Gift of sight is legacy of corneal donation

"I felt that my whole life was changed by this small cornea," she said. "I would never cause my family members concern when I was alone at home and I could also do the housework normally."

In gratitude of the donation, Ding's three daughters signed up to become cornea donors after their mother's corneal transplant surgery.

"My biggest wish is to donate this cornea after my death, letting it bring light to the next person," Ding said.

"After careful examination, I found this cornea is still in good condition and can be transplanted," said Liu Ping, director of the hospital. "Therefore, Ding can realize her wish to be a volunteer."

Liu was familiar with this cornea. He has performed corneal transplant surgeries on successive patients using the same cornea.

Yan Ahong, the first cornea donor in the province, donated her corneas after her death at the age of 34 on Nov 12, 2004. One of her corneas was transplanted to a 71-year-old woman, Zhang Zili.

Yan, a Harbin journalist, signed a corneal donation agreement in 2002 when she was diagnosed with lymphatic metastasis, two years after an operation for endometrial cancer.
Zhang donated the cornea after her death at the age of 81, and Ding became its new owner.

"In 1999, the provincial eye bank had been founded at the First Affiliated University of Harbin Medical University, but due to the influence of traditional concepts and people's lack of understanding of corneal transplants, corneal volume was zero till Yan's donation," said Zhang Hong, director of Heilongjiang Eye Bank, noting that Yan's selfless gift inspired people to donate their corneas after death.

"I really hope that more people can join the team of volunteers, so that the gift of love can be passed on and bring light to more people," she added.