
Honoring the Gift of Sight
Surgeons and staff, please join us in our mission to reduce avoidable cornea returns
Learn more about our generous donors, their families, and the gifts they shared.
Matthew Bunch, Donor / Tampa Fire Rescue
We are grateful to our donors and their families for the selfless contributions made to help transform the lives of recipients.
So the World can See.
If this cornea came from your loved one, how would you want it treated?
At LWVI, we treat every donated cornea with the same care and respect we would want for our own family. Each one represents a powerful act of generosity – and a grieving family’s hope that their loss can bring light to someone else’s life. That’s why we are reaching out with urgency and deep respect:
We need your continued help to prevent avoidable surgical cancellations and the return of transplantable cornea tissue. When a graft is returned – especially if not properly packaged – it’s more than a lost chance to restore sight. It means we must deliver heartbreaking news to a family that their loved one’s gift could not be used. These moments are painful, preventable, and deeply felt.
By following return protocols closely, you help ensure these precious gifts can still change lives.
We know how much you care. Thank you for your partnership, your precision, and your heart.

“Every Cornea Matters; Every Donor Matters in Honoring the Gift of Sight.”
Dr. Benjamin Lambright, LWVI Medical Director, Cornea Transplant Surgeon, and Donor Family Member.

Tools for Success – Our team has developed materials to assist with avoidable cornea returns.
- Patient Check List
Please consider using this or a comparable document as a reminder for patient compliance. - Surgical Coordinator Check List
Please use what is helpful for your team. We would appreciate additional suggestions to assist other practices. - Path to Sight Patient Brochure
Please give this brochure to your cornea patients at their pre-op to assist in understanding the donor/recipient process. - Surgery Center Regulations for Proper Tissue Returns
If the tissue is unable to be returned within the specified time frame or not packaged properly for return, the invoice will not be credited.
With the help of your team and patient compliance, we can reduce avoidable cornea returns to honor every donor’s wish to help those in need, So the World can See.
Contact Michele.Malandro@LWVI.org for more information or to order free LWVI patient wristbands.

“The Honoring the Gift of Sight program has made a big difference in our practice. The materials help patients understand the incredible gift of cornea donation and the importance of doing their part to honor it. As a result, we’ve seen stronger patient engagement with pre-op care—and most importantly, more patients are keeping their scheduled surgical appointments. The staff checklists have also been a helpful resource, allowing us to provide consistent, thoughtful care and reinforce key messages throughout the pre-operative process.”
Aarup Kubal, MD
Mark Gorovoy, MD


“Lions World Vision Institute’s Honoring the Gift of Sight program has been invaluable in helping patients understand the compassionate sacrifice behind their corneal transplants. By connecting them to the stories of donor families, it fosters appreciation, increases commitment, and reduces cancellations. This deeper awareness encourages patients to follow through with care and treatment. We’re truly grateful to the donors and families who make the gift of sight possible.”
Emannuel Kai-Lewis, MD
Do you need tissue for your next transplant case?
Let us know what you need, so we can provide tissue processed to your specifications. Already Registered? Login to your account in One World Sight Alliance (OWSA), our online tissue management portal
Chose an option below to register today.