There are some small differences between donation for transplant and donation for research, but there are many similarities. Whether a person donates their eyes for transplant or research.
There is never any cost to the donor, their family, or their estate for the donation.
Recovery takes place shortly after death. The procedure is quick: about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. Funeral arrangements are not delayed.
The donor's appearance is not affected by the recovery procedure; his or her family can have a viewing if they wish.
The main difference between donation for transplant and donation for research is the type of eye tissue recovered. Generally, only the cornea is recovered for transplant. In contrast, the whole eye is valuable for research.