In England, the NHS Blood and Transplant’s Cord Blood Bank collects placentas from mothers at University College Hospital, London, and Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Bedfordshire.

Using a donated placenta to help with serious eye injuries is not new. Rich in protein growth factors, they can stimulate the healing process.

After their vital role in growing a baby, placentas are usually thrown away. But a single placenta can make anywhere between 50 to 100 amnion grafts.

Mr Laskey said losing his eyesight and the threat of losing his eye was “devastating” and hoped he would get the chance to meet the mother who donated her placenta to say thank you in person.

The man responsible for the acid attack was jailed in 2024.