. An extensive review of the donor’s medical, family and social history is conducted, as well as detailed examinations of the donor eyes and corneas. As a result, some donated eyes are rejected as unsuitable for transplantation. Whenever possible, these tissues are used to support research efforts into the causes and cures of blinding eye conditions. These research initiatives have the potential to change the lives of millions of people around the world.

Writing to your donor family

Many transplant recipients want to connect with the families of their donor to thank them for the gift of sight. We can help make that connection by coordinating communication between you and your donor family.

To protect the privacy of both parties, Eversight forwards letters and cards anonymously—unless both parties sign confidentiality waivers that allow us to share personal contact information.

Suggestions for writing

Any time is a good time to write. Whether it has been weeks or months since your transplant, donor families often appreciate hearing from those who have benefited from their loved one’s gift.

  • Please sign only your first name. Do not use last names, street addresses, city names, phone numbers or names of hospitals and physicians
  • Tell them something special or unique about yourself
  • Write about your need for a transplant and how the experience affected your life
  • Mention ways the donor’s gift has made a difference in your life
  • Consider thanking your donor family
  • Be sensitive regarding religious comments and views, as the donor family’s religion is unknown
  • Occasionally, donor family members will send a note or card in response to your correspondence. Others may choose not to write you at this time. Don’t feel discouraged if you do not receive a response

Mailing your correspondence

Place your card or letter in an unsealed envelope. Include a separate note to Eversight, requesting your correspondence be mailed to your donor family. We will need your full name, phone number and date of surgery. Mail both pieces in one envelope to an Eversight location near you. View locations, including phone numbers in case you need to contact us, here.