“The future for me, is literally bright and clear. I can lead a full and productive life, thanks to the generosity of organ donation.”
For Julian Pinhey, a professional model maker specialising in very detailed work, being diagnosed with an eye disease that would gradually erode his sight meant he feared the future.
Thanks to the Ophthalmology team at Maidstone Hospital – part of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust – and corneal tissue donated by two people, Julian has had his vision restored, describing organ and tissue donation as “one of the most important things a human can do for a fellow human”.
The cornea is the clear, outer layer at the front of your eye, letting in light so you can see.
This small and simple piece of tissue looks a bit like a contact lens and makes thousands of transplants possible each year. It can save the sight of patients, including children born with eye conditions or who have had accidents.
There is an urgent need for more people to donate their corneas as around 6,000 people in the UK are awaiting a transplant, often waiting well over a year.
Julian said: “Please take the time to register for organ donation, and tell your family your wishes, so things can progress smoothly for everyone.”
Retired GP and another recipient of donated corneal tissue, Dudley Hubbard, agrees, saying: “If it was not for the knowledge, expertise and skills of the team, I would not have achieved the result that I have – they really pulled out all the stops to improve my sight as much as they could.
“Although I am unlikely to need another transplant, for other patients the need for donated organs is still a high priority.”
A cornea transplant – also referred to as a corneal graft – can be used to improve sight, relieve pain and treat severe infection or damage.
The benefits of the surgery are almost immediate. Four days after his surgery, transplant recipient, Graham could see his wife again and play “hungry hippos” with his grandchildren.
In a huge boost to his personal independence, he can now move around his home more freely and safely and says how much he is looking forward to being able to read a book again.
On World Sight Day on Thursday 9 October, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Miss Sundas Maqsood is encouraging people to register their decision to donate corneal tissue:
“Almost anybody can donate their corneas – even if you wear glasses, are older or have had cataract surgery – yet many people simply aren’t aware corneal donation is possible!
“I encourage everyone to take a moment to register their decision and to talk openly with loved ones about their wishes. It’s more important than ever to raise awareness because I have seen first-hand that this truly is a life-changing gift.”
To register your decision, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS app.