ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Although clinical success of corneal transplantation is encouraging, its impact on the lives of beneficiaries is overlooked. We tried to understand how visually impaired people perceive the effect of a recently introduced corneal transplantation and eye banking service. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted among 20 patients with corneal visual impairment. All had transplantation surgery at Minilik II Hospital, mostly with corneas harvested and processed by Eye Bank of Ethiopia. The qualitative data focused on their experiences regarding changes in quality of life, visual outcome, and attitude toward corneal donation. Data were analyzed using the thematic framework approach. RESULTS: Before the transplantation, patients suffered from disability and low self-esteem but remained hopeful. After the transplantation, they felt satisfied with whatever visual gain they got and described the process as 'a miracle'. They believed their life had somewhat changed for the better as they became independent and capable again. They also felt extremely grateful to donors and became advocates for corneal donation. CONCLUSION: The availability of a corneal harvesting and transplantation service is making positive impacts on the lives of visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia. However, the extent of this service should be widened to have a significant effect on the magnitude of corneal blindness across the country.
