Eye Donation From Individuals Receiving Medical Assistance in Dying: Retrospective Chart Review of the Eye Bank of Canada (Ontario Division).

Purpose: In Canada, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) became a legal option for patients in 2016. The characteristics of MAiD donors, specifically for ocular tissue transplantation, have not been studied. The goal of this study was to explore the demographics and health status of these individuals.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of MAiD donors from the Eye Bank of Canada (Ontario Division) from January 2019 to March 2024 was conducted. Variables recorded included demographics, medical status, mechanism of death, consent and referral process, and tissue utilization.

Results: There were 475 eye donors (6.1% of all eye donors) who underwent the MAiD provision. The average age of donors was 70 years (SD: 5.42), and 50.5% (240/475) were male. Cancer was the most common mechanism of death, in 70% (332) of cases. First-person consent was obtained only 35% (164/474) of the time for ocular tissue donation, and 90% of donors (428/475) were referred from hospitals. Sixty-three percent of eyes were eligible for transplantation, while 37% were eligible for research and training. The most common surgical indication for transplant was endothelial dystrophies/failure (35%, 167/484).

Conclusions: This study highlights the unique characteristics of eye donors who chose the MAiD provision. Hospitals made up 90% of MAiD referrals, and only 35% of MAiD donors consented on their own behalf. Efforts should be made to expand referrals for MAiD donation from nonhospital organizations. Furthermore, once MAiD eligibility has been determined, support should be provided to health care providers to navigate difficult discussions around donation.