Lions Gift of Sight

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Saint Paul, MN
Lions Gift of Sight

We recover, medically evaluate and distribute donor eye tissue for corneal transplants, research and education.

Part of the University of Minnesota's Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences and supported by Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation.

10/08/2026

Nearly 30 years after receiving two corneal transplants, Jason Finley of Lakeville, MN, is still seeing the impact of his eye donors’ gifts. Diagnosed with an aggressive case of keratoconus in his twenties, Jason received two corneal transplants that helped restore his vision. Today, those transplants remain healthy and Jason says he is fortunate to still have combined 20/25 vision. “I am grateful to the entire Lions Gift of Sight organization for providing the highest quality of preserved tissue, enabling my physicians to restore my vision to a manageable state.” Over the years, Jason has also been a dedicated champion for eye donation, sharing his experience and helping others understand the lasting difference a donor can make.

Thank you, Jason, for continuing to share your story and advocate for the gift of sight! 💙👁️

10/06/2026

Our research team has published a new article in the Cornea Journal on automated cornea viability assessments.

They show that Kerify, an AI-assisted graft assessment web tool, does the work of accurately detecting and classifying the total amount of healthy cells on a corneal transplant graft in a simple online workflow.

“I am grateful to Joshua Hou, MD and our med student Hannah Hwang for completing this work,” said Research Scientist Peter Bedard. “It will be instrumental in learning how whole graft viability affects patient outcomes in future studies.”

This provides the eye bank community with a simple and reproducible roadmap for investigating how to assess tissue without compromising quality.

Read our work here: https://www.ovid.com/jnls/corneajrnl/abstract/10.1097/ico.0000000000004223~automated-tissue-segmentation-software-for-assessing-global?redirectionsource=fulltextview

10/01/2026

Last weekend, Katie, Peter, Camille, Candice, Amy, Kari, Laura and Shane from our team took a trip back in history at Titanic: An Immersive Voyage in Minneapolis. 🚢 Artifacts, room recreations, and a VR trip to the wreck site made for a memorable way to connect outside the office. 💙

09/29/2026

Our Histology Core Manager Heidi Röhrich prepares slides and images for researchers, in partnership with Histology lab at the University of Minnesota’s Vision Core facility. She cuts tissue sections thinner than a human hair, is constantly adapting to changes in research and enjoys the small surprises she encounters each day. Step inside her world in our latest news story: https://lionsgiftofsight.umn.edu/news-events/lgs-news

09/25/2026

“Kind, caring, compassionate and loyal, with a kind and gentle spirit. She touched the lives of so many, young and old. Jess was a spark of life wherever she went.”

In January 2014, at just 25, Jess Donahue of Moorhead, MN was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. Over the next five years, she faced three craniotomies, radiation and chemotherapy. She met every challenge with courage and a positive attitude that inspired those around her. Through the gift of eye donation, her legacy continues, giving others the chance to see the world's beauty, just as she once did through her own lens.

Jess was an incredible artist from a young age, later earning a degree in graphic design and photography, with a gift for capturing the beauty of the outdoors. She loved live music and concerts, dancing, camping, cheering on the Minnesota Wild and Twins and traveling to places like the Rocky Mountains, the Bahamas, and Disney World. Most of all, she cherished time with her family, friends and fur babies, Pink, Shadow and Potter.

Jess passed away on January 5, 2019, leaving behind her mom Shannon, stepdad Tim, siblings Alex, Megan, and Benjamin, and a family who loved her deeply.
Jess is always loved, never forgotten, forever missed. ♥️🕊️

09/23/2026

On Monday, we joined at the Annual LifeSource Golf Classic at Majestic Oaks Golf Club to raise funds for educational programs to increase donor designation and grow resources for donor families. We brought along a team of four golfers (Patrick Christensen, Brian Cunningham, George Rohlf and Ricky Ruiz) and had volunteers stationed around the course to discuss eye donation with golfers. One of our team members, Patrick Christensen, even won the 80 person mega putt contest! 🏌️⛳

Lifesource is the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) that we partner with in Minnesota. This annual event started in 1995 and has raised more than $3 million. We are grateful to all the golfers, sponsors, staff and volunteers who made this meaningful event a success!

09/17/2026

We recently hosted two visitors. Ashley Young was certified in processing DMEK (preparing tissue for corneal transplant) and trained on our automated vision software, Kerify, as her team at the East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank transitions to it. Macy Green, Technical Director at Amnitrans in Alabama, joined us to learn the ins and outs of running an eye bank, covering topics like distribution and EBAA standards. We’re grateful for the chance to share knowledge across the eye banking community and grow relationships with new partners and old friends! 👁️

09/15/2026

Maria Huerta-Lopez is a corneal recipient from St. Paul! This spring, she took the mic at our flag raising ceremony to share her story. Listen here to hear how the gift of sight can change a life.

09/12/2026

Join our team as an Accounts Payable Specialist! This role is in person at our Saint Paul office and manages the accounts payable and purchasing functions for Lions Gift of Sight. 🦁 💻 💵

We're seeking someone with financial systems experience, great attention to detail, strong communication skills and consistent follow-through.

Learn more and apply online at hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/37602.

The University of Minnesota is on a mission that matters. Through education, research, and engagement with our communities, we are driven to make life better for the people of our state, nation, and world. Join us, and work where your work matters.

09/10/2026

Last Wednesday, LGS held a potluck to celebrate our team's accomplishments! These included graduating from college, starting a new master's program and taking a step up in the office. It was a great way to connect and recognize our colleagues!

Address

1000 Westgate Drive, Ste 260
Saint Paul, MN
55114

Telephone

+18668874448

Website

https://lionsgiftofsight.umn.edu/

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