News & Stories

Changing Lives Every Day

News & Stories

2021 Impact Map

General News

880 Iowa donors provided corneal transplant tissue for 624 recipients in 2021. Additional gifted corneas were used for research and educational purposes to advance knowledge of blindness-causing diseases and transplantation technique. Click HERE to view the full image.

2021 Celebration of Hope and Renewal Video

General News

The Iowa Lions Eye Bank Celebration of Hope & Renewal took place on Thursday, September 9 in the Iowa Lions Donor Memorial & Healing Garden. The Iowa Lions Donor Memorial & Healing Garden honors and celebrates the gifts given by Iowa families and the work of all who facilitate and support the donation and transplantation process.

Avery's Hope

Gift of Sight

When Emily and Adam from Iowa City welcomed their third child into the world on October 5, 2020, their doctor noticed immediately there was a problem with little Avery’s eyes.

ILEB 2020 Impact Map

General News

Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, Iowa Lions Eye Bank was able to restore sight to 652 individuals through the generous gift of cornea donation from 790 Iowans in 2020! Click HERE to view the full size image.

Coe College Student Gives Gift of Sight

Every Life Has a Story

Chloe was born with type 1 diabetes, but our sweet girl never let that get in the way of her dreams and aspirations in life. She was very smart, sweet and silly, in addition to being a talented and beautiful singer.

Veteran Gives the Gift of Sight

Every Life Has a Story

Ralph R. Carlson was born in Indiana in 1954. He graduated from high school in 1973 in Iowa and enrolled in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War era. He was employed as an IT technician for many years and enjoyed all things involving technology (IT) and computers. His other interests included watching movies, going to the casino, and construction.

Sisters' Journey to Restored Sight

Gift of Sight

Sisters share many experiences as they venture through life as siblings, but very few can say they received a corneal transplant together—twice! For sisters Rebecca (Becky) Eddy and Roberta (Bobbi) Daggett of Winterset—both diagnosed with Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy, both patients of Dr.

Young Car Enthusiast Gives Gifts of Life and Sight

Every Life Has a Story

My son Chase was only 16 years old when he was killed in a car accident, along with his 15 year old girlfriend Katilynn, on November 22, 2020. Chase was a very outgoing, loving person who would do anything to help anyone he could. He loved cars, motorcycles, and BMX bike riding with his friends. He was a smart boy who could fix anything and loved working on cars.