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Almost 500 patients have waited more than a year for a sight-saving cornea donation, with new figures revealing a serious shortage across England.
More than 4,000 people are on the waiting list for corneas transplant, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said.
NHSBT said 3.3 million people NHS organ donor Register those who have opted to donate their other organs, but not corneas – only 4,976 donated corneas have been recorded in the UK NHS Blood and Transplant in 2024/25, down from 5,134 in 2023/24.
Cornea transplant involves replacing all or part of the damaged cornea – the clear outer layer of the eye.
One of the recipients includes Laura Grady, a mother of two and software administrator from Greenwich, who has had three cornea transplants — two for an undiagnosed disease and one after cataract surgery.
“After the transplant, my vision was clear,” she said.
“At first it was still blurry, but clear. I could see color and definition. Now I can see my sons’ sweet little faces.
“If I had not had a cornea transplant, I probably would not have been able to keep my job, and therefore would not have met my partner Justin, and probably would not have had my sons.
“I feel forever grateful to our donors and their families. Words are not enough to express my gratitude.
“Now that both my eyes have healed, I know how different my life would have been had I not been so lucky to have these corneas.”
Ben Cronin, who was a cornea donor when his father died, has himself been waiting for a transplant for months.
His father Ben also died in 2011 at the age of 69. His corneas were donated and saved the eyesight of two people, the NHSBT said.
Mr Cronin, 33, from Wrentham, Suffolk, has a condition called keratoconus, which is a progressive eye condition where his cornea thins and changes shape.
“The vision in my left eye has become increasingly blurry and unstable,” he said.
“Everyday tasks that most people take for granted, such as reading signs, recognizing faces or driving, have become extremely challenging.
“Cornea transplantation is the only option now to restore some clarity and stability to my vision.
“My vision problems affect every part of my daily life. I had to leave my previous job as an administrator and even in my volunteer roles I find myself struggling.”
He added, “I’ve been on the waiting list for a cornea transplant since the end of June, but it feels like it’s taken so long. It’s a weird balance between hope and uncertainty.”
“As the son of a donor, I know deep down that my chance to see clearly again will come through someone else’s loss, and that’s a difficult thought.
“A cornea transplant will give me back the part of my life that was missing.
“I would tell people that donation, whether it’s a cornea, tissue, organ or blood, is one of the most selfless and powerful gifts anyone can give.
“Cornea donation doesn’t just restore vision; it restores independence, dignity, and a person’s place in the world. Two small, transparent pieces of tissue can completely change someone’s life.”
Most people, of any age and with most medical histories, can donate their corneas when they die.
Kyle Bennett, Assistant Director of Tissue and Ophthalmic Services NHS Blood and TransplantSaid: “By agreeing to donate your cornea, you can change the life of someone who is no longer able to see their family properly or live a normal life.
“Thousands of people are waiting for eye surgery that could change their vision and their lives. Giving the gift of sight is incredibly powerful and life-changing.
“There are not enough cornea donations to help people waiting for life-changing transplants.
“Please consider leaving a wonderful legacy of the gift of sight by agreeing to donate your corneas. Join the NHS Organ Donor Register and let your family know.”