MORE than 4,000 people in England are living with sight loss when a cornea transplant could restore their vision and transform their life.
Figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) on World Sight Day last Thursday (October 9) show the number of cornea transplants reached a 10-year high in 2024-25, but still too many people are waiting for a life-changing transplant - with 500 patients waiting for more than a year.
Unlike organs such as kidneys and lungs that need to be transplanted as soon as they are donated, corneas can be stored for 28 days until they are matched to a patient needing a transplant.
The number of cornea donors fell by three per cent in 2024-25 to 4,976, contributing to the thousands of people waiting for a cornea transplant.
The NHS needs more people to agree to donate their eyes after death to help the thousands of people not able to see properly, bringing down the waiting list. NHSBT needs 70 donors a week (140 corneas) to ensure there are enough corneas continuously available.
By agreeing to donate your corneas, you can transform the life of someone who hasn't been able to see their family properly or live a normal life.
Please consider leaving an amazing legacy of the gift of sight. Join the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family.
To find out more and to register your organ and tissue donation decision, please visit organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 or use the NHS app.