Lions Eye Banks and Corneal Transplants

Lions eye banks perform valuable sight-saving functions, including retrieving and storing healthy eye tissue for corneal transplants and research. A staff of professionals at the eye bank recover, evaluate and distribute human eye tissue for vision restoration, research and education. Eye surgeons rely on eye banks to supply them with eye tissue for sight-saving procedures (such as corneal transplants) for persons who have eye disease or injury.

Lions have been providing support for eye banks for nearly 65 years. Currently, there are more than 60 official Lions Eye Banks throughout the world.

A Lions eye bank is a not-for-profit organization that:

• Operates within established Lions Clubs International Board Policy for the program
• Is sponsored by a Lions club, district or multiple district
• Has an established working relationship with a medical facility
• Complies with government medical and education standards
• May coordinate Lions' financial assistance for sight-saving corneal transplant surgery

Lions clubs, as well as the public, have opportunities to play a key role in support of Lions eye banks:

• Lions Eye Bank Week.
• World Sight Day provides an opportunity to focus on Lions eye banks and corneal donation.
• Get involved throughtout the year!  Various countries have a designated day, week or month for emphasizing corneal donation.  In the US, for example, March is "Eye Donor Awareness Month."
• Participate in fundraising event for the Lions eye bank.

Resources for Lions

• Sample press release for Lions support of eye bank
• To request donor cards or eye bank informational materials, contact your local Lions Eye Bank
• Health and Children's Services Department