For Donor Families
The Minnesota Lions Eye Bank is dedicated to treating donors and their families with dignity and respect.
Commitment to Confidentiality
The Minnesota Lions Eye Bank maintains a strict confidentiality policy for donors and recipients. The decision to donate is confidential, and the gift of sight is made anonymously.
Materials containing specific donor information are stored securely and destroyed when no longer needed. Employees are prohibited from discussing specific donor information with persons not immediately affiliated with the eye bank or the donation.
Care in Eye and Cornea Donation
The Minnesota Lions Eye Bank practices both whole eye (during which the entire eye is removed) and in situ (in which only the cornea is removed) donation. While the cornea (the clear tissue in the front of the eye) is the only part of the eye regularly transplanted, the sclera (white of the eye) can also be used in surgery to repair the recipient?s sclera.
To ensure recipient safety, a sample of the donor?s blood is sent to a laboratory to test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.
The Minnesota Lions Eye Bank evaluates all donated to ensure they are healthy enough for transplantation. In the event the corneas may not qualify for transplantation, we seek the family’s consent to use the eye or parts of the eye not transplanted for research.
Scientists study donated eyes to discover new medications and surgical techniques that might cure diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetes-related blindness. Nationwide, more than 23,000 eyes are donated annually for research and education.
Correspondence
The Minnesota Lions Eye Bank acts as the intermediary between donor families and corneal recipients and always strives to serve the needs of both parties to the best of our abilities.
As a donor family member, you may at some point wish to write a note to the recipients of your loved one?s corneas. There is no time limit for such correspondence, and you have no obligation to write. The choice is your personal decision.
The eye bank has a responsibility to facilitate the communication process, but it is our policy to share no information that breaches the privacy rights of a donor, a donor?s family, or a patient. Your card or letter will be reviewed to ensure confidentiality.
If you do decide to write a letter, we offer these guidelines:
- Include information you feel comfortable sharing about your loved one, such as occupation or hobbies and ways your loved one was special to you.
- Use simple language and communicate in a sensitive manner.
- Do not include any last names, your address, or your phone number.
- Place the card or letter in an unsealed envelope.
- Include a cover sheet with your name, address, and the full name of your donor.
- Mail the materials to:
Minnesota Lions Eye Bank
Suite 260
1000 Westgate Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Please keep in mind that the correspondence process takes time, and some people are not able to respond right away.
For a brochure on corresponding with your donor?s family, click here:
Community Services Liaison
Minnesota Lions Eye Bank donor families are assisted by Jodi Altenhofen, our community services liaison.
If you have questions on the outcome of a donation, want more information on our family support services, or have feedback on the donation process or a story to share, please contact:
Jodi Altenhofen
Community Services Liaison
Direct Line: 612-624-0446
Toll-Free: 1-866-887-4448
Email: magnu007@umn.edu