The Alabama Eye Bank: 25 years of giving sight.

Abstract

Modern Eye Banking had its start in the mid-1940's. However, it was not until the 1960's that eye banking grew to become a movement or even a necessary part of the health care delivery system in the state of Alabama. The Alabama Eye Bank has grown rapidly to become one of the largest corneal processing networks in the United States. Corneal transplant surgery remains highly successful in restoring sight. The contraindications for donor tissue should be clarified to all physicians and other health care professionals. The public should be make aware of the vision care available to them in the state of Alabama. The general public should be aware of how to become a pre-pledged eye donor, of research, teaching and transplantable tissue and also how they can be assured that their wishes are carried out at the time of their demise. Even with scheduled transplant surgery for all Alabamians, the need for the general public and medical professionals to be oriented and educated towards multi-organ and tissue donations is important.