News & Stories

Changing Lives Every Day

News & Stories

ILEB Student Researcher Spreads Joy and Education to Pediatric Patients

General News

Iowa Lions Eye Bank is proud to have Kenten Kingsbury on our research team as part of a 12-week summer research fellowship with Dr. Mark Greiner, ILEB Medical Director, as his mentor. Kingsbury has completed his first year of medical school at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.

Gifted Student Gives Gift of Sight

Every Life Has a Story

Amanda Wilken was a vibrant, driven, and brilliant student with a great sense of humor and lots of friends. Amanda grew up and attended school in Norwalk, Iowa, and graduated with honors in 2013.

Iowa Artist Receives Gift of Sight

Gift of Sight

Sherry M. Erpelding is a bilateral cornea recipient who has been watercolor painting since her early high school years. Originally from Waterloo, IA, she and her husband of 52 years currently reside in the small central Iowa community of Baxter.

ILEB 2019 Impact Map

General News
Iowa Lions Eye Bank 2019 impact map visual

936 Iowans donated their eyes or corneas to Iowa Lions Eye Bank in 2019, resulting in 748 cornea transplants in 20 states along with Egypt and Swaziland.  Donated tissues was also used from many donors to continue our research efforts to 'Perfect the Transplant and Prevent the Transplant.'

Motorcycle Enthusiast Gives the Gift of Sight

Gift of Sight
Donor Lee and wife

My husband Lee and I were very dedicated motorcycle riders; Lee lived for riding. He participated in many charity rides and benefits for every cause imaginable. He put his own ride together every year in honor of his grandson who has juvenile diabetes. This ride helped the family with the high costs of medication, doctor visits and transportation.

The Giving Tree Pays Tribute to UIHC's Donors and Their Families

General News
Giving Tree

The Giving Tree Reception and Ceremony was held the afternoon of December 5th, 2019 in the Atrium Lobby of UIHC.  Paying tribute to UIHC’s organ, eye and tissue donors of 2018, families were gathered together in remembrance of their loved ones during this special season of giving.  Several speakers provided testimonials and shared stories of heartbreak, inspiration and hope in honor