As Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank reflects on 50 years of impact, the organization remains committed to its mission of improving lives, honoring donors, and educating the public. Residents are encouraged to become part of this life-changing legacy by registering as organ, eye, and tissue donors. Photo courtesy of Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

WEST SACRAMETNO, CA (MPG) - In observance of Eye Donation Month, which takes place Nov. 1–30, Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank (SDSEB) is joining organizations across the country in honoring the life-changing impact of eye donors and raising awareness about the healing power of eye donation and cornea transplantation.

Each year, more than 80,000 people in the United States regain their sight thanks to the generosity of eye donors and their families. Eye Donation Month celebrates those who have given others the gift of sight and encourages more individuals to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors.

Eye Donation Month was established in 1983 by the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA). This year’s theme, “Everyday Heroes,” celebrates the idea that anyone can register to become a cornea donor hero. The EBAA spotlighted Christine Lichti, a double cornea transplant recipient and pediatric critical care nurse at UC Davis, along with Jennifer Li, M.D., director of the Cornea and External Disease Service at the UC Davis Department of Ophthalmology, who performed both of Lichti’s transplants. The procedures restored Lichti’s sight and transformed her life. The campaign highlights the “everyday heroes” who make cornea donation possible, including donors and their families, eye bank professionals, corneal surgeons, and advocates for eye donation.

“Eye Donation Month is a time to honor our donor heroes and celebrate the recipients who have received the gift of sight,” said Samuel Ramos, chief executive officer of Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank. “We are proud to celebrate our everyday heroes with this year’s theme alongside Sacramento local, Christine Lichti, a double transplant cornea recipient and pediatric critical care nurse.”

According to the EBAA, around 12 million people worldwide suffer from corneal blindness that could be restored through a cornea transplant. A cornea transplant helps individuals avoid the direct and indirect costs of vision loss, including ongoing medical expenses, long-term care, and loss of productivity for both patients and caregivers. Eye diseases rank as the fifth most costly health issue in the United States, following heart disease, cancer, mental health disorders, and pulmonary conditions. Corneal transplants have a success rate of more than 95 percent.

The UC Davis Department of Ophthalmology is collaborating with SDSEB to celebrate Eye Donation Month by highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two organizations and their shared commitment to restoring sight in the community since 1975. The collaboration underscores a five-decade history of service and innovation in vision restoration.

As Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank reflects on 50 years of impact, the organization remains committed to its mission of improving lives, honoring donors, and educating the public. Residents are encouraged to become part of this life-changing legacy by registering as organ, eye, and tissue donors.

Founded in 1975, Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank is a nonprofit donor network facilitating the Gift of Sight in the states of California, New Mexico, Nevada, and Tennessee. SDSEB is part of a national network supporting donation efforts in Tennessee and New Mexico. For more information, or to register as a donor, visit SierraEyeBank.org.