A Co Antrim woman is encouraging others to join the organ donation register after undergoing eye surgery earlier this year, a procedure she says has changed her life.
Rhiannon Finn had surgery on her right eye after being diagnosed with Keratoconus, which led to a gradual decline in her vision over the past three years.
The 27-year-old is sharing her story as part of NHS Organ Donation Week, aiming to raise awareness of the “true impact” of joining the donation register.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, the Larne woman described her health journey and how undergoing the procedure has positively impacted her life.
“I have a degenerative disorder of the eye that leads to progressive deformation of the cornea, causing it to thin and take on a conical shape. Since my diagnosis, my vision has deteriorated significantly, and the condition has continued to cause deformities in my eyes, particularly in my right eye.
“I was shocked when I was informed that I needed Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segment surgery, which uses donor corneal tissue to thicken the thinned part of the cornea. I hadn’t realised how much my right eye had deteriorated. Having never had surgery before, it was daunting to learn that I needed this procedure and would have to take significant time off from work and my daily life.”
“The wait time between learning I needed the procedure, and the provisional surgery date was only three weeks. A few days before the procedure, I was informed the tissue had been acquired. However, the wait was terrifying, knowing that my eyesight depended on this surgery. It was a very overwhelming three weeks.”
Rhiannon Finn in recovery from surgery
Rhiannon had to take time off both her full-time job as a secondary school teacher and her part-time job as a singer to focus on recovery. She also had to continue studying for her postgraduate degree from home. However, her gratitude for the donor “significantly outweighed” any challenges she faced.
“Finding out I needed the procedure was emotional. I was extremely worried about the health of my eye, the surgery itself, and the aftercare. I also knew I would need time off work, which was particularly difficult as a teacher, knowing I would be away from my GCSE and A-level students at such a critical time.
“The surgery went perfectly, but the aftercare and the process of getting back to myself was challenging. I had to wear a hard eye patch to protect my eye for a while, and my mum and dad helped me with my medication schedule. I still find it difficult at times; any slight itch or unusual sensation in my eye makes me panic.
“But I can’t put into words how grateful I am for my donor, and how their choice to donate has changed my life. It truly is a gift, without this life-changing procedure, I don’t know what my eye health or life would be like today.
Six months on from surgery, her “eye health is stable, and her vision is doing well”, although it is “likely I may require further surgery for the Keratoconus.”
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While she has “always been an advocate” for organ donation, the teacher said she “never knew the true impact” it could have.
“I have been on the organ donation register since birth, as per my parents’ wishes. I never really knew the true impact of what organ and tissue donation meant until I received the surgery.
“I didn’t realise the impact it could have for the recipient and their family.”
Rhiannon wants to spark a conversation about donation and emphasised the positive impact people can have on another individual and their family.
“I urge people to have the conversation with their families about organ donation, regardless of whether they choose to donate or not,” she said.
“With the introduction of Dáithí’s Law in 2023 (inspired by Belfast boy Dáithí Mac Gabhann’s years long wait for a new heart) every adult in Northern Ireland is considered a potential donor unless they opt out or are not eligible. However, everyone has a choice, as it remains an ‘opt-in or opt-out’ system, and you can amend your decision on the organ donation register at any time.
“The work of Dáithí and his family has encouraged more people to have the conversation. Organ and tissue donation from one donor can save up to nine lives, it truly is the gift of life. Have the heart to heart, and make your wishes known to your loved ones.”
To learn more about donation or to join the organ donation register, visit https://organdonation.nhs.uk/get-involved/organ-donation-week-2024/