Lions Eye Bank turns 70, consider a donation

It all starts with “check the box.” I will explain that in a bit.

Iowa Lions Eye Bank is celebrating 70 years of service in corneal transplant services that have changed the lives of thousands of people by improving vision and functionality.

By its very nature, every successful transplant means that there has to be a loss. A donor somewhere made the ultimate act of love. Whether the cornea donor themselves, or families, made the decision, the joy of regained or improved vision for someone is countered by the sorrow in the loss of a loved one.

But for those of us who have had a family member who was a donor, there is some comfort in knowing that our loved one’s legacy continues and has positively impacted the life of someone they never knew. Never has the old phrase “have a new outlook on life” been more accurate and relevant. The old Air Force Rescue Service had a motto, “these things we do that others may live.” That is a most appropriate description for our loved ones who are donors. We miss them, and we hurt for their absence, but we know they have affected good in another life.

I am the husband of a cornea donor. I received (through Iowa Lions Eye Bank) a thank-you note addressed “To my Donor’s Family.” A very simple note of grace and gratitude, telling me how much the transplant has changed his life. I responded back. One letter led to another and we are in regular communication and we just recently met. What a wonderful experience! We plan on staying in frequent touch. His transplant was such a success that he only has to have an annual eye exam now, and he passed his driver’s license renewal complete with vision test!

That leads me to offer an overview of Iowa Lions Eye Bank as I have experienced it. It is far more than just the clinical procedure of obtaining donated corneas for transplantation. It is the advanced and cutting-edge research that is being done on eye disease that may lead to advanced forms of treatments and cures. It is the collaboration with eye specialists and researchers both nationally and globally that make available a far wider pool of information, research, and resources to benefit patients. A multifaceted program. But it is all done with an emphasis on care and compassion.

It is also a support organization for those of us who have had a loved one who was a donor. They are available to donor families, and serve as liaisons between recipients and donor families. The hurt is still there but in realizing the good that my wife was able to do, it has tempered the hurt somewhat. She was a giver in life, and it continued beyond with the care, compassion, and assistance of Iowa Lions Eye Bank. For them I will always be grateful. Happy 70th Iowa Lions Eye Bank. You look great. I wish you many more years of success serving those in need. And to the donor families out there, please know your loved one counted and their legacy lives on.

Please consider becoming a donor. I am one. November is Eye Donation Month. To do so, either on your driver’s license form, or organ donor form, just “Check The Box!” It is just that simple to leave a lasting impact into the future.

George Rickey lives in Iowa City.