Corneal donation within palliative care: a review of the literature

Corneal donation occurs infrequently within palliative care, even though the majority of the public say they are in favour of donating organs and tissue after death. One of the roles of the health professional is to provide patients with the necessary information to make choices, and this should include the option of donating their corneas should they so wish. This literature review explores how the subject can be raised in a systematic manner within palliative care. It looks at the potential benefits and dangers of involving the patient in such discussions, and the effects on the families. Practical issues, such as when to raise the issue, are also considered. Finally, the review discusses the implications for nursing practice and research.