A LIFE-CHANGING transplant has meant a Clydebank man can now go back to living his life with ease thanks to tissue donors.

Jim Graham’s vision had been destroyed over a 13-year period due to cornea dystrophy and by 2016 his vision was nearly completely gone.

The 79-year-old, who is a keen golfer, underwent two cornea transplants and is encouraging people to think about their organ and tissue donation decision to ensure more people can benefit like he has.

He said: “In 2005 I had an operation to remove a cataract in my right eye, but my vision became worse.

“I soldiered on with my left eye, but by 2016 my sight had almost gone completely. It was a hard time for me. I’d lost my wife, and losing my vision meant I was very limited in what I could do.

“I’d never heard of a cornea transplant, but my consultant explained it had a 97 per cent success rate. The first transplant was done under local anesthetic in 2016 and I couldn’t believe how good my sight was once the eye opened. To get the second transplant a year on was life-changing.

“Prior to the transplants, my friends had to guide me round the golf course, telling me where my ball had gone and where the flags were located on the greens.

“Surprisingly I had my first hole in one during this time and had to be told the ball was in the hole. To be able to be back golfing, driving and reading with ease is simply amazing. I’ll certainly not miss my next hole in one, if it ever happens again.”

He added: “I think those who donate are wonderful. Those families will never know how much my life has been transformed, and I hope people who hear my story think about joining the organ donor register and sharing their decision.”

In 2017/18, there were 339 cornea transplants carried out in Scotland, with the surgery made possible thanks to the generosity of deceased donors and their families.

However, with the number of cornea donations in Scotland falling by 18 per cent compared to the previous year, the importance of the potentially sight saving surgery has been highlighted.

Joe FitzPatrick, minister for public health, sport and wellbeing, said: “Life without sight is unimaginable for many of us. One donor can potentially save or improve the vision of up to four people, showing how life-changing the decision to donate organs can be.

“When joining the NHS organ donor register, you can specify which organs and tissue you wish to donate, and it’s vital that family members understand your decision. I’d encourage people to think about that decision, so that we can continue to help make a lasting difference to those with serious vision impairment.”