Today, an estimated 12.7 million people worldwide are waiting for a corneal transplant, yet only one donor cornea is available for every 70 patients in need 1. Addressing this global challenge requires scientific innovation, strong international partnerships, and a shared commitment to expanding access to sight-restoring tissue. That commitment was on full display at the 2026 World Eye Bank Symposium (WEBS) in Prague, Czech Republic, where Vision Share joined eye banking professionals, ophthalmologists, researchers, and industry partners from around the world to share knowledge and support global sight restoration.
Hosted by the Global Alliance of Eye Bank Associations (GAEBA), the symposium featured presentations on corneal transplantation, tissue preservation, bioengineering, and global eye bank development while highlighting the partnerships that make progress possible. For Vision Share, WEBS provides an opportunity to share initiatives with the global eye banking community while learning from colleagues who are advancing corneal transplantation and eye banking around the world.
A Major Milestone for Global Eye Banking
One of the most significant milestones at WEBS 2026 was the official launch of the GAEBA Eye Bank Medical Standards, presented by project team member Kristen McCoy on behalf of the international working group. Developed over more than a decade with input from global experts and informed by discussions with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Standards provide practical best-practice recommendations for eye banks worldwide.
Led by GAEBA Chair Heather Machin, with contributions from Ramona Bashshur, Erik Hellier, and many volunteers, the open-access resource is designed to support safe, ethical, and sustainable eye banking while helping strengthen both established and emerging eye banking programs.
A Collaborative Approach to Eye Bank Development in Morocco
Vision Share Executive Director Phil Fasone presented “Morocco Eye Bank Development,” a case study demonstrating how international collaboration can help build sustainable local eye banking capacity.
His presentation highlighted an important lesson learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. When U.S. tissue donation, supply chains, and international transportation were disrupted in 2020, countries that relied heavily on imported corneal tissue had few alternatives. The experience underscored the importance of developing local eye banking programs that can provide long-term, sustainable access to sight-restoring tissue.
The project began in 2017 when Phil visited Rabat and met Dr. Belmekki at Cheikh Zayed University Hospital. There, he encountered a one-year surgical waiting list in a country where keratoconus, a condition that primarily affects younger patients, accounts for nearly half of all corneal transplants.
What followed was a multi-year collaboration. After an introductory training course in 2022, the Cheikh Zayed Foundation funded a comprehensive 14-week curriculum in late 2024, with remote instruction beginning in March 2025. The project is now entering its final stages, including completion of the eye bank facility, development of locally based medical standards and standard operating procedures, and a final in-person training phase in Rabat. The Morocco Eye Bank is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027.
Excellence in International Eye Banking
Vision Share congratulates Collin Ross, Vice President of Global Development at Eversight, on receiving the Dr. Paul Dubord Award for International Eye Banking.
Presented every two years by GAEBA, the award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to international eye banking while exemplifying the vision and values of Dr. Paul Dubord, whose lifelong dedication helped expand access to corneal transplantation around the world.
Over nearly three decades, Collin Ross has helped advance global eye banking through sustainable program development, international partnerships, and education. His leadership has supported the establishment and growth of eye banks in multiple countries while helping shape international initiatives such as the Barcelona Principles and the newly launched GAEBA Eye Bank Medical Standards.
“This award is a tremendous honor that’s made even more meaningful coming from such distinguished peers in our profession. Having known Dr. Dubord and seen his global impact firsthand, I am especially honored to carry on his legacy of sight restoration and service to those in need.”
— Collin Ross, Vice President of Global Development, Eversight
As a member of the Vision Share network, Eversight continues to play an important role in strengthening global eye banking, and we extend our sincere congratulations to Collin on this well-deserved recognition.
Scientific Innovation Supporting Global Sight Restoration
From customized corneal transplantation and bioengineered tissues to advances in tissue preservation and global eye bank development, WEBS 2026 showcased how innovation is shaping the future of eye banking. Presentations explored advances in donor screening and genetic analysis, new surgical techniques, preservation methods that extend tissue viability, and collaborative initiatives aimed at expanding access to corneal transplantation worldwide. While the topics varied, they all shared a common goal: improving access to safe, high-quality, sight-restoring tissue for patients around the world. Vision Share was honored to be a part of this collaborative event.
Contact 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 and researchers with ocular tissue tailored to their specific needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we’re supporting eye banks, surgeons, and researchers worldwide, we’d love to hear from you. Contact the Vision Share team today.
- February 2016 – Global Survey of Corneal transplantation and Eye Banking. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016; 134 (2): 167-173. ↩︎
