[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL EYE DONOR MONTH

  Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues that March is National Eye Donor Month. In 1983, 
President Ronald Reagan announced, ``One of the most magnificent 
presents that one human being can bestow upon another is the gift of 
sight. Incredible as it may seem, it is within the power of each of us 
to give this precious gift simply by making arrangements to donate our 
eyes after death.'' In less than 50 words, President Reagan expressed 
how simple and incredible it is to give the gift of sight. He declared 
March as National Eye Donor Month, and today his words hold no less 
relevance.
  During National Eye Donor Month, we should take time to honor past 
donors and their families for the tremendous gift of sight they have 
given. These gifts have helped to improve the lives of over 1 million 
recipients since this procedure was introduced into America's health 
care system. Throughout the United States today, more than 40,000 
corneal transplants take place yearly, over 750 each week. The Eye Bank 
Association of America was founded in 1961 and promulgates medical 
standards for eye banks throughout the world. Its initial membership of 
25 member banks has grown to 85 banks in the United States and 15 
international banks.
  Corneal transplants can restore sight to people of all ages and all 
walks of life, whether it be a newborn, an adult or an aging 
grandparent. While success rates for corneal transplants have always 
been high, advancements in recent technology have increased success 
rates to over 95 percent. When the procedure was first performed, 
patients would spend upwards of 1 month in the hospital recovering from 
the transplant. Today, it is an outpatient procedure.
  Today, we possess the knowledge and technology to give the gift of 
sight to thousands of individuals through the generosity of eye 
donation. Anyone can become an eye donor. Cataracts, poor eyesight or 
age do not prevent a person from being a donor. I encourage all 
Americans to become eye donors. It is a very simple process. All you 
need to do is sign up on your State's donor registry and talk to your 
family to ensure they understand that you wish to give the gift of 
sight.
  Donated human eyes and corneal tissue are used for research, 
education and transplantation. There is no substitute for human tissue 
donation. Corneal transplants cannot take place without the priceless 
gift of corneal donation from one human to another. I encourage my 
colleagues to work with their local eye banks to help raise awareness 
within your communities and throughout our country. I am honored to 
recognize March as National Eye Donor Month today in the Record.

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