History
Founded in 1943 as Southwestern Medical School, UT Southwestern has grown into one of the nation’s leading academic medical institutions. The Transplant Services Center was established in 1972 as one of the country’s first civilian skin banks. In 1978, it expanded through a merger with the Lions Eye Bank, initiating its eye banking operations.
TSC was one of the first three accredited tissue banks in the United States and remains the longest continually accredited tissue and eye bank in Texas. Its legacy reflects a longstanding commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and responsible tissue stewardship.
Through decades of leadership in transplantation, UT Southwestern continues to restore sight and improve lives through advanced ocular transplantation.
Academic Integration and Innovation
As part of a nationally recognized academic medical center, TSC seamlessly integrates clinical practice with education and research. The center collaborates with healthcare institutions, eye banks, and research programs to advance transplantation science and drive continuous innovation.
TSC works directly with UT Southwestern’s Department of Ophthalmology to educate and train the next generation of ophthalmology clinicians in tissue donation, eye banking, and transplantation practices, strengthening both surgical education and long-term patient impact.
This integration of academic training and clinical excellence reinforces UT Southwestern’s leadership within the transplantation community.
Services and Community Impact
TSC works closely with donor families, recipients, and surgeons to support ocular transplants, including corneal and other eye transplant procedures.
In addition to ocular transplantation, TSC distributes multi-specialty (MS) tissue, including skin and tendons, serving patients throughout the local community.
Through coordinated recovery, distribution, and clinical collaboration, the center advances patient outcomes while honoring the generosity of every donor. For more information about the UT Southwestern Transplant Center, visit their website today.
