Gerard Francis

I had a successful career as a trader in a bank when it happened. I was making mistakes in my work and that was when I realised that I was unable to differentiate between the different numbers on my documents and spreadsheets.

I went to the optician thinking that it was myopia, but it was not. It turned out to be Keratoconus, a condition that thins the cornea and changes its shape. The first fear that struck me was that I would lose my job as a trader. I loved my work and I didn't know what other job I could do, especially if my eyesight was deteriorating. Another fear that struck me was that my condition would mean costly medical bills. How would I manage if I had no job? Fortunately, my boss and the firm where I worked were very supportive. My family, too, were behind me all the way.

A transplant was my only option. I was lucky to receive a transplant before my condition worsened. It went without a hitch and I regained my vision. You could say I got my life and my job back. I wanted to contact the donor's kin to thank them. However, the donor's information is kept confidential.

After my experience, you could say I see organ donation in a new light and believe that everyone should make an effort to understand it. If you consider it from the recipient's side, you'll realise that it's a worthy cause, because it is giving them their life back.