Say This, Not That: Recover vs. Harvest

Eye tissue donation is a unique topic that intersects grief and hope of a life renewed. Introducing this subject requires sensitivity and care, thinking about those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Given the potential impact of this topic during such an emotional time, we as members of the eye banking world feel it is our responsibility to educate the public on how to approach this topic with dignity, care, and awareness of the reality at hand.

Words about Eye Tissue Donation Matter

Navigating the words we use surrounding eye tissue donation also requires precision and consideration. At the Rocky Mountains Lions Eye Bank (RMLEB), we recognize the significance of our words in the context of eye, organ, and tissue donation. Our commitment is not only to facilitate the gift of sight, but it’s also to cultivate a culture of compassionate communication surrounding this generous act.

The word ’harvest’ is often used by the lay public when discussing procurement of eye tissue, other tissues such as skin and bone, and organs. The use of that term fails to capture the altruistic element of donating and dismisses the humanity involved, as ‘harvest’ is most often used to describe the gathering of crops.  

The term ’recover’ instead acknowledges the benevolent gifts from the human donor in the process. Words like ’recover’ and ’procure’ more respectfully describe the careful procedure of eye tissue retrieval, a precious gift that has the power to change the life of another human being. In death, every person deserves to be treated with dignity, and part of demonstrating dignity for someone is in the words used to refer to them.

RMLEB Advocates for Eye Donors and Donor Families

At RMLEB, we advocate for the use of this more respectful description because words matter. The words we choose illustrate that donation isn’t merely a transaction, but an altruistic choice. Choosing words with compassion allows us to honor the gift and charitable act of the donor and donor family in a more dignified way. Every conversation about eye tissue donation is an opportunity to foster connection, hope, and respect.  

When we speak of eye tissue donation, we want to recognize that it is more than the clinical mechanics of the process. The choice of words should reflect compassion and care embedded in the act of giving and the act of care and grace with which RMLEB treats the precious gifts of sight. We encourage you to join us in being mindful of the words we choose.