Give the Gift of Sight
One act of eye donation can help restore vision for someone living with corneal blindness.
Welcome to the ACS Medical College & Hospital Eye Bank. We promote eye donation, guide families at the time of death, and support the ethical recovery and use of donated corneal tissue in line with applicable standards and regulations. A timely call from a family can turn a moment of loss into the chance for someone to see.
ACS Medical College & Hospital Eye Bank
The Eye Bank is a centre for eye donation awareness, donor-family support and corneal tissue services, guided by respect for the donor, compassion for the family and the safe, ethical handling of donated tissue.
- Dignity for every donor and donor family
- Prompt response and clear guidance when a family calls
- Ethical, consent-based donation
- Quality and safety at every stage we undertake
- Public education to reduce avoidable corneal blindness
Understanding Eye Donation
What is eye donation?
Eye donation is the voluntary donation of eye tissue after death. The cornea, the clear front window of the eye, can be transplanted to restore sight in a person with corneal blindness.
Who can donate?
People of many ages and backgrounds may donate. Age, spectacles, past cataract surgery, diabetes or high blood pressure do not automatically rule out donation. The Eye Bank team assesses every donor.
When should we call?
As soon as possible after death. Corneas are generally retrieved within about six hours, so an early call matters. The Eye Bank team will guide you on the exact timing.
Does it disfigure the face? Is there a cost?
No. Trained personnel perform retrieval with care, preserving the donor's appearance and allowing customary last rites. Families are not charged for donating eye tissue.
How to Donate Eyes After Death
Call immediately.
Contact the Eye Bank as soon as possible and keep the number handy.
Close the eyelids gently.
Do not apply pressure to the eyes.
Keep the eyes cool.
Switch off fans directly over the face and place a clean, cool, damp cloth over the closed eyelids.
Keep details ready.
Time of death, medical history and next-of-kin contact information.
Give consent.
The team will explain the process and take consent from the next of kin or legal representative. Final suitability is decided after medical assessment.
Pledge Your Eyes
A pledge records your wish to donate your eyes after death. Please also tell your family, as their consent will be sought at the time of donation.
Make an Eye Donation Pledge
Make an Eye Donation Pledge
Services
Publish only services ACS is licensed and equipped to provide; identify any partner arrangements accurately.
24-hour donor notification helpline [confirm availability]
Donor screening and medical assessment
Ocular tissue retrieval by trained, authorised personnel
Corneal evaluation, processing, preservation and distribution [confirm on site or partner]
Corneal transplantation coordination [confirm whether surgery is offered at ACS]
Awareness, outreach and professional training
FAQs
Can someone who wears spectacles or has had cataract surgery donate?
Can people with diabetes or high blood pressure donate?
Can we donate if the person never pledged?
What if the death occurs at home?
What may prevent donation?
Is the whole eye transplanted?
For Hospitals & Healthcare Professionals
Sensitively inform families about the option of eye donation and, with their permission, contact the Eye Bank promptly. Please share the time of death, relevant clinical and infection history, and contact details. The team will guide the next steps.
Refer a Potential Donor / Contact the Eye Bank
Awareness & Outreach
Through awareness talks, pledge drives, hospital counselling and community campaigns, we aim to make eye donation a familiar and informed choice.
Your eyes can live on. Choose eye donation.
Talk to your family about eye donation today.
In the event of a death, call the Eye Bank. Time matters.
Contact Us
ACS Medical College & Hospital – Eye Bank
Address
Poonamalle High Road (Chennai – Bangalore Highway – NH4) Velappanchavadi Chennai – 600 077.
24-hour helpline
044 – 2378 2176 / 2186
contact@drmgrdu.ac.in
ACS Medical College & Hospital – Eye Bank
Disclaimer: This website is for education and does not replace direct advice from the Eye Bank team.