Assessment of Ophtalmologists' Approach to Medical, Legal and Ethical Problems in Process of Corneal Transplantation

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out with the aim of investigating medical, ethical and legal problems experienced in the course of cornea transplantation and developing new recommendations in the light of the data obtained from ophthalmologists. Material and Methods: The study was carried out in the ophthalmology clinics of the hospitals affiliated to the Istanbul Health Management. Using a questionnaire, the researchers attempted to determine the level of awareness of the doctors on the issue of cornea donation. A total of 81 ophthalmologists aged between 24 and 54 years, with an experience ranging from 1 to 27 years participated in the study. Results: According to the results obtained from the questionnaire, the number of corneal transplantations carried out by the ophthalmologists included in the study increased significantly with age and professional experience. Below are the percentages of the ophthalmologists and the number of corneal transplantations that they have carried out: 66.7%-none; 11.1%-between 1 and 20; 8.6%-between 11 and 20; 2.5%-between 21 and 50; 1.11%-51 and more. The vast majority of the participants in all the age groups were opposed to the constitution of a national cornea waiting list. It was observed that, as the ophthalmologists gained experience, they became more likely to be accused of unauthorized cornea transplantation. Conclusion: As a result of this study, new recommendations have been developed in order to increase the number of cornea donations in our country and help ophthalmologists to become more aware of the legal procedures and regulations. Cornea centres in various hospitals should be transformed into regional, independent centers so that more cornea removals can be performed. Besides, corneal transplantation should first aim treating the patient, not a cosmetic surgery.