The Heartland Lions Eye Banks (HLEB) are a program of the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation with the mission to preserve and restore sight. HLEB retrieves, processes and distributes the highest quality donor eye tissue to corneal surgeons.

During the 2003-2004 fiscal year, HLEB provided the gift of sight to 1,748 people by providing tissue for corneal transplantation. Regaining sight through transplant is a miracle for those who have suffered from disease or injury.

"The gift of sight is something that should never be taken for granted. I thank the Lord that there are facilities such as yours to help people from all walks of life enjoy the daily wonders around us. It is so gratifying to look at my grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoy the expressions of wonderment in their faces as they grow and discover new things in life."
-Cornea recipient

In addition to providing quality tissue for transplant, HLEB is also actively involved in its local eye banking communities in promoting donation. Likewise, our parent company the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation provides a variety of vision related programs and services in the state of Missouri.