Lions Clubs

__________

The Lions Eye Bank was established in 1985 by Lions members from the Canadian Clubs of Multiple District 37. The Lions Eye Bank Alberta Society, is a non profit organization dedicated to providing eye tissue for surgery, and the Eye Witness Group, people who have received corneal transplants. The purpose of the Society is to serve Albertans who have a medical need for eye tissue.

The Society provides funding to cover all costs in the recovery, testing and distribution of eye tissue to be used for corneal transplant surgery and sclera replacement. Even though the cost of recovering one cornea is approximately $2,000, there is no cost to surgeons or recipients. On average, 25 people are added to the waiting list every month.

The Society's aims are to raise awareness of the increasing need for eye tissue donation and to educate the public about the donation process. Lions Club Members provide support for the program in many ways, including acting as volunteer drivers

To date, the Eye Bank has provided more than 4,000 corneas for the restoration of sight through transplantation.

Typically, Albertans wait on average for 1 year or as long as 4 years for corneas because the current rate of eye donation does not keep up with demand.

 

Partners In Sight

click to download document

 

 

Bill Webber Fellowship

click to download form