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.
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