Obstacles to Post-mortem Cornea Donation: A Study From a Tribal Region in Eastern India

Purpose: Studying the cognizance and hindrances of eye benefactors amongst relatives of post-mortem cases in an Indian tertiary referral centre. Methods: This prospective study was executed at a tertiary hospital. In this examination, the relatives had been approached and counselled systematically. The responses had been noted in a predesigned proforma. Data regarding demographic details, socioeconomic status, prior knowledge of eye benefactor, willingness and reasons for refusing eye benefactor, literacy level, relationship with the deceased patient, and so on were collected. Results: One hundred fifty-six potential donors had been identified from 845 post-mortem cases. Among these potential donors were 63 women and 93 men. Thirty-eight next of kin had been seen as already cognizant regarding eye benefactor; however, other 118 families were unaware. A total of 109 families refused to donate eyes while other 47 showed willingness for the procedure. It was seen that there was no influence on literacy status, socioeconomic status and prior knowledge regarding the concept of willingness to donate. Conclusion: Counselling for eye benefactor exercises a crucial role in procuring corneas. Socioeconomic status, literacy and prior understanding of eye donation had no link with donor corneal tissue procurement in our study. Even in families with no prior knowledge and poor socioeconomic status, active counselling can be successful.