Changing Lives Every Day
News & Stories
Talented Artist Receives Gift of Sight
Sherry Shedenhelm's artistic talents were first recognized in grade school when she entered and, to her surprise, won a city-wide poster contest. Due to a genetic visual impairment, she never imagined herself being proficient in the field of art; in a young life filled with disability and criticism, she felt “unworthy” of talent or success.
Air Force Veteran Gives Gift of Sight
As we reflect on our Iowa eye donors during Eye Donation Month 2020 (November), we take time to commemorate Veterans Day and honor the military service of those altruistic eye donors who also served our country.
Iowa Teen Chooses Donation
Jose Javier Santos-Jimenez
July 16, 2000 – September 29,2018
ILEB Student Researcher Spreads Joy and Education to Pediatric Patients
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
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
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 COVID-19 Response
Iowa Lions Eye Bank COVID-19 Response:
ILEB 2019 Impact Map
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.'