News & Stories

Photo of Ryan Nielsen for Donor Tribute Page

Ryan Nielsen

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
07/16/2001 - 06/13/2024
karl Nelson

Retired attorney able to see again after corneal transplants

Monday, November 17, 2025
Iowa Lions Eye Bank encourages corneal transplant patients to write to the loved ones of those who donated the tissue used in their surgeries, to express their gratitude. Retired Attorney Karl Nelson wrote his donor that he was inspired to register as an eye, organ, and tissue donor himself, and actively support and advocate for Iowa Lions Eye Bank.
Doug Kahler

Longtime Iowa electrician's gift helps vision researchers

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Although Doug Kahler had cancer, he was still eligible to be an eye donor, because unlike with tissue and organ donation, a cancer diagnosis does not often preclude the gift of sight.
Photo of Kristina McGarvey for Donor Tribute Page

Kristina McGarvey

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
01/15/1981 - 11/10/2024
Photo of Susan Justus for Donor Tribute Page

Susan Justus

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
03/14/1954 - 07/13/2007
Photo of Bethany A. Calder for Donor Tribute Page

Bethany A. Calder

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
08/29/1992 - 11/06/2024
Joseph Power

Joseph Power

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
12/16/1966 - 11/1/2024
Judy Binkley

Judy Binkley

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
11/27/1948 - 02/09/2025
Eye Donation Month 2025

Eye Donation Month 2025

Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Eye Donation Month is an annual observance raising awareness about cornea donation and transplantation, honoring the gift of sight given by selfless donors and their families, celebrating corneal transplant recipients, and educating about eye donation and encouraging individuals to register as donors.