Arguments for ‘ocular donation’ as standardised terminology to reduce the ‘ick factor’ of ‘eye donation’

This brief report presents the global problem of the shortfall of donor corneal tissue for transplantation, a potential root cause (‘ick factor’ language), and a potential solution (modification of ‘ick factor’ language). Specifically, use of the term ‘eye donation’ is a potential hurdle to ocular tissue donation as it can stimulate the ‘ick factor.’ Verbiage such as ‘ocular (eye tissue)’ could be a method of providing terminology that is less emotive than ‘eye donor’ or ‘eye donation.’ The field of transplantation has experienced terminology shifts over time; for example, ‘cadaver’ has been replaced with ‘deceased donor,’ ‘harvest’ has been replaced with ‘recover,’ and ‘life support’ has been replaced with ‘ventilated.’ Notably, only a small number of regions worldwide are using ‘ocular’ terminology, yet it could be an important step to enhancing the informed consent process and improving donation rates, potentially increasing transplant and optimising patient quality of life for those with treatable blindness.

Family refusal of eye tissue donation from potential solid organ donors: a retrospective analysis of summary and free-text data from the UK National Health Service Blood and Transplant Services (NHS-BT) National Referral Centre (1 April 2014 to 31 March 2017)

ObjectivesLong-standing undersupply of eye tissue exists both in the UK and globally, and the UK National Health Service Blood and Transplant Service (NHSBT) has called for further research exploring barriers to eye donation. This study aims to: (1) describe reported reasons for non-donation of eye tissue from solid organ donors in the UK between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2017 and (2) discuss these findings with respect to existing theories relating to non-donation of eyes by family members.DesignSecondary analysis of a national primary data set of recorded reasons for non-donation of eyes from 2790 potential solid organ donors. Data analysis including descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis of free-text data for 126 recorded cases of family decline of eye donation.SettingNational data set covering solid organ donation (secondary care).Participants2790 potential organ donors were assessed for eye donation eligibility between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2017.ResultsReasons for non-retrieval of eyes were recorded as: family wishes (n=1339, 48% of total cases); medical reasons (n=841, 30%); deceased wishes (n=180, 7%). In >50% of recorded cases, reasons for non-donation were based on family’s knowledge of the deceased wishes, their perception of the deceased wishes and specific concerns regarding processes or effects of eye donation (for the deceased body). Findings are discussed with respect to the existing theoretical perspectives.ConclusionEye donation involves distinct psychological and sociocultural factors for families and HCPs that have not been fully explored in research or integrated into service design. We propose areas for future research and service development including potential of only retrieving corneal discs as opposed to full eyes to reduce disfigurement concerns; public education regarding donation processes; exploration of how request processes potentially influence acceptance of eye donation; procedures for assessment of familial responses to information provided during consent conversations.

Effectiveness of eye donation orientation session in bridging the knowledge gap amongst undergraduate medical students in Delhi

Background: Corneal blindness may be curable by keratoplasty but the demand for eye donation is however, unmet due to a variety of factors including knowledge gap. The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness of the medical undergraduate students towards eye donation and to assess the effectiveness of an orientation program in bridging the knowledge gap. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done on MBBS students of 2nd and 3rd professional years. A pretested questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge of medical students. Knowledge regarding the contraindications to eye donation, the procedure involved and common misconceptions were assessed. This was followed by a session on orientation regarding eye donation. A second assessment using the same questionnaire was done after the session to assess the effectiveness of the same. The data was analysed using EPIINFO version 3.5.4 using chi square test. Results: Less than 50% students were aware of contraindications and less than 10% students knew ideal cornea harvesting time and nearest eye bank to their homes. Less than one-fourth students knew common causes of corneal blindness. However, most (77%) students were aware that hospital staff must motivate deceased’s family for eye donation. Significant increase in awareness was observed post orientation regarding most issues.Conclusions: This study shows that there is a knowledge gap amongst undergraduate medical students regarding eye donation. It also suggests that orientation sessions may be helpful in bridging this gap.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE TOWARDS EYE DONATION IN PATIENTS ATTENDING OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF A PERIPHERAL TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF EASTERN INDIA

