Since 1995 provides quality corneal tissue for corneal transplantation, contributing to its improvement in Cantabria.

STRUCTURE
This eye bank is a non-profit institution granted by foundation J. Fernández del Cotero and located in Cotero’s Clinic in Santander, which provides space and some basic services together with Cantabrian Institute of Ophthalmology.

FUNCTIONS
It functions 24 hours per day for:
- Advising about correct eye donations
- If required, getting in touch with the family for the process of donations
- Start functioning donation dispositions
- Ensure fullfilment of actual laws
- Make the necessary tests needed
- Distribute the tissue, as needed for corresponding surgeries, which can’t be influenced by surgeon hospitals, public or private state of patients, in agreement with royal decree 411/1996.

STAFF
Scientific Responsible:
Dr. José N. Fernández del Cotero, ophthalmologist.
Dr. José I. Velarde, coordinator
Collaborating staff:
Dr. Luis de Valentin-Gamazo,ophthalmologist
Dña. Gema Berasategui ,nurse
Dña. Pilar Hoya, assistant
Research staff:
Dr. José I. Velarde, physician
D. Aquilino Fernández, chemist

EUROPEAN EYE BANK ASSOCIATION / EEBA
As a member of this association, we follow its rules, suggestions and recommendations. In their yearly directory, exists datas of the bank, techniques, activities and statistics. Our Quality and Technical Summary (QTS), references of donation procedure, the legal rules to follow and processes that realizes the eye bank.

NATIONAL TRANSPLANT ORGANIZATION (ONT)
Collaboration and contact is kept in all referring to the rules, updating and sending. Its service is asked to find urgent tissue, and corneal tissue is supplied for national non urgent surgery.

ACREDITATION
n the present year the accreditation of the Cantabrian Institute of Ophthalmology, Cotero’s Clinic is renewed as a centre for corneal extraction and transplantation, according to the law on 17th November 1994 that regulates the authorization and accreditation of health centres for organ transplants. Presented documents included techniques and quality handbook (QTS).

INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION
Through internet, doctors and patients advises are made, about the ways followed in order to be a donant, putting in touch with corresponding specialists, actual rules for requirement of corneal tissue, information about nearby eye banks, etc. 75% of received e-mails are from South America.

COLLABORATION WITH THE HOSPITAL MARQUÉS DE VALDECILLA
A tight collaboration is maintained with regional transplant coordination and with the Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital. It contributes to the reduction of transplant waiting list.