Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I become an eye donor?
The simplest way to register to become an eye, organ and tissue donor is to put your name on your state's donor registry. A list of donor registries can be found at www.shareyourlife.org. However, the most important step is to make sure that you let your family or next of kin know of your wishes to become a donor. That way they are offered the opportunity to donate, they will know of your wishes. For more information on becoming a donor please visit our page on Becoming an Eye Donor.

2. What are your criteria for becoming a donor?
Almost anyone can be an eye donor, regardless of poor vision history or illness. There is no age limit on donation, although HLEB will offer tissue for transplant from donors between the ages of 2 and 79. Donor tissue that does not fall within that specified age range is used for vital ocular research. Under the following conditions donation cannot occur: HIV or AIDS, active hepatitis, active syphilis, rabies, viral encephalitis, or active meningitis.

3. Is eye donation an accepted practice by my religion?
Eye, organ and tissue donation is accepted by most mainstream religious groups as a charitable act that can save or enhance another's life. For more detailed information on religious groups and their viewpoints on donation, please visit our page on National Donor Sabbath

4. Can donor families and recipients correspond with each other?
We understand that for some donor families and cornea recipients, corresponding about their experiences is a key part to the healing process. The identities of donor families and recipients will be kept strictly confidential. HLEB accepts correspondence from both recipient and donor families, then forwards these letters to the appropriate party. This keeps the exchange anonymous. For more information on this process, please visit our page on Donor Family and Recipient Correspondence.

5. What is the success rate for cornea transplants?
Unlike many organ transplant surgeries, a cornea transplant has about a 90 percent success rate. Matching blood types between donor and recipient is not necessary in most cornea transplant cases. This is due to the fact that the human cornea is avascular, meaning that it is not supplied by blood vessels. Therefore, the body is much less likely to reject a cornea than it would a vascular organ like a heart or liver.

6. How are the Lions Clubs affiliated with HLEB?
HLEB's parent organization, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation is the state sight project of the Missouri Lions Clubs, and provides its programs in large part due to Lions' donations. As a result, the majority of the Foundation's Board of Directors are Lions. The Foundation's relationship with the Lions dates back to our organizations beginnings as you can see in our History section. Additionally, Lions Clubs in both Kansas and Illinois provide support to the Eye Bank.

7. How can I make a financial donation to HLEB?
The Heartland Lions Eye Banks and Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation are able to serve others thanks to generous donations from people of all walks of life. If you wish to make a financial contribution to HLEB to invest in the vision of others for years to come, please visit our section on Donating to HLEB.

8. How can I reach a media representative from HLEB?
We encourage you to visit our News and Events section for up to date media specific information, or to contact our PR Director, Annie Kuhl , at 1-800-283-1982 ext. 107.