Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Murine Corneal Transplantation: A Model to Study the Most Common Form of Solid Organ Transplantation
Published on: November 17, 2014
Efficacy of Routine Notification and Request on reducing corneal transplantation wait times in Canada
Mahta Rasouli1, Valerie B Caraiscos, Allan R Slomovic
1School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont. mrasouli@ualberta.ca
Objective:
To determine whether the implementation of Routine Notification and Request (RNR) has been effective in increasing the amount of donor corneal tissue available and reducing wait times for corneal transplant (CT) surgeries.
Design:
Survey of the CT surgeons and eye banks in Canada.
Participants:
CT surgeons and representatives of the 10 eye banks in Canada.
Methods:
Voluntary, anonymous questionnaires were distributed between May 1 and September 30, 2006.
Results:
Following the implementation of RNR, 3 eye banks had an increase in the amount of corneal tissue available: Manitoba, 81% (from 42 tissues in 2004 to 76 tissues in 2006); Ontario, 25% (from 1304 tissues in 2005 to 1626 tissues in 2006); New Brunswick, 129% (from 86 tissues in 2005 to 197 tissues in 2006). British Columbia, where RNR was implemented in 1999, had a 6% increase (from 766 in 2005 to 812 in 2006). There has been a significant decrease in wait times from the time of diagnosis by CT surgeons to the time of surgery in British Columbia (from 48+/-18 weeks in 2004 to 39+/-20 weeks in 2006), Manitoba (from 82+/-56 weeks in 2004 to 32+/-23 weeks in 2006), Ontario (from 82+/-56 weeks in 2004 to 31+/-34 weeks in 2006), and Nova Scotia (from 44+/-12 weeks in 2004 to 32+/-28 weeks in 2006).
Conclusions:
RNR has been effective in increasing corneal tissue availability and decreasing wait times in provinces where it has been implemented. We recommend similar legislative changes to be considered in those provinces where corneal tissue shortage is delaying the availability of CT surgery.
Insights
Routine Notification and Request (RNR) effectively increased donor corneal tissue availability and reduced wait times for corneal transplant (CT) surgeries in Canadian provinces. This suggests RNR implementation is a successful strategy for improving CT access.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Corneal transplantation (CT) relies on donor tissue availability.
- Long wait times for CT can lead to irreversible vision loss.
- The Routine Notification and Request (RNR) system was implemented to address tissue shortages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the RNR system in Canada.
- To determine if RNR increased donor corneal tissue availability.
- To assess the impact of RNR on corneal transplant surgery wait times.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among corneal transplant surgeons and eye banks across Canada.
- Voluntary, anonymous questionnaires were distributed between May and September 2006.
- Data on corneal tissue availability and surgical wait times were collected.
Main Results:
- Several Canadian provinces reported significant increases in corneal tissue availability post-RNR implementation.
- Corneal tissue increased by 81% in Manitoba, 25% in Ontario, and 129% in New Brunswick.
- Wait times for CT surgeries decreased substantially in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
Conclusions:
- The RNR system has proven effective in enhancing donor corneal tissue supply.
- RNR implementation has successfully reduced wait times for corneal transplant surgeries.
- Adoption of similar legislative changes is recommended for provinces facing CT surgery delays.
