[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 5964]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL EYE DONOR MONTH

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Eye Bank 
Association of America, the Georgia Eye Bank, and the recognition of 
March as National Eye Donor Month.
  Eye banks today provide for more than 50,000 corneal grafts for 
transplantation each year. In Georgia alone, citizens donated enough 
ocular tissue to provide over 1,200 corneas to their fellow Georgians. 
The generosity of these donors allows for better eye care and the gift 
of improved sight for those lucky enough to receive transplants.
  The Eye Bank Association of America is the oldest transplant 
association in the United States and has restored sight to nearly 1 
million individuals. The association was created in 1955 when 12 eye 
banks formed with the American Academy of Ophthalmology and 
Otolaryngology. Since 1961, more than 600,000 corneal transplants have 
been performed, restoring the sight of men, women, and children ranging 
from 9 days to 107 years old. This year, I am proud to commend Dr. 
Bruce Varnum, chair of the Eye Bank Association of America, from my 
home State of Georgia, for his excellent service and commitment to 
advancing eye transplantation and donation.
  Corneal blindness can develop from a variety of diseases, injuries, 
or infections. These transplants have over a 90 percent success rate 
and give renewed hope for those in need of a new beginning.
  Despite these encouraging numbers, many Americans are still left 
waiting in the dark. I urge my colleagues and all Americans to consider 
becoming eye donors to allow for the miracle of sight that so many of 
us take for granted. By working with the National Eye Banks Association 
and local eye banks, we involve ourselves in the selfless and 
kindhearted spirit that defines the American people. The role of eye 
donors is paramount in assisting those who have tragically lost the 
ability to see.
  Mr. President, lawmakers have recognized March as National Eye Donor 
Month since President Reagan proclaimed the first one in 1983 and I am 
honored on behalf of the residents of Georgia and those throughout the 
country to recognize March as National Eye Donor Month.

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