Before Death Foundation

WHAT IS EYE DONATION?

Eye donation is the act of donating one’s eyes after death to restore vision to people suffering from corneal blindness. In eye donation, only the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye) is transplanted from the donor to the recipient. The rest of the eye is not transplanted.

Corneal blindness is one of the leading causes of vision loss in India. A single eye donor can restore vision to two blind individuals, making this one of the most impactful forms of donation.

At Before Death Foundation (BDF), we promote eye donation as a simple, respectful, and life-changing humanitarian act.

WHY EYE DONATION IS SO IMPORTANT

Education becomes difficult
Employment opportunities reduce
Daily independence is lost
Emotional health is deeply impacted

Common reasons for corneal blindness:

Corneal injuries
Infections
Accidents
Congenital corneal disorders

Eye donation:

Restores vision
Brings independence
Improves social dignity
Enables education & employment
Transforms lives permanently

WHO CAN DONATE EYES?

Almost anyone can donate, regardless of:

Age
Gender
Spectacles usage
Blood pressure
Diabetes
Cause of death

Final medical suitability is decided at the time of donation.

WHEN CAN EYES BE DONATED?

Eyes must be donated within 4–6 hours after death.

Quick family decision and immediate intimation is very important.

EYE DONATION PROCESS – STEP BY STEP

STEP 1: Inform nearest eye bank after death.
STEP 2: Family consent is taken gently.
STEP 3: Corneas are retrieved respectfully.
STEP 4: Corneas are preserved and tested.
STEP 5: Cornea transplant surgery is performed.
STEP 6: Vision gradually restores.

DOES EYE DONATION DISFIGURE THE BODY?

Does NOT disfigure the face
Does NOT delay funeral rituals
Does NOT affect religious practices
Is done with full dignity and respect

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT EYE DONATION

❌ Old people cannot donate — ✔ Age is not a barrier
❌ Weak eyesight disqualifies — ✔ Spectacles don’t matter
❌ Donation delays funeral — ✔ It takes very little time
❌ Religion doesn’t allow — ✔ All religions support saving lives

LEGAL STATUS OF EYE DONATION IN INDIA

Voluntary
Non-commercial
Ethical
Government regulated
Free for donor family

EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF EYE DONATION

For a blind person:

Darkness turns into light
Dependency becomes independence
Fear becomes confidence
Life gets a new beginning

For a donor family:

Their loved one continues to “see” the world
Grief turns into hope
A powerful humanitarian legacy is created

ROLE OF BEFORE DEATH FOUNDATION (BDF)

Awareness programs
Education drives
Volunteer training
Myth removal
Hospital collaboration
Legal & ethical guidance

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT EYE DONATION?

Pledge your eyes
Inform your family
Carry your donor card
Encourage others
Volunteer with BDF
Invite us for awareness programs