‘Wonderful gift of sight’: Dr Janet Gray urges more people to consider cornea donation
Dr Janet Gray MBE is a world class athlete and four-time winner of the World Disabled Water Ski Championships
Saturday 26 September 2026
The chair of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Organ Donation Committee has highlighted the need for more cornea donors to come forward.
Dr Janet Gray MBE raised the issue at a meeting of the Northern Trust board at Antrim Area Hospital on Thursday, saying cornea donations remain “very low”.
‘Wonderful gift of sight’
Dr Gray, who is blind and also serves as a non-executive director on the Trust board, said some people can feel uncomfortable about donating their corneas.
“People quite often opt out because they are quite squeamish about their eyes. Corneas are the clear film at the front of the eyes. It can be stored for up to 28 days. One donor can restore the sight of ten people.
“I feel as a blind person, I am hopefully in the right place to help create awareness and change attitudes to create that wonderful gift of sight.”
Dr Gray is a founder member, former chair and director, and currently honorary president of Disability Sports NI. She is a four-time World Disabled Water Ski Champion and world record-holder.
26 transplants following donations last year
Last year, 10 people donated their organs after death in the Northern Trust area, resulting in 26 transplants, including life-saving heart and lung transplants.
There are currently more than 150 people in Northern Ireland awaiting an organ transplant.
The Trust is using Organ Donation Week, which runs from 21 to 27 September, to highlight the urgent and ongoing need for organ donors, while paying tribute to the generosity of donors and families whose decisions continue to save and transform lives.
Families encouraged to discuss their wishes
Dr George Gardiner, the Northern Trust’s Executive Director of Medicine, said earlier this week:
“Organ donation can save and transform lives, but there continues to be a significant need for more donors. Every day, there are people waiting for a transplant that could give them the chance of a longer, healthier life.
“During Organ Donation Week, we want to encourage people to make their wishes known and, importantly, talk to their loved ones about their decision. Organ donation is only possible because of the generosity of donors and the support of families who make decisions at an incredibly difficult time.
“Every donor and every family who supports donation leaves an incredible legacy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helps give others the chance of a longer, healthier life.”
Northern Ireland operates an opt-out system for organ donation, but families are still consulted when donation is a possibility.
The Trust says family support remains essential, meaning it is still “crucial for people to record their decision and discuss their wishes with those closest to them”.
