The Alabama Eye Bank is again ranked among the top ten eye banks in the world in the latest Eye Bank Association of America statistical report. The Alabama Eye Bank provided 1,449 corneal tissues to transplant recipients in 2004 making it the sixth largest eye bank among 88 world-wide. Additionally, the Alabama Eye Bank provided over 300 tissues for research and education. Nationally, more than 32,000 Americans received corneal transplants in 2004. Since 1960, eye banks nationwide have made possible more than 700,000 sight restoring corneal transplantations. But each year more donors are needed to meet that need. In Alabama, indicating on your drivers license or signing a donor card is a good first step, but be sure to talk to your loved ones and let them know of your donation wishes.

The Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA), established in 1961, is the oldest transplant association in the nation. The EBAA is dedicated to the restoration of sight through the promotion and advancement of eye banking. It has led the transplantation field with the establishment of medical standards for the distribution of eyes and comprehensive training and certification programs for eye banking personnel.

Please contact AEB at www.alabamaeyebank.org or call the number above for more information. The Eye Bank consistently has been one of the largest providers of surgical ocular tissues for corneal transplant use. Headquartered in Birmingham , the organization maintains regional offices in Mobile , Huntsville and Montgomery.

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