Today the Eye Bank of Canada has grown tremendously from its auspicious beginnings. In Ontario over 200 eyes are now donated each and every month. In excess of 100 sight-restoring surgeries every month are made possible through eye donations. In 2000, The Eye Bank of Canada (Ontario Division) was ranked as the third most successful Eye Bank in North America in receiving donated eyes.
  The Eye Bank remains a joint effort between the CNIB and the University of Toronto. The University administers an annual operating grant from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, provides academic expertise and the infrastructure at the St. George campus, and contributes the necessary medical and scientific expertise.
  The CNIB (Ontario Division), under the auspices of the Rehabilitation department, augments the Eye Bank's endeavours to promote eye donations and attends to the financial costs of transportation of eyes to and from the Eye Bank as well as mailing services.The staff from hospitals throughout Ontario now participating enthusiastically in the eye donor program.

The success of the Eye Bank lies in the dedication and commitment of health care professionals that reach out to grieving families by offering them the option of donations. The care and skill these professionals take in proceeding with the donation process is the cornerstone of Ontario's eye donor program.

Corneas are distributed to more than twenty surgeons in our province for sight-restoring transplants. More than one thousand individuals each year regain their vision from corneal transplants made possible by eye donations. In addition, donated sclera can be indispensable in sight saving surgeries for glaucoma as well as for reconstructive surgeries. Donated eyes unsuitable for transplantation to another human being can be valuable in advancing the knowledge and treatment of blinding diseases .

 

The rapid growth and development of The Eye Bank of Canada (Ontario Division) could not have been sustained if not for the unceasing support of many organizations throughout the province. The Lion's Clubs of Ontario have long been part of Eye Bank history. Volunteer members of Lions clubs throughout the province have established a relay system for the expedient transportation of donated eyes from hospitals to the Eye Bank.

In addition, various Lions' and Lioness' clubs generously make financial contributions for Eye Bank equipment, supplies and promotional material. In addition to the Lion's voluntary transport service, the OPP generously volunteer their skills and time in transporting donated eyes and corneas in emergency situations throughout Ontario.

An individual can also make a financial donation to the Eye Bank to help us further research, purchase equipment and continue public awareness events. Contact us at the address below to find out how you can support our activities.

At the heart of eye donations is the enduring humanitarian spirit of the donor family. From the darkness of sorrow and pain, the donor families' courage and compassion shines through to make a difference in someone else's life.

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The Eye Bank of Canada, Ontario Division
Department of Ophthalmology
University of Toronto
1 Spadina Crescent
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Phone: (416) 978-7355, Fax: (416) 978-1522, Email: eye.bank@utoronto.ca
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