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Show I' ",M i , , . f. '"'i V -. . ' . ; ' f f ' '.. ' " . . .,', , ,t r , c b . ;i X - - -1 ; FIRST DONORS. James Gilliam, left, administrator ad-ministrator of the Valley View Medical Center explains release form for proposed Eye Bank, Haze Hunter, seated, past president pres-ident of the Lions Club, was first donor, and John Rowley, Lions president, was the second. Mrs. Kent Dover, right, is publicist for the proposed educational program pro-gram now under way. Eye Bank to Be Established At Valley View Medical Center Here Cedar City may become one of the first communities of its size in the nation, or possibly in the world, to offer its citizens the services of an eye bank. Through the cooperation of the administration of the new Valley Val-ley View Medical Center, local physicians and civic leaders, steps are being taken to educate residents of southern Utah in the prcedures making such a bank possible. The results may save someone in the area from blindness blind-ness or restore sight to those who have lost their vision. This could be accomplished through corneal transplant, a surgical procedure performed routinely in the medical centers of the world. According to James C. Gilliam, administrator of the Valley View Medical Center, the term "eye bank" is somewhat misleading mis-leading since eyes can not be actually stored for transplant purposes. However, if donors were available, transplants could more readily be supplied for those in need. "With our new facilities and the qualified personnel we have in Cedar City, this work could be accomplished with great success," suc-cess," Mr. Gilliam said. He explained that a transplant from donor to recipient should be completed in the shortest possible pos-sible time to assure the maximum maxi-mum result. This is why it is not always satisfactory to obtain corneas from other areas. "It is not suggested that anyone any-one Jeopardize his own sight for this cause," Mr. Gilliam explained. explain-ed. "The move to secure donors is of an educational nature rather rath-er than one designed to secure immediate results from those committing themselves to this service. Those bequeathing their eyes after death are merely mak ing a gesture of generosity." He pointed out that the actual benefits of the donor program result from the ever-widening circle of awaieness on the part of the public. "The more persons we are able to inform on the nature of this vital support, the more chance we will have of securing corneas when the need arises." Among the first to volunteer for the eye donor service are members of the Cedar City Lions Club. In keeping with the sight conservation project of Lions International, In-ternational, officers of the local group have completed procedures proced-ures to facilitate the willing of their i yes to the hospital. Anyone interested in learning more of the program may contact con-tact Mr. Gilliam at Valley View Medical Center. |