Logan Boulet, a young hockey player who passed away after the recent Bronco bus crash is saving lives and inspiring people thanks to his decision to become an organ donor. Learn more about how you can give the gift of sight.
Logan Boulet’s decision to register as an organ donor has emerged as an inspirational story amid the immense tragedy surrounding the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that killed 15 people and injured 14 others last month.
The defenceman’s organs helped save six lives and since the family’s announcement, organ donation agencies in Canada have seen a significant spike in people registering as organ donors, many of whom say they’ve been inspired by the brave hockey player.
Talk to Your Calgary Eye Doctor Today
If you are considering becoming an eye donor, talk to your local Calgary eye doctor today. They will be able to guide you on making the most informed decision on how to give the gift of sight to someone in need.
Why Become an Eye Donor
Donating your eyes and other organs and tissues at death can restore sight and health to a person in great need. When you make a decision to become an eye donor, your selfless act can be used for:
- sight-saving cornea transplants
- reconstructive eye surgeries
- medical education
- research into blinding and serious eye diseases such as glaucoma and diseases of the retina
Can I Become an Eye Donor?
If you are considering becoming an eye donor, you should discuss your candidacy with your eye doctor. They can help determine if this is a suitable option for you.
Typically, almost anyone between the ages of 2-75 can become an eye donor, regardless of poor vision, diabetes, or cancer. In fact, only under the following conditions can eye donation NOT occur:
- HIV or AIDS
- active hepatitis
- active syphilis
- rabies
- viral encephalitis
- leukemia
- active lymphoma
- active meningitis
Important Facts About Eye Donations
The decision to donate your eyes is a personal one, and to help inform your decision, here is some basic information about eye donation and transplantation. If there is something you can’t find here and are still unsure about, please contact our Calgary eye doctor.
Did you know...
- Almost anyone who is between the ages of 2-74 can become an eye donor
- Most people who are eligible to donate blood can become a suitable eye donor
- Over 95 percent of all corneal transplants that are performed are successful
- Corneas must be recovered within 24 hours after death
- Anyone can be a potential eye donor, regardless of their age or medical history. However, your medical condition at the time of death will determine what can and cannot be donated.
- If you’re admitted to the hospital due to sickness or injury, the number one priority will ALWAYS BE to save your life.
- An open casket funeral is possible for eye, organ, and tissue donors.
- There is no cost to the donor or the family for their eye/cornea donation.
- An eye donation does not usually delay any funeral arrangements.
- The cornea is the most commonly used part of the eye in transplant surgery. The sclera can also be used to repair another patient’s sclera, eardrum, or nasal septum.
Register Here to Become an Eye Donor
Before making the decision to become an eye or tissue donor, it’s crucial that you understand the process completely, and are aware just how important your choice is. Remember to discuss this with your family members and loved ones, so they can be prepared to speak on behalf of you.
To register as an organ or tissue donor in Alberta CLICK HERE.
Call Today
For more information on how you can give the beautiful gift of sight, visit our Calgary eye clinic, or contact one of our eye doctors today at 403-280-7518.
