Medical Examiner and Eye Banks as Partners for Transplantation in the United States

Abstract

In the United States many eye donors fall under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner, who in the course of routine duties for death investigation, is also the gatekeeper of these valued potential donations. Collaboration and communication between the Medical Examiner and the eye bank are critical in preserving evidence and complying with standards and protocols for eye banking, particularly as it relates to timely accessibility for recovery. This review outlines some of the areas of the death investigation which are crucial to the Medical Examiner’s ability to determine cause of death and eye banks must be sensitive to the presence of death investigation evidence. The confidence of the Medical Examiner in the eye bank’s ability to preserve evidence, such as vitreous collection, allows for the development of policies and protocols to meet the needs of both entities. The National Academy of Medical Examiners has expressed support for the donation process that eye banks can build upon in forming positive relations with the Medical Examiner.