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Cornea transplant recipient calls eye donation 'enormous gift'
Overview
A man whose sight was saved by donated corneas has urged people to consider eye donation after death, describing it as an enormous gift. Justin Hunter received a cornea transplant in Cheltenham after being diagnosed with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy, a rare condition causing blindness. Medical professionals and donor families have highlighted the high demand for eye donations, noting that the vast majority of people are eligible to donate their eyes and that corneas can be transplanted up to 24 hours after death.
Key points
- Justin Hunter's sight was saved by a cornea transplant after he was diagnosed with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy.
- There are currently about 6,000 people on the waiting list for cornea transplants across the UK, including 50 in Gloucestershire.
- Iain Dobie shared how his late wife Alison's eye donation provided solace during mourning and helped a recipient regain sight.
- Dr Paul Tomlins explained that one donor can potentially help multiple patients, and the vast majority of people are able to donate their eyes.
- Corneas can be successfully transplanted up to 24 hours after a person passes away.