The Gift of Sight — Organ and Tissue Donor Month at Kobus Siemens Optometrist Oogkundige
August marks Organ and Tissue Donor Month in South Africa — a time to raise awareness, spark conversations, and inspire action around one of the most selfless acts a person can make. While many think of organ donation in terms of saving lives through hearts, kidneys, or livers, there is another extraordinary gift you can give — the gift of sight.
What is the Cornea and Why Does it Matter?
The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped layer that covers the coloured part of your eye (the iris) and your pupil. Although small — about the size of a one cent coin — it is essential for vision. Light first enters the cornea, passes through the lens, and then focuses on the retina, where it is translated into images by the brain.
Beyond enabling sight, the cornea helps maintain the eye’s shape and acts as a barrier against dust, germs, and injury. But if the cornea becomes damaged, scarred, or cloudy due to disease or trauma, it can lead to severe vision loss or blindness.
When is a Cornea Transplant Needed?
A cornea transplant may be the only option for people who have:
- Hereditary eye conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy or keratoconus
- Scarring from injury, ulcers, or infection
- Clouding or thinning of the cornea due to disease or ageing
- Severe corneal damage from trauma
The surgery involves replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy one from a donor. It’s a delicate, highly successful procedure that can restore not only sight — but also confidence, independence, and quality of life.
The Need for Cornea Donations in South Africa
Each year, hundreds of corneal transplants take place in South Africa, but the need for donor tissue is far greater than the available supply. Artificial corneas are not yet a viable alternative, so patients depend entirely on the generosity of donors.
Corneal donation can benefit people of all ages — even newborn babies. Your vision quality or whether you wear glasses does not affect your eligibility to donate. The only exclusions are certain medical conditions or infectious diseases.
Dispelling Myths About Cornea Donation
Many people hesitate to register as donors due to common misconceptions. Here are the facts:
- Age isn’t a barrier — People of almost any age can donate.
- Appearance is preserved — Open casket funerals are still possible after corneal donation.
- You don’t need “perfect” eyes — Wearing glasses or contact lenses does not prevent you from being a donor.
Why Your Decision Matters
When you choose to become a cornea donor, you’re offering more than just improved vision — you’re giving someone the chance to watch their children grow, read books again, enjoy the beauty of nature, and live independently.
For the recipient, it’s more than a medical procedure; it’s the restoration of life’s precious moments.
How to Register as an Organ and Tissue Donor
If you feel moved to help give the gift of sight, registering is simple:
📞 Toll-Free: 0800 22 66 11
📧 Email: megan@odf.org.za
The process takes only a few minutes, but its impact could last a lifetime for someone else.
Our Commitment at Kobus Siemens Optometrist Oogkundige
At Kobus Siemens Optometrist Oogkundige, we are passionate about eye health and vision care. While we provide eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and advanced screenings, we also know that sometimes sight can only be restored through the generosity of a donor.
This Organ and Tissue Donor Month, we stand alongside the Organ Donor Foundation to encourage our community to consider registering. Your choice could be the light in someone else’s darkness.
