MISSION
Procure Corneas as many as posible to fight against Corneal Blindness.

EYE BANK
The Nepal Eye Bank is a non profitable community based organization working for restoring the sight to the corneal blind. Once the cornea develops its opacification there is no other treatment except corneal transplantation. So, Nepal Eye Bank was established on 16th September 1994 at Tilganga Eye Centre with the generous help of IFEB and Indiana Eye Bank and was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.

The Eye Bank is responsible for the collection processing of donated tissues, distribution, and for an extensive public awareness program that has dramatically improved donation rates and public receptivity to eye donation. It also performs necessary blod investigation of the of the Donar. Since 1994 its technicians have harvested over 1,600 corneas, received pledges from over 21,000 potential donors, and supplied tissues at no charge for transplant surgeries to eye hospitals both inside and outside of Nepal. With assistance from the Jan Kok Fund, the Eye Bank recently established a corneal excision center in the local crematorium.

Most of the corneas collected by the Eye Bank are used at the Tilganga Eye Centre. Over 840 corneal transplant operations have been performed in the Surgicentre since 1994. All procedures are performed free of cost, and the expenses of the Eye Bank are met primarily through donations from local philanthropies, and subsidies from the Surgicentre.

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT EYE DONATION

What is eye donation?
It's giving your corneas upon death to help save and restore the sight of someone who is blinded by disease of the Cornea.

What is the cornea?
The cornea is the clear transparent window in front of the eye, and allows light to enter the eye. The cornea can be damaged by injury or infection.

How can corneal donation help people?
The cornea is a clear transparant layer of the Eye. Due to various factors, the corneas becomes opaque like frosted glass and this may result in loss of sight.

A damaged or cloudy cornea can be replaced surgically by a procedure known as corneal grafting or transplantation. During this operation, the cloudy, diseased cornea is replaced by a healthy, normal cornea which is donated by another individual. After a successful transplant, vision can be restored to normal. Corneal donation therefore restores vision to those blinded by corneal disease.

The rate of success of corneal grafting is very high. So, a successful corneal graft can restore his/her sight and enable a person to regain independence.

Why should I consider corneal donation?
Because for many, the only hope of sight is offered by someone who donates his/her cornea. Donating your corneas is one of the most precious gifts you will ever bestow on another human being. This special gift will dramatically improve the quality of life for someone now living in darkness. Hundreds of people have been helped through corneal donation. They've been given a new lease on life because others have cared enough to be come donors. But, hundreds more are waiting for desperately needed corneal donations. The demand for corneas far exceeds the supply. People like you can help change the situation!

Will removal of the cornea disfigure the face?
Absolutely not! The body is treated with respect like God in Nepal. Only the cornea and not the whole eye is removed. It is about the size and shape of a contact lens or it is like glass botton of watch. 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. So, removal of the corneas does not disfigure the appearance of the face of body.

Can I donate my eyes if I have vision problems?
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 or cornea donor?
Donating eye tissue does not entail any cost to the donor or the doner's family. If you wish to plege to donate your eyes, just fill out an Eye Donor Card (Donor card is available at NEpal Eye Bank, Tilganga Eye Centre). You can also contact the Nepal Eye Bank phone: (01) 493684,493775 Fax: (01) 474937 or Mobile: 981020933. An Eye Donor Card will be issued to you by the Tilganga Eye Centre, Nepal Eye Bank. Carry the card with you at all times. It will instantly alert medical personnel to your wishes.

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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 donate 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 may have
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 non-donor receives.

Encourage others to become donors
But, remember, becoming a donor is a personal decision.

For more information, please call the
Nepal Eye Bank at tel: (01)493684, 493775 or
Email at: twyana@tilganga.com.np

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EYE DONATION FORM
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