Eversight Connecticut Vision Fall 2016 | Page 11

Surgeons
Eversight Connecticut works closely with surgeons across the state to give their patients the best quality care . One of the most critical local services we provide is immediate delivery of donor tissue for emergency transplants . In the event of an accident or severe eye injury , there is precious little time to save a patient ’ s sight . Our laboratory is able to prepare and hand-deliver corneal tissue at a moment ’ s notice and prevent long-term visual impairment .
Donor Families
When a loved one becomes a donor , families need our support . Eversight Connecticut sends an outcome letter to let them know the impact of their loved one ’ s donation . Support services are also provided to connect them with other families who have made the courageous decision to donate . We give guidance for writing to transplant recipients , who are grateful to learn about the donor who saved their sight . In addition , families can share their story at local events , on social media and in our publications like Vision .
Recipients
Eversight Connecticut provides informational packets to answer common questions prior to their transplant . After a patient recovers , we offer many opportunities and resources for recipients to honor their donor by sharing their story of sight restoration , corresponding with the donor ’ s family or becoming a volunteer .
Researchers
We work with local academic medical centers and research institutions by providing funding and donor tissue that helps accelerate their eye and vision studies . It may come as a surprise to learn that donor tissue for research must be delivered within hours of donation to maintain critical biological information . Just like for transplantation , our technicians are on call to specially recover donor tissue for critical research studies seeking cures for diseases like diabetic retinopathy , glaucoma and macular degeneration .
Charitable Supporters
Charitable contributions to Eversight Connecticut fund our programs , including public education about the ongoing need for eye donors , donor family and recipient support services , aid for uninsured patients , and grants to researchers working to end preventable blindness .
The Public
Our Gift of Knowledge program implements public and professional education initiatives designed to share the inspiring message of sight restoration and encourage people to join the Connecticut Organ Donor Registry .

Get connected

Contact our team for opportunities to get involved
Caithlin Lopes clopes @ eversightvision . org Community and Professional Outreach
Rosemarie Cunningham rcunningham @ eversightvision . org Donor Family Resources and Charitable Support