Publication - Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and

Spring 2015
You have
changed
this child's
life forever.
Page 6.
“Alone we can
do so little;
together we can
do so much.”
— Helen Keller
From our perspective, we should all have sight.
THe people YOU
have touched …
Vision:
Our vision is to help others see.
Mission:
To improve visual outcomes and quality of life for
those who are blind or visually impaired through
innovative ocular endeavors.
The Visionary is published by the
Lions Eye Institute Foundation.
1410 N. 21st Street, Tampa, Florida 33605
Telephone - (813) 289-1200 Fax - (813) 242-7025
www.lionseyeinstitute.org
Lions Eye Institute Institute Board of
Foundation
Directors
Angela Pottinger
Foundation Development
Coordinator
813-289-1200 x 247
[email protected]
President/Chief Executive Officer
Jason K. Woody
Lions Eye Institute
for Transplant &
Research
Chairman
John T. LiVecchi, MD
Executive Staff
Jason K. Woody
President and CEO
(813) 289-1200, ext. 234
[email protected]
Dana Caggia
Executive Assistant
813-289-1200 x 290
[email protected]
Patrick K. Gore, RN, CEBT*
Director of Business Development
(813) 289-1200, ext. 246
[email protected]
Medical Director
Lewis Groden, MD
Vice Chairman
Kimberly Murray
“I
’m 51 years old. I was legally blind for seven years and could
not walk on my own, my children guided me everywhere. I was
miserable. I couldn’t do things on my own or go places like everyone else.
I just stayed inside all day and thought about how lucky people are who
can see. On January 28, 2015, I had my cornea transplant. After a couple of
days, I looked across the room and saw my beautiful daughter. I placed my
hand on her face and tears of joy came down. I was so happy and grateful
that I could finally see! Now I can walk by myself and do the things I have
wanted to do. I can finally see the beautiful world around me and because
of that I am cheerful all of the time. I am grateful for the donated corneal
tissue and I thank you so much for that. You have helped me greatly! If it
weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be seeing today.” ~ Daniela
“I
t is now three months since I received my cornea. My vision has
been restored so that I can see my surroundings much more
clearly than ever before in my adult life. What a joy! The stress of worry
that my deteriorating eyesight would jeopardize my independent living is
now a thing of the past. I can now drive my car and play golf because my
distance vision is restored. It is thrilling to be able to see this whole world
in all its beauty. I cannot put into words the blessings that your generosity
has meant to me and my loved ones. Thank you for restoring my vision
and my independence.” ~ James
Did you know?
Immediate Past Chair
David Rankin
1
2
3
4
Chief Counsel
Ronald A. Christaldi
The number of Americans who suffer from blindness, low
vision or age-related eye disease will climb from 38 million
to 50 million by 20201
Treasurer
Robert Capuano
Secretary
Jim Stefan
The number of people 40 and older in the U.S. with glaucoma
is expected to grow by 50%, from 2.3 million to 3.36 million
from by 20201
Directors
Between 2010 and 2050, the number of Americans with
diabetic retinopathy is expected to nearly double, from 7.7
million to 14.6 million2.
Thomas Barnhorn
Louis Cantrell, PDG
John Doyle
Dr. Duane Eichler
Kimberly Murray
Margie Franklin
Mitch McCartney, Ph.D
Scientific Director
Jarett Rieger
(813) 289-1200, ext. 229
Daniel James Scott
[email protected]
James Stefan
John Unger
Andrew Mullins
David Whitmer
Director of Ocular Services
(813)289-1200, ext. 245
[email protected]
Aharon Yoki
Director of Finance
(813) 289-1200, ext. 222
[email protected]
By 2050, the number of people with AgeRelated Macular Degeneration (AMD) is
expected to more than double from 2.07
million to 5.44 million2.
Your gifts helps
our research
continue!
*Lions Clubs International positions
PDG – Past District Governor
DG – District Governor
CEBT – Certified Eye Bank Technician
**Ex-officio
2 | Lions Eye Institute Newsletter
1
2
Alliance for Aging Research’s Silver Book®: Vision Loss Volume II
National Eye Institute’s website www.nei.nih.gov
Strategizing on Our
Future – Focusing on
TT
Our
Customers,
Our
People and
Our
Company
he population is aging rapidly and
coupled with increased life expectancy,
we are seeing higher rates of blindness and
visual impairments. As a consequence,
our operating environment is changing
quickly. Positioning ourselves to meet
the challenges and opportunities of this
changing healthcare arena has been
fundamental at Lions Eye Institute this year.
