Advancing corneal care in Morocco
At Vision Share, we’re honored to work alongside Eversight and the Cheikh Zayed Foundation in our shared mission to strengthen eye health across Morocco. Based in Rabat, the Cheikh Zayed Foundation is a respected non-profit dedicated to advancing healthcare through research, education, and the development of high-quality services that support the next generation of medical professionals.
Collaboration over a decade
Our collaboration with the Foundation began nearly a decade ago through supporting the cornea transplant program at Cheikh Zayed University Hospital. Over the years, we have helped the hospital reduce its surgical waiting list and facilitated the delivery of more than 1,100 donor corneas to patients in need. Today, this support continues, enabling the hospital to maintain a consistent weekly schedule of sight-restoring corneal transplants.
As the Foundation looks toward building a local source for corneal tissue, we are deepening our support, together with Eversight, by providing education and technical guidance to help develop the Cheikh Zayed Foundation Eye Bank (CZFEB).
Laying the groundwork
Since 2024, we’ve worked hand in hand with the ophthalmology team in Rabat to lay the groundwork for CZFEB. In early 2025, a cohort of new eye bank technicians began training through a customized program developed by Eversight. This blended learning model combines weekly remote instruction, virtual wet labs, and didactic coursework. A “train-the-trainer” approach ensures long-term sustainability by empowering a core group of technicians to eventually lead local training.
In May 2025, Phil Fasone, our Executive Director, and Collin Ross, VP Global Development at Eversight, traveled to Morrocco to meet with the eye bank team and Foundation leadership. During their visit, they observed a remote donor recovery training session led by Eversight’s Global Training Team and spent time with the new eye bank staff as they refined their practical skills. They also had the privilege of meeting with Mr. Samir Jamal, Executive Director of the Cheikh Zayed Foundation, to discuss their shared goals for regional training and expanded corneal care across Morocco.
Dr. Heather Nuskind, Eversight’s Director of Global Development and Surgical Innovations, has played a key role in shaping and delivering this innovative training program. Under her leadership, the technicians in Rabat are preparing for the next stage of hands-on learning at Eversight’s headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Reflecting on the program’s progress, Dr. Nuskind remarked, "I never imagined that I would be developing an eye bank training program remotely, but the results have been nothing short of incredible! The dedication and collaboration of the teams has been truly something special and unique. Together, we have all been able to make considerable advancements in training and it’s been one of the most fun and rewarding parts the job. "
“Together, Vision Share, Eversight, and the Cheikh Zayed Foundation are laying the groundwork for a sustainable, world-class eye bank that will serve not only Rabat but communities across Morocco. We are honored to support this transformative initiative and look forward to continuing this important work—bringing sight-saving care and training to the people of Morocco”, says Phil Fasone, Executive Director, Vision Share.
Regional eye bank development
Are you working to expand eye banking or vision care in your region? We’d love to connect. Contact the Vision Share team via our website today.
About Vision Share
Vision Share is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and proudly represents the world’s largest network of eye banks. Each member eye bank is Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) certified and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Guided by a shared vision, Vision Share pools resources to provide surgeons with dependable, high-quality ocular tissue tailored to their specific needs. The Vision Share network has delivered over 138,000 corneas worldwide, transforming lives and restoring sight.
