Removal of eyes of deceased persons

(1) If any person, either in writing at any time, or orally in the presence of two or more witnesses during his last illness, has expressed a request that his eyes be used for therapeutic purposes after his death, the person lawfully in possession of his body after death may, unless he has reason to believe that the request was subsequently withdrawn, authorise the removal of the eyes from the body for use for those purposes. (2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the person lawfully in possession of the body of a deceased person may authorise the removal of the eyes from the body for the purpose aforesaid unless that person has reason to believe— (a) that the deceased had expressed an objection to his eyes being so dealt with after his death, and had not withdrawn it; or (b) that the surviving spouse or any near relative of the deceased objects to the deceased's eyes being so dealt with. (3) An authority given under the provisions of this section in respect of any deceased person shall be sufficient warrant for the removal of the eyes from the body and their use for the purposes of this Act.