Frequently asked questions
Eversight is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to restore sight and prevent blindness through the healing power of donation, transplantation and research. Eversight is responsible for coordinating the eye tissue recovery process with healthcare staff and organ procurement organizations, and works in close partnership with hospitals in the areas we serve.
In every state, hospital deaths must be reported to the appropriate organ procurement organization (OPO). Eversight partners with OPOs and hospitals in the areas we serve to gain information about potential donors.
Ocular recoveries need to be done within 24 hours of passing. However, to ensure the best possible outcome of the gift, it is important to complete our processes as soon as possible.
Once our technician arrives, the recovery takes approximately one to two hours to complete.
The entire eye may be recovered for use in research and education, however only the corneas can be transplanted to provide sight restoration.
We obtain medical records to ensure that a donor is suitable for donation. Eversight follows HIPAA guidelines, and these records are kept confidential and only shared with those agencies, physicians and other health care personnel who are involved in the treatment of the donor and tissue recipients, or those who are involved with the removal of the anatomical gifts.
No, Eversight has strong relationships with medical examiners and coroners throughout our service areas, and we work together to coordinate donation.
To keep the natural shape of the eyes after recovery, Eversight uses the same techniques as funeral homes.
Because of regulations and the safety of our staff and potential recipients, we are required to complete this paperwork.
Yes, Eversight works with many Anatomical Gift Programs throughout our service areas.
The corneas do not get blood flow from the body and are thus not affected by many common cancers.
Typically, the parts of the eye that affect someone’s vision are tissue that is not transplanted. We are concerned about trauma, surgery, infections or corneal diseases when determining donation eligibility.
Within 12 weeks after the donation occurs, Eversight will send the donor family a follow-up letter that includes general information about the outcome of the donation.
Many donor families would like to connect with the individual(s) who received their loved one’s tissue, and Eversight is pleased to help make that happen by coordinating communication between you and the transplant recipient.
Many donor families would like to connect with the individual(s) who received their loved one’s tissue, and Eversight is pleased to help make that happen by coordinating communication between you and the transplant recipient.
