Mission and Values
Founded in 1972, the Utah Lions Eye Bank (ULEB) has dedicated over five decades to restoring vision and hope through corneal transplants and eye tissue donations. ULEB serves not only Utah and Idaho but also Eastern Nevada and Western Idaho, partnering with surgeons, researchers, and donor families to provide corneal tissue for life-changing procedures.
Their mission is built on compassion, service, and innovation, focusing on restoring sight and contributing to research that advances treatments for eye diseases.
History
The ULEB was founded by members of Lions Clubs International with the vision to support eye donation and corneal transplants. Over the years, the organization has facilitated thousands of grafts, improving the quality of life for many individuals at risk of losing their vision.
From its early days, the Eye Bank has grown into a global leader, working closely with surgeons and researchers to provide essential resources for treating complex eye conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, and other diseases that affect vision.
Research Contributions
In addition to its work in transplanting corneal tissue, ULEB collaborates closely with research institutions like the John A. Moran Eye Center (one of the top 10 eye centers in the United States).
The Eye Bank’s contributions to research include supporting advancements in treatments for blinding diseases like age-related macular degeneration and other ocular conditions. This dual role of restoring sight through transplantation and advancing science makes ULEB a critical player in both clinical care and medical innovation.
Community Impact
As a nonprofit, ULEB is deeply embedded in the community, with a strong focus on giving back through vision restoration. ULEB organizes events and open houses to raise awareness about the importance of eye donation, involving donor families and recipients in sharing their stories. ULEB’s impact extends beyond just restoring sight, providing a platform for hope and recovery.
Donor and Family Support
The Utah Lions Eye Bank’s enduring commitment to providing the gift of sight, advancing medical research, and supporting donor families has positioned it as a cornerstone institution in the field of eye care, continuing to change lives locally and internationally.
