Guidelines
The Heartland Lions Eye Banks policy is designed to provide compassionate and considerate guidelines for correspondence between donor families and recipients.

The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation will transfer anonymous correspondence between donor families and recipients for as long as both parties are agreeable.

Heartland Lions Eye Banks (HLEB), a division of Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation (MLERF), has determined that the exchange of identities and information between and regarding the parties involved in a cornea transplant by mutual consent does not constitute an invasion of privacy and can be in the best interest of everyone involved. However, HLEB/MLERF will only release information when both the recipient and the donor's family/friends have corresponded for no less than 12 months following the donation, and request such an exchange of information. Disclosure of identifying information must be agreed upon by both parties in order for any release of information to occur. Both parties must sign and return an authorization that releases HLEB/MLERF and any involved healthcare providers from liability and damages that may arise from the exchange of identities and information. Further, HLEB/MLERF retains full and total discretion regarding the provision of information about the parties involved in cornea transplants it coordinates and may, regardless of request and mutual authorization, decline to disclose information.

To request more information on writing to a cornea recipient, please call the Eye Bank at 1-800-283-1982.