We’ve again delivered on our pledge
to be a company built to last. Our Strategic
Plan has proven to be a powerful framework
for pursuing the organization’s strategic
imperatives. The Plan articulates our desire to be the first choice for corneal
surgeons and researchers worldwide. As an organization, we recognize that
we have three fundamental pillars on which to focus: Our Customers, Our
People and Our Company.
Our customers remain at the heart of everything we do each and every
day. To maintain this core belief as well as serve our growing customer base,
we must concentrate on investing in existing and new services in 2015/2016.
The challenge is our customers now have more options than ever before.
We are witnessing an increase in competition which has rarely been seen
in a non-profit environment. At the end of the day, this is not necessarily a
bad thing if it means better services and access to those in need.
At Lions Eye Institute we are working diligently to care for our
employees. Our goal is to be their employer of choice as their careers grow.
So, we conducted an employee survey in 2014 that highlighted their belief
and commitment to the organization. In addition, there were opportunities
noted to increase employee engagement through culture and communication
initiatives. Our turnover rate remains relatively steady and well below industry
standards. Across the organization, our priority is to build a passionate,
caring, committed and high performing workforce. Our success is reflected
in the outstanding loyalty of our employees.
On the final front, our company has moved to focus on the men,
women and children that we serve. By investing $500,000 over 5 years,
we vow to assist those who are blind or visually impaired with donated
tissue so they too can experience the wonders of sight. Additionally, we
have committed to investing in our research technologies ensuring our
viability for the future.
There is no doubt we are in the midst of an atmosphere of change,
but it is not something to be feared. The Lions Eye Institute is confidently
embracing the opportunities of this major transformation. We are indeed
leading the industry to bring sight to people who are blind or visually
impaired and changing lives across the globe.
Jason K. Woody
President/CEO
Lions Eye Institute Newsletter | 3
LEITRResearch
Breakthroughs you've
help make happen.
ime is an amazing thing.
When we are older or up
against a deadline time
seems to accelerate. It seems
like just yesterday that I
came to LEITR although
it was in September 2013.
When you and your
Team are working to set up a
new program at LEITR, time
also seems to slip by faster
than you thought possible.
However, I am pleased to
say that the Ocular
Research Center Team has
made significant progress
towards our short and
long term goals..
4 | Lions Eye Institute Newsletter
Ashley Morganti, lead scientist for the
POC model, places the dishes into a CO2
incubator. The anterior portion of the eye
mounted in the dishes is bathed in cell culture
media (red colored liquid visible in the dish)
which is delivered by the plastic tubing attached
to the dish. The incubator keeps the tissue at
human body temperature in an atmosphere
of 95% air and 5% CO2 which has been
shown to promote healthy cells when they
are maintained outside of the body.

TT
Mitchell D. McCartney, Ph.D.
 First, the new equipment for
processing tissue is being
used daily.
 The two research projects,
one using ultrasound to image
donor tissue for possible
disease conditions and a second
examining possible links with
a donor’s positive sputum
cultures and the suitability of
their corneas for transplantation,
were accepted and successfully
presented at
the ARVO
2014 meeting.
 In addition, three more research
projects were submitted for
consideration for ARVO 2015
(May 2015) and all three have
been accepted for presentation.
 We have also made progress
on supplying our research
clients with tissue that has been
dissected and processed here
at LEITR in order to better
preserve the tissue.
 The Team has also succeeded
in setting up various research
models including growing
ocular cells in culture and an
exciting glaucoma model system.
I would like to spend the rest
of this column on describing
the glaucoma model system
that explores the biology of the
trabecular meshwork (TM).
The trabecular meshwork is a
filter that is composed of interlaced
beams covered with cells responsible
for filtering aqueous humor (a liquid
produced by the eye to supply
nutrients to the front [anterior]
parts of the eye) prior to it exiting
the eye through Schlemm’s Canal.