Damage to the cornea is the second most common cause of visual impairment and blindness which accounts for about 6–8 million of the total blind cases in the world. The majority of blinding corneal 1,2 damage in the form of trachoma affects 4.9 million individuals. Other major causes include ocular trauma, ulceration, xerophthalmia, ophthalmia neonatorum, onchocerciasis, leprosy, and use of traditional eye medicines

Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Eye Donation among Students of Kathmandu University School of Management; A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Background: The corneal blindness is the 4th most common cause of blindness all over the world lot of people were waiting for the corneal transplantation but there are only few donors. Availability of potential donors and attitude of eligible donors is the main factor that affects corneal supply. Method: A descriptive cross sectional research design was carried out among 205 students with the mean age of 22.7 years using self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis of the data. P value was set at 0.05. Result: It has been found that only 4% of the respondents had good knowledge regarding eye donation and more than 50% had moderate knowledge and about 40% had poor knowledge however 90% know that eye can be donated any age above one year. However, regarding attitude, about 70% had good attitude. But still 35% respondents had uncertain about willing to donate eyes after death. Regarding association, only source of information, had significant association with knowledge regarding eye donation. Other variables had no significant association. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it has been concluded that most of the respondents had poor knowledge regarding eye donation. However, higher percentage of the respondents had good attitude. Information received from different source had significant association towards knowledge on eye donation but it seemed that though they received information from the media they could not answer correctly. It suggests that there is a need of community awareness program from health professionals. Key words: Attitude, Eye Donation, Knowledge, Students.

SOCIAL IMAGES OF EYE DONATION:THE PATHWAY TOWARDS MAKING A 'GIFT OF SIGHT'

Stupendous possibility of scientific and technological advancement in the field of health care services, the corneal transplantation emerges as a mechanism to enhance the life of a corneal blind person. The number of corneal transplantation has increased with the decrease in graft failure.The institutionalization of corneal transplantation and eye donation has blurred the line between human and machine.This brings a transformation in the outlook of people towards body and eye in the society.The body is considered as a machine and cornea (part of eye anatomy) is regarded as spare part which can be exchanged to replace the healthy donated cornea with the damage cornea of a recipient.The paper seeks to understand the perception towards dead body and willingness for eye donation in the society. The symbolic meaning attached with body and eye in the society is also outlined in the paper.The aim of the paper is to describe the representation of eye and willingness for eye donation among students of Panjab University and its affiliated colleges in Chandigarh,India.

Donor profile and trends of eye donation in Central India

Background: The present study was conducted to study the donor profile and to assess the trends of cornea donation. Methodology: This was conducted as a hospital based cross sectional study at a tertiary care centre in Central India for a period of 5 years. Data was retrieved from 70 patients from eye bank who filled form of eye donation at Eye bank of our institution. Sociodemographic profile of donors, cause of death and time since death was recorded. Source of information regarding corneal donation and reason for not willing to donate the cornea for research purpose was recorded from the filled form. Further cornea enucleated were subjected to serology and their utilization for various purposes were recorded in questionnaire. Results: The present study retrieved data from a total of 70 donor forms with mean age of 65.84 ± 18.4 years. Cornea obtained from younger patients were mainly utilized for corneal transplantation whereas that from elderly age group > 60 years were mainly utilized for research/training purpose and the observed difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The corneas retrieved and utilized immediately after death were significantly used for optical or therapeutic purposes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present highlights the donor profile and trends of corneal donation at the tertiary care facility of Central India. It was observed that though the younger population and older population both are aware regarding corneal donation but still they are less aware on purpose for which cornea can be utilized. Quality of donor cornea is better when death to enucleation time interval was less.