For years, her creations have been central to family birthdays and weddings – something which would be impossible if not for the five cornea transplants Flett has undergone to save her sight. The Ministry of Health estimates almost half of all deaths would fit the medical criteria for eye tissue donation, but experts say many are unaware it's even an option. Like any organ or tissue, cornea donation is irregular, and there is a "continuing and all the time need" to fulfil the scheduled transplants, Moffatt said. In 2018 there were 74 deceased tissue-only donors facilitated by Organ Donation New Zealand, according to its 2018 annual report. For more information on tissue donation, visit Organ Donation New Zealand here.

Source: Stuff March 23, 2019 16:01 UTC