JULY 2023 | VOL 7

FLORIDA LIONS EYE BANK CELEBRATES A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT

Florida Lions Eye Bank Achieves Remarkable Milestone: Over 1,000 Corneas Transplanted for the Second Consecutive Year

Florida Lions Eye Bank has reason to celebrate as we proudly announce that we have provided over 1,000 corneas for transplant for the second year in a row. At the conclusion of the fiscal year on June 30th, we are grateful to report the total number of corneas transplanted from 2022-2023 reached 1,053. This milestone showcases our commitment to honoring our donors’ wishes to give the gift of sight.

Of the corneas transplanted, 716 were allocated to recipients within Florida, demonstrating our dedication to serving our local community and addressing the needs of those in our home state. Florida Lions Eye Bank also provided 22 corneas to states outside Florida, extending the reach of our contributions to other regions in the United States. Notably, Florida Lions Eye Bank broadened our outreach globally, impacting lives in 315 international cases. Recipients in countries including Cyprus, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Honduras, Chile, and Venezuela received the gift of sight through these international corneal transplants.

In addition to transplantation, Florida Lions Eye Bank also played a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge. Over 600 ocular specimens were allocated for research and training purposes, contributing to the ongoing efforts to improve transplantation techniques and enhance eye care worldwide. The accomplishment of providing over 1,000 corneas for transplantation for two consecutive years is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Florida Lions Eye Bank team. It also highlights the profound impact of eye donation, as donors and their families selflessly gave the gift of sight to others in need.

RESTORING SIGHT AND EMPOWERING SURGEONS

Restoring Sight and Empowering Surgeons: Dr. Analisa Arosemena's Mission Trip to Panama

On July 6^th, Miami ophthalmologist Analisa Arosemena, MD, traveled to Panama supplied with ten human corneas provided by Florida Lions Eye Bank. Dr. Arosemena, a Panamanian herself, embarked upon this journey with a noble goal in mind: to restore sight to indigent patients at Santo Tomás charity hospital in Panama City. This trip marked her second visit to Panama, following a successful mission in September 2022.

The generosity and dedication of Dr. Arosemena were evident as she hand-carried the precious corneal tissue on the plane. Upon her arrival at Hospital Santo Tomás, Dr. Arosemena performed the much-needed transplants, restoring sight to ten grateful patients. However, Dr. Arosemena's mission went beyond restoring sight. Recognizing the opportunity to share her knowledge and skills with local ophthalmologists, she trained new surgeons in the intricacies of performing Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) transplants. This educational aspect of her trip will have a lasting impact, enabling local medical professionals to continue serving patients long after she departs.

Florida Lions Eye Bank is proud to have been part of this mission trip, and we look forward to future collaborations with Dr. Arosemena.

Please donate today to support our programs, including our Gratis Corneal Tissue, Serum Tears Assistance, and Research programs! 

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