Bay Tissue Institute

29/05/2026

Most people who receive a cornea transplant experience at least partial restoration of vision. Recovery and visual outcomes depend on your overall health and the reason for the surgery.

Initially, vision may be worse than before surgery as the eye adjusts to the new cornea. Vision improvement can take up to several months.

During recovery, your ophthalmologist may make adjustments to improve vision. For example, stitches holding the donor cornea in place can sometimes cause astigmatism, leading to blurry vision. This may be corrected by adjusting or removing some stitches.

The risk of complications and corneal rejection can continue for years after the transplant, making regular follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist essential.

15/04/2026

26/03/2026

"Liquid gold" is now available in Polokwane.

We are excited to welcome Sr. Lusinda Marsh to our fast-growing network of serum sites.

Sr. Marsh has been a professional nurse for 25 years with experience in pediatrics, laboratory services and clinic services. She has been working as a clinic practitioner for the last 16 years. She loves what she does and has a keen desire to help everyone.

You can find her at Van Heerden Pharmacy in Thabo Mbeki Street.

Book your appointment on our website -> www.baytissue.co.za

19/03/2026

Some gifts change lives in ways words can barely capture… 🤍

This letter, written by a cornea transplant recipient, is a powerful reminder of the quiet miracles made possible through donation. From a place of uncertainty and vision loss, to renewed hope and the promise of seeing clearly again. All because one family chose generosity in the midst of loss.

Behind every transplant is a story like this. A life touched. A future rewritten. A second chance at seeing the world.

To our donor families: your kindness lives on in ways you may never fully see, but will always be deeply felt.

(Personal information has been removed to protect their privacy.)

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

On Saturday, we experienced the world a little differently.

Dinner in the Dark is an exquisite fine-dining experience hosted, catered, and served by the visually impaired. Inspired by Hein Wagner, a blind man with a powerful vision, this unique evening invited guests to dine in complete darkness, heightening the senses while offering a powerful glimpse into life without sight.

The evening aimed to raise awareness for the visually impaired and to support corneal banking in South Africa, helping to restore sight and change lives.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible teams who helped bring this evening to life:
✨ Rennasance Construction
✨ Imbono Architects
✨ Stu Davidson & Sons
✨ Inspiration Events

A special thank you to Muse Restaurant for the divine catering, Abbott Coffee for the warm beverages that added the perfect finishing touch to the evening, and King Liquor Agencies for the delicious wines thoughtfully paired with each course.

Thank you as well to Laetitia Bosch from Laetitia Bosch Photography for beautifully capturing the evening’s elegantly dressed guests and preserving these special moments.

And of course, thank you to Hein Wagner and his remarkable team for reminding us that when one sense is removed, empathy, understanding, and connection grow even stronger.

17/02/2026

At Bay Tissue Institute, we witness something extraordinary every single day.

In moments of unimaginable loss, families make a choice rooted in courage and compassion. A choice that gives someone else the gift of sight, healing, and hope.

Behind every transplant is a story.
A mother seeing her child clearly again.
A grandfather returning to the hobbies he loves.
A young person getting a second chance at independence.

This is more than tissue donation.
It’s legacy. It’s humanity. It’s light passed from one life to another.

To every donor family - Thank you for your generosity.
To every recipient - may your world be brighter.

12/11/2025

Our BTI team: Ryan and Noreen at the NFDA Conference in Knysna.

10/11/2025

This year has been filled with incredible progress and we are proud to share our November 2025 Newsletter — a reflection of how far we’ve come and what’s ahead for Bay Tissue Institute.

As we approach the festive season, please note that BTI will be closed from the 19th of December until the 12th of January.
The last procurement for the year will take place on the 15th of December and tissue will be available again from the 12th of January 2026.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission — we look forward to another amazing year ahead!

www.baytissue.co.za

30/09/2025

Exciting News for George!

We are proud to announce the opening of our new serum site in George, run by the wonderful Sr Alta.

A little about her:

She grew up in the Karoo and brings that warm, down-to-earth spirit into her work.

With 18 years of theatre experience at Mediclinic and 6 years as a phlebotomy nurse at Ampath, she has an incredible depth of medical knowledge.

Since July, she has been running her own clinic through the Local Choice Pharmacy in George.

Having personally undergone eye operations, she deeply understands the challenges of struggling with vision — bringing extra empathy and care to her patients.

Sr Alta is excited to embark on this new journey, and we are just as excited to have her on board.

📍 You can now visit her at our serum site in George, ready to assist with compassion, professionalism, and a genuine passion for patient care.