You may have heard of the TM and
aqueous humor if you or a loved one
has glaucoma. The term glaucoma is
a single word that actually describes
a spectrum of glaucoma diseases that
can lead to death of retinal ganglion
cells and the subsequent loss of
vision that starts at the periphery
of the retina. A common type of
glaucoma, POAG (primary open
angle glaucoma), is characterized
with increased intraocular pressure
and is treated with drugs to reduce
the production of aqueous humor or
with surgery to increase the outflow.
These treatments reduce the pressure
and, in most cases, delay the death of
the retinal ganglion cells. The TM is
The ORC Team (Left to Right) Nicholas Sprehe, Ashley Morganti and Dr. Mitch
where the outflow is impeded causing McCartney stand in front of the computer that records the pressure readings for the perfusion
the pressure increase. If we can learn organ culture (POC) model. The system records a reading every minute over the course of an
more about changes in the TM or experiment which lasts from 3 to 7 days.
help develop a compound that would
increase the outflow, perhaps more
people would not have to lose their
sight to this disease.
The Ocular Research Team has
set up a model system that will allow
us to pursue these goals. The model,
originally developed at the Mayo
clinic a number of years ago, consists
of a computer machined plastic dish
and the dissected front of a human
eye held in place and infused with
cell culture media. The media flows
into the inside of the system and exits
in order to examine changes in the
Ashley Morganti checks a POC dish
via through the same tissue route TM. In addition, pharmaceutical
to ensure that the media supply line and
the pressure transducer line are correct
that aqueous humor does in the
industry collaborators want to test
prior to placing it in the incubator. The
intact eye. Once the initial infusion
new compounds to try to lower the
pressure transducers for the dishes are
of media is completed, the dish is
intraocular pressure by affecting the
attached to the side incubator (left).
connected to a specialized pump TM. LEITR scientists will generate
Syringes, with blue filtering disks and
that can infuse media in
pressure data, collect media
containing cell culture media are clamped
at the same rate as natural
that passes through the
2.3 million
into the perfusion pump which infuses
aqueous humor production
TM to examine changes
Americans
the media at a rate of 2.5 µL/minute into
(2.5 µL or 0.0025 mL over the age in proteins and preserve
the dishes.
per minute). The other
tissue for morphological
of 40 have
Your support
component of the system glaucoma. (CDC) studies. The ability to
helps us
is a specialized pressure
acquire high quality ocular
fi
n
d a cure!
sensing device (transducer)
research tissue is a key
that is connected to a computer that
factor for the success of this model.
records the internal pressure once
LEITR is the leader in supplying high
every minute over the course of
quality ocular research tissue so the
several days.
research scientists here are poised
This model will allow us to
to use this model to explore, “The
collaborate with academic partners
science of sight.” 


Lions Eye Institute Newsletter | 5
LEITR
Nankunda and Raphael Visionary Teamworksay thank you! A Global Perspective
Y
Y
ou helped these
Ugandan children see a better life.
There are an estimated 285 million people in the world
who are blind or visually impaired, of which, 90% of
them live in low-and middleincome countries according to
the World Health Organization.
The numbers are staggering.
That’s why the LionsEye Institute
and the surgeons with which we
partner view the restoration of sight
as a global initiative. Our mission, to
improve visual outcomes and quality of
life for those who are blind or visually
impaired through innovative ocular
endeavors, is one that transcends
borders and unites us in the fight
against blindness worldwide and
Dr. Roberto Pineda
brings hope to those who have lost it.
Last fall, the Lions Eye Institute had the distinct privilege
to work with Roberto Pineda II, MD, a world renowned corneal
surgeon at Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary and an Associate Professor
in Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Pineda
was traveling to Uganda on behalf of The Massachusetts Eye
and Ear Infirmary’s Office of Global Surgery and Health, a
Harvard-affiliated non-governmental organization (NGO) to
help two young patients at Mbarara University of Science &
Technology (MUST).
You help
children
become
independent!
6 | Lions Eye Institute Newsletter
II
In a country
where visual
impairments are
often neglected, the
opportunity to receive
an education for children
with this type of disability
is rare. So, Dr. Pineda’s visit
was not only sight-saving,
but life-altering for Nankunda,
a 16 year old girl, and Raphael,
a 13 year old boy. Both patients
were blind from a corneal related disease
and both were excellent candidates to
have their sight restored. In need of corneas for his mission,
Dr. Pineda reached out to the Lions Eye Institute for assistance.
