Examining Corneal Tissue Exportation Fee and Its Impact on Equitable Allocation

Abstract

Although an estimated 23% of all global corneal transplants occur because corneal tissue is moved from one nation to another (export and import), the fee structures, fees charged, and use of reimbursement or profit models, to support this practice, have not been evaluated. This article describes the fee structures and determines whether they support or hinder the equitable allocation of corneal tissue.Methods:We conducted grounded theory semistructured interviews, purposively inviting participants until themed saturation was met. Sentiment analysis was used to determine opinion.Results:We interviewed n = 92 global eye tissue and eye bank professionals. We determined that corneal tissue, whic..