Our Partners

Our valued community partners play a vital role in our work, assisting in the process of eye donation, providing support, and educating others. There are a variety of ways you can get involved.

How Can I Help?

Make a contribution
Iowa Lions Eye Bank gratefully accepts financial contributions. Your gifts help us purchase new equipment, perform public education and outreach, fund groundbreaking research and more.

Drivers License
Anyone can be an eye donor. It's simple to sign up. In Iowa, you can:

After you sign up, make sure your next of kin is aware of your wishes. It's important because at the time of death, we have a series of questions that need to be answered in order for your donation to qualify for transplantation.

Sign up while getting your hunting or fishing license
Have questions about the donation process? We are happy to answer them.

 

Already signed up? Great! We are always looking for help in signing up others to the registry. Contact Francie Williamson to find out how you can host a donor drive in your community. It's easy, free and can be a great way to earn Silver Cord hours or community service hours.

PDF icon Donor Registry Drive How-To Guide

I'M A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

Healthcare Professional
We work closely with health care professionals as well as hospital donation committees, hospice workers and social workers on awareness and education about the eye donation process. We offer educational presentations and materials upon request. Please contact Francie Williamson for more information.

How to prepare a donor for eye recovery:

Video

 PDF icon donorrecovery.pdf

I WORK AT A FUNERAL HOME

Funeral Home

We value our partnership with the Iowa Funeral Directors Association as well as funeral homes across Iowa to fulfill the wishes of our donors and their next of kin. The donation process brings comfort and meaning to many after their loved ones have passed, knowing they were able to provide the gift of sight. Please contact Francie Williamson if you have any concerns or questions about streamlining the donation process and providing families with the highest level of compassion and care.

I'M A LION

Lions Club
The longtime support of the Lions Clubs of Iowa is an integral part of our operation. Volunteer Lions, through the Lions Transport Program, almost daily transport donated corneal tissue from the western half of the state of Iowa Lions Eye Bank in Coralville and from Coralville to surgeons in Davenport. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver, contact Lion Steve Halstead.

 

Lions Clubs International has been dedicated to aiding the blind and visually impaired since 1925, and Iowa Lions Clubs continue to donate funds for multiple pieces of research equipment. Find your local Lions Club and find out how to join today.

 

IOWA DONOR NETWORK

Iowa Donor Network
Iowa Lions Eye Bank partners with Iowa's only Organ Procurement Organization, Iowa Donor Network, to facilitate donation and transform lives through eye donation throughout the state of Iowa. Together we comprise Donate Life Iowa, under the umbrella of Donate Life America and take part in events such as the Transplant Games of America, Donor Dash 5k, Green 5k and Candlelight Tributes. Iowa Donor Network also runs the call center for all donor referrals in the state of Iowa.

Special Observances

Each February 14 we mark National Donor Day, which honors all who choose to take part in eye, organ, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow donation.

  • Download a special valentine for those who have signed up as donors or taken part in the eye donation process. Simply right click on the image and save it to your desktop. 

 

 

Each April we partner with Iowa Donor Network to mark Donate Life Month. There are a number of ways you can take part:

  • Flag raising at your hospital.
  • Hospital appreciation Rounds to honor all those who take part in donation.
  • Special discounts at businesses for those who can show they have signed up as donors.
  • Social media posts.

 

Each November is Eye Donation Month. There are a variety of ways you can mark this occasion.

  • Set up an Ofrenda on Dia De Los Muertos on November 1 to honor those who have given the gift of sight.
  • Social media posts.
  • Make a contribution to Iowa Lions Eye Bank.