The staff jumped into action realizing the impact the transplants
would have on these children. They quickly identified suitable
donors for the tissue and coordinated with Dr. Pineda so he
could have the corneas before his long journey. And, as part
of our commitment to ensure that everyone receives the gift of
sight regardless of their ability to pay, the Lions Eye Institute’s
Foundation happily funded the cornea tissue.
We are extremely thrilled to report the surgeries for
Nankunda and Raphael were a success! Their vision has
improved and is getting better with each passing day. This
life-changing procedure has the potential to pave the way for
social and economic opportunities never thought possible
for these children. All thanks to the skill and commitment of
Dr. Roberto Pineda. 
magine what it must be like to walk
in a busy city blindfolded? How
would you feel as you stepped off the curb
to cross a well-traveled intersection? What
would happen if you became turned around
and were lost?
Through the generosity of people
like you, the Lions Eye Institute Foundation is
able to support programs in our community
that enrich the lives of children
who are blind and visually
impaired. One such initiative is
the Florida Regional Cane Quest.
Last November, twenty
four students from across the
state participated in this national
annual event created by the
Braille Institute of America.
Because of the many roosters
and hens that roam freely throughout
Ybor City, this year’s theme for our region
was "Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to Cane Quest of course!”
With the goal of becoming confident
travelers, children with sight loss in grades
3 – 12 are tested on their white cane skills
for traveling independently and safely while
solving problems they encounter along the
way. Throughout each route, orientation and
way.
Throughout
route, orientation
and
mobility
(O&M) each
instructors
are positioned
mobility
(O&M)
instructors
are
positioned
to score
students’
skills,
techniques,
way.
Throughout
each
route,
orientation and
to
scoreto(O&M)
students’
skills, techniques,
and
ability
follow instructors
directions
as
student
mobility
arethe
positioned
ability
to
follow
directions
as
the
student
passes
by.students’
To ensureskills,
safety,techniques,
each student
is
to
score
and
passes
by.
To
safety, each
student
is
followed
allensure
times.
ability
toatfollow
directions
as the
student
followed
at
all
times.
to all the
passesCongratulations
by. To ensure safety,
eachstudents
studentfor
is
Congratulations
all the
students
successfully
completing
course
and for
followed
at all
times. tothe
successfully
course
and for
dodging
all completing
the roosters
roaming
around
Congratulations
tothe
all
the
students
for
dodging
all
the
roosters
roaming
around
the Ybor neighborhood!
successfully
completing the course and for
the Ybor
neighborhood!
h t tall
p sthe
: / / roosters
w w w. y o
u t u b e .around
com/
dodging
roaming
h
t
t
p s : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m /
watch?v=n0-16KIFPp4
the
Ybor neighborhood!
watch?v=n0-16KIFPp4
h t t p s : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m /
watch?v=n0-16KIFPp4
Attention all
Attention all
wizards and
Attention
all
wizards and
witches!
wizards
and
witches!
our magical
witches!
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
our
p
r emagical
sence
p rto
emagical
ssearch
ence
is requested
our
is requested
search
for
the three
p rto
e sPrintly
ence
forrequested
the three
Hallows:
Paper
of
is
toPrintly
search
Hallows:
Paper
of of Knowledge and
Communication,
Dots
for
the three
Printly
Communication,
Knowledge
and
Fingers
of Power.
Help
defeat Lord
Hallows:
PaperDots
of of us
Fingers of Power.
Help
us
defeat
Printemort,
the Dots
Print
andLord
the
Communication,
ofEaters,
Knowledge
and
Printemort,
the Print
Eaters,
andLord
the
medium
thatPower.
shall
notbe
Fingers
of
Helpnamed.
us defeat
medium
shall
notbe
named.
Onthat
March
Lions
Eye Institute
Printemort,
the 6th
Print
Eaters,
and the
Onthat
March
6th
Lions
EyeSchool
Institute
was transformed
Hogdots,
of
medium
shallinto
notbe
named.
was transformed
into
Hogdots,
School
of
Braillecraft
and Dottery,
not to
learn
about
On March
6th Lions
Eye
Institute
Braillecraft
and Dottery,
not to learn
about
potions,
divinations
or transfigurations,
but
was
transformed
into
Hogdots,
School
of
potions,Studies
divinations
or
transfigurations,
but
Braille.
that
onlyto30%
ofabout
blind
Braillecraft
andshow
Dottery,
not
learn
Braille. Studies
showor
that
only 30% of blind
potions,
divinations
transfigurations,
but
Braille. Studies show that only 30% of blind
adults gain full-time employment, but 90% of
adults
gain full-time
employment,
butreaders.
