Journal of Bioethical Inquiry

, Volume 11, Issue 1, pp 57–64 | Cite as

Understanding Selective Refusal of Eye Donation

Identity, Beauty, and Interpersonal Relationships
Original Research
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Corneal transplantation is the most common form of organ transplantation performed globally. However, of all organs, eyes have the highest rate of refusal of donation. This study explored the reasons why individuals decide whether or not to donate corneas. Twenty-one individuals were interviewed who had made a donation decision (13 refused corneal donation and eight consented). Analysis was performed using Grounded Theory. Refusal of corneal donation was related to concerns about disfigurement and the role of eyes in memory and communication. The request for donation therefore raised concerns about a potential adverse change in the ongoing relationship with the deceased, even in death. For those who refused donation, these concerns overshadowed awareness of need or benefit of transplantation. Adjusting the donation message to be more congruent with the real, lived experience of corneal donation may to some extent “prepare” individuals when the donation question is raised.

Keywords

Organ and tissue procurement Tissue donors Corneal transplantation 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Rachel Ankeny, Miles Little, and Wendy Lipworth, who critically analysed the transcripts, and to Frank Billson, who was involved in the development of the research. Funding was provided by the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in MedicineUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia
  2. 2.Save Sight Institute, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye HospitalUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia
  3. 3.Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in MedicineUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia
  4. 4.Haematology DepartmentRoyal North Shore HospitalLeonardsAustralia

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