About Us
Iowa Lions Eye Bank is a non-profit service organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of sight through the recovery, processing and distribution of human ocular tissue for transplantation and research, primarily in Iowa, but also throughout the world. Iowa Lions Eye Bank is affiliated with the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City, Iowa.
Our Mission
To enhance the quality of life through the restoration and preservation of sight.
Our Vision
We will set the standards for the next generation of technological breakthroughs in eye banking and cornea research, forge global collaborations, and inspire individuals to choose donation.
Our Values
Passion- We passionately serve to restore and enhance vision.
Respect- We value and respect all individuals, their decisions regarding donation, and their work in supporting donation, transplantation and research.
Innovation- We are in continual pursuit of new technologies and a constant resource for the advancement of saving sight.
Dedication- We are committed to the uncompromising pursuit of enhancing and restoring sight.
Excellence- We provide safe and high quality tissue, meeting the eye bank standards of the Eye Bank Association of America and Food and Drug Administration, while partnering with University of Iowa Health Care and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
Our History
In 1954, Dr. Alson E. Braley, Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Iowa, saw the need for an eye bank in the Midwest and approached the Iowa Lions at the Lions State Convention in Fort Dodge, Iowa. They accepted the challenge and the Iowa Lions Eye Bank was established at what was then called the University of Iowa Medical Center (now University of Iowa Health Care-University Campus) on September 13, 1955.
Over 60 years later, Iowa Lions Eye Bank continues to be the only eye bank in the state of Iowa and serves all its 99 counties. Our main office and laboratory is located in Coralville, while our satellite location is in Altoona. The Coralville location provides service to Eastern Iowa, while the Altoona location serves Western and Central Iowa.
Iowa Lions Eye Bank was first registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001 and was a charter member of the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) when it was formed in 1961. Today, the eye bank continues to be accredited by both organizations on a regular basis.
Iowa Lions Eye Bank remains a leader in the eye banking industry through innovative research into the causes of corneal diseases; performing modern surgical techniques to process tissue for surgeon needs; promoting donation and providing education regarding the donation process to potential donors and recipients of corneal tissue, as well as the health care and funeral home providers who assist in the process.
We are grateful to continue our dedication to the restoration and preservation of sight through the recovery, processing, and distribution of ocular tissue for transplantation and research.
Click here to explore our historical timeline.