Celebrating the Gift of Sight: New Eye Retrieval Service Launches at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Today on World Sight Day, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is proud to announce the launch of an Eye Retrieval Service, the first of its kind in Wales.

The initiative has been launched in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant Services and will ensure that corneal donations continue to transform the lives of patients in-need, giving people back the gift of sight.

Many people are aware of organ donation and the life-changing impact this can have on patients, but eye and tissue donation are less well-known. The cornea is the clear, outer layer of tissue in the eye which lets light in so that you can see. When the eye is donated after you die, a cornea transplant can transform someone’s vision and quality of life.

Nicole and Jessica joined the Health Board’s Bereavement Nursing team as part of the Patient Experience department this week. They will work to develop the Corneal Donation Program, approaching patients and families about the possibility of donation, and honouring the generosity of donors and their loved ones.

Nicole said: “It means the world to me. To learn new clinical skills and be a part of such a wonderful team, with the aim of increasing tissue donation rates.

I’m most looking forward to championing the gift of sight in every way possible.”

Jessica added: “I have a passion for providing gold standard care to relatives during such distressing times as losing a loved one. To be part of someone's journey is a privilege.

I will take great pride in being able to offer care and cornea donation as part of their end-of-life decisions, giving people the chance to leave a lasting legacy.”

Angela Hughes, Assistant Director of Patient Experience at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, commented: “We are proud to announce the recruitment of two dedicated members of staff to our Bereavement Nursing team in Patient Experience. Their work will ensure that the gift of sight continues to transform lives.

Corneal donation is a powerful legacy—one that restores vision, renews independence, and rekindles hope. Through this initiative, we will promote the life-changing impact of organ and tissue donation.

Together, we can celebrate the gift of sight and the legacy it leaves behind.”

A warm welcome to both Nicole and Jessica as they begin their vital work supporting eye donation at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

If you’d like to find out more about Eye Retrieval and Tissue Donation, please visit NHS Blood and Transplant’s website to find out more: nhsbt.nhs.uk/what-we-do/transplantation-services/tissue-and-eye-services/.