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Learn more about obtaining tissue from the San Diego Eye Bank.

Providing ocular tissue services to ophthalmologists around the world.

How to Become an Eye Donor

At the San Diego Eye Bank, our Family Service Department works closely with hospitals, hospices, and families to provide the opportunity for donation and to make the process as easy as possible  Arrangements for donation can be made prior to death by yourself or shortly after death by legal next of kin. Donation must take place within hours of death to insure the suitability of the tissue. 

If you would like to learn more about how to become an eye donor, contact the San Diego Eye Bank, or you can register on line at www.donatelifecalifornia.org .

Family Services

At the San Diego Eye Bank, family service coordinators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They are available to answer any questions that you have about donation, or help you with the consent process. If you would like to learn more, simply contact the San Diego Eye Bank.

www.donatelifecalifornia.org

In most cases, family members make the decision to donate their loved ones' tissue after that loved one has passed away. The following is a list of individuals who, in order, can make donation decisions regarding tissue donation:

  1. Self
  2. An agent of the decedent at the time of death who could have made an anatomical gift immediately before the decedent’s death (i.e. Durable Power of Attorney)
  3. Spouse or domestic partner
  4. Adult children
  5. Parent
  6. Adult sibling
  7. Adult grandchildren
  8. Grandparent
  9. An adult who exhibited special care and concern for the decedent during the decedent’s lifetime
  10. The persons who are acting as the guardians or conservators of the decedent at the time of death

Bereavement Support Services

Grief is a natural response to the death of someone that you love. It is a process that can take you through a number of phases which can be different for everyone involved. It can be painful and difficult. When grief is shared, the pain and sorrow can become more bearable and diminish with time.

There are a number of local organizations that can help you get through this difficult time. The organizations listed below provide bereavement programs for individuals and families in grief. All are located in our community and many of the organizations have support groups that meet in different areas of the county. 

Letter Writing Protocol

Contact the San Diego Eye Bank

At the San Diego Eye Bank, we can help answer your question regarding eye donation or help facilitate the process for your loved one. To learn how to become an eye donor, contact the San Diego Eye Bank. We are proud to help individuals and families provide the most precious gift of all, the Gift of Sight.

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The state-of-the-art San Diego Eye Bank Excimer Laser Center is a community resource for both patients and physicians. Since it opened in 1996, thousands of patients have benefited from laser vision correction surgery at the facility.

At the San Diego Eye Bank, we are dedicated to providing medical education programs that feature internationally known speakers and the latest issues surrounding ocular tissue collection, distribution, and processing. We are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and sponsor educational programs for all ophthalmic medical professionals.

To learn how you or a loved one can take part in eye tissue donation in order to provide the Gift of Sight to those in need, contact the San Diego Eye Bank today.

San Diego Eye Bank
9246 Lightwave Ave., Suite 120
San Diego, CA 92123

Toll Free: 800-EYE-BANK
Local: 858-694-0400
International: 00-1-858-694-0400
Fax: 858-565-7368

Support From Others - Author Unknown

Don’t tell me that you understand.
Don’t tell me that you know.
Don’t tell me that I will survive,
How I will surely grow.
Don’t come at me with answers
That can only come from me.
Don’t tell me how my grief will pass,
That I will soon be free.
Accept me in my ups and downs.
I need someone to share.
Just hold my hand and let me cry
And say, “My friend, I care.”

Celebrate Life Memorial Stone

On August 20, 2005 the Celebrate Life Memorial Stone was dedicated to all the heroes who become eye, organ, and tissue donors. The memorial stone was donated by the Leo Bourget family, a recipient family. The memorial site, behind the Salli Lynne Chapel at Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary, is a place of reflection and solace.  We would like to invite you to visit the Celebrate Life Memorial Stone at Greenwood Memorial Park.

GREENWOOD MEMORIAL PARK
4300 IMPERIAL AVENUE
SAN DIEGO, CA 92113
619-264-3133

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