Governor Declares March as Eye Donor Month in Georgia

(L-R): David Thompson-Sandy Springs, Christine Sobeski-Acworth, Jamila Nevels-Decatur, Adam Celio-Snellville, Saira Sheikh-Kennesaw, Bruce Varnum, CEO-Milton, Governor Sonny Purdue, Trish Watkins-Atlanta, Chemika Jenkins-Mablelton, Vanessa Conner-Marietta, Susan Littlefield-Duluth

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue has proclaimed March 2007 as Eye Donor Month in Georgia. The proclamation urges all Georgians to give the Gift of Sight by making the decision to become an eye donor and discussing their wishes with their families. Several Georgia Eye Bank staff members attended the signing ceremony at the state Capitol.

Georgia Eye Bank, the sole provider of eye banking services in the state of Georgia, provides 20-30 corneas for transplant each week. The Eye Bank recovers, processes and provides donor eye tissue for eye surgeries and eye research studies and promotes and provides education pertaining to eye donation.

Georgia Eye Bank is a nonprofit organization dedicated to being a world leader in eye banking. During 2007, the Eye Bank expects to provide tissue for approximately 1,100 surgeries. Since its founding in 1961, Georgia Eye Bank has helped to restore the sight of more than 28,000 people. The Eye Bank offers solace to grieving families by providing an opportunity for something wonderful to come from the loss of a loved one. This generous gift then culminates with the joy experienced by the recipient whose sight has been restored.

Georgia Eye Bank depends on many other volunteer groups and agencies to carry out its mission. The Board of Trustees, the Medical Advisory Committee, hospital and funeral home staffs, the Georgia State Patrol, medical examiners and coroners, and generous financial supporters all make the Gift of Sight possible. The goal of providing donor eye tissue to every Georgian who needs the Gift of Sight could not be met without the support of this statewide volunteer network.

Take a moment to consider eye donation and discuss your wishes with your family. Corneal transplantation, other eye surgeries, and eye research can take place only if someone gives the precious Gift of Sight.

For additional information, please visit our web site at www. georgiaeyebank.org.