Objective: To evaluate the current situation of corneal donors and possible way to improve the corneal donation program in the city of Chongqing.
Methods: (1) The 1,400 residents of Chongqing were randomly surveyed to understand their ideas and attitudes towards corneal donation and to evaluate the correlation between their knowledge and their participation in the program in May - December, 2001. (2) The sociology data of 1,278 registered donors in the Chongqing Eye Bank were analyzed from March 1999 to December 2001.(3) The social-medical data of 37 eye donors were analyzed from March 1999 to December 2001.
Results: (1) Results of the random survey: the response rate was 79.14% (1,108/1,400), 1,072 (76.57%) questionnaire met the criteria for further analysis.47.20% of 1,072 persons would like to be eye donors, 62.69% supported eye donation, 32.55% would only donate their cornea, but 90.49% did not register to be a donor at present. Of those surveyed, about 2/3 were not familiar with the Chongqing Eye Bank, most did not know how to become an eye donor, and 75.28% supported local legislation to regulate donation. (2) Data of 1,278 registered eye donors: 550 were males and 728 were females, 61.89% were 30 years old or younger, most were students, teachers, medical staff or white-collared workers in general, and more than half had a university level education. (3) Data of 37 eye donors: 25 were males and 12 were females, age range was 20 - 88 years old, the main causes of death were malignant tumors and cardio-cerebral vessel disorders, 59% had nine or less years of education while only 11% had a university level education, and nine were also cadaver donors. The clinical utilization rate of eyes was 73%.
Conclusions: (1) There are a significant number of people who are willing to be eye donors. Education level and age do not affect their decision to become donors. (2) Only a small percentage of the mass are registered eye donors. (3) Legislation regarding eye donation should be enacted as soon as possible. (4) Corneal donations could be higher than those at present.