90% of
those who
beat the odds
are braille
those
who
beat
the
odds
are
braille
readers.
Of thegain
55,000
legally
blind children
in the
adults
full-time
employment,
but 90%
of
Of
thewho
55,000
legally
blind
children
intothe
United
States,
12%
are
be
those
beatonly
the odds
areestimated
braille readers.
United
States, only
12%
arewith
estimated
be
braille
That’s
why
the support
Of
the readers.
55,000
legally
blind
children
intothe
braille
readers.
That’s
why
with
the
support
of you, our
loyalonly
donors,
Eye Institute’s
United
States,
12% Lions
are estimated
to be
of
you, readers.
our loyal
donors,
Lions
Foundation
supports
the
Florida
Regional
braille
That’s
why
withEye
theInstitute’s
support
Foundation
supports
the
Florida
Regional
Braille
Challenge.
of
you, our
loyal
donors,
Lions
Eye Institute’s
Braille
Challenge.
Foundation supports the Florida Regional
Braille Challenge.
A Peek Inside
A Peek Inside
the Lions
Eye
Institute
A Peek
Inside
the Lions
Eye
Institute
id you know the Ocular Services
the Lions
Eyeisthethe
Institute
id you know
Ocular
Department
largestServices
division
The Braille Challenge is a unique
The Braille
a unique
competition
that Challenge
serves to isencourage
competition
that
serves
to
encourage
blind children
of allChallenge
ages to fine-tune
their
The Braille
is a unique
blind
of all serves
ages
to to
fine-tune
braillechildren
skills, which
are essential
to their
competition
that
encourage
braille
skills,
which
are
essential
to their
success
in the sighted
world.
At the daylong
blind
children
of all ages
to fine-tune
their
success
in
the
sighted
world.
At
the
daylong
competition,
in grades
braille
skills, participants,
which are essential
to K-12,
their
competition,
K-12,
competed
in participants,
five challenging
categories
success
in the
sighted
world.inAtgrades
the
daylong
competed
in
five
challenging
categories
requiring themparticipants,
to transcribein
and
read braille
competition,
grades
K-12,
requiring
them
to transcribe
and
read
braille
using a device
a Perkins
Brailler.
Each
competed
in called
five
challenging
categories
using
a device
called
a Perkins
Brailler.
Each
category
is
designed
to testand
their
skills
in
requiring
them
to transcribe
read
braille
category
is
designed
to
test
their
skills
in
several
areas called
— reading
comprehension,
using
a device
a Perkins
Brailler. Each
several
areas
—
reading
comprehension,
braille spelling,
charttoand
category
is designed
testgraph
their reading,
skills in
braille
spelling,
graph
reading,
proofreading
brailleand
speed
and accuracy.
several
areasand
— chart
reading
comprehension,
proofreading
and
braille
speed
and accuracy.
Aside
from
theand
competition,
the
braille
spelling,
chart
graph
reading,
Aside
from
the
competition,
the
Braille Challenge
an opportunity
for these
proofreading
and is
braille
speed and accuracy.
Braille
Challenge
is
an
opportunity
for
these
students
to meet
andthe
collaborate
with each
Aside
from
competition,
the
students
to meet
with
eacha
other. More
oftenand
not, a child
Braille
Challenge
isthan
ancollaborate
opportunity
forwith
these
other.
More
oftenand
not, student
a child
with
visual impairment
isthan
the
only
in
their
students
to meet
collaborate
with
eacha
visual
impairment
is
the
only
student
in
their
school More
with this
typethan
of disability.
The chance
other.
often
not, a child
with a
school
with
this type
oflike
disability.
The in
chance
to meet
others
just
themselves
who
visual
impairment
is the
only
student
their
to
meet
others
justoflike
themselves
who
understand
thetype
daily
challenges
they
face
school
with
this
disability.
The
chance
understand
the
daily
challenges
they
face
is life
altering.
Older
act as positive
to
meet
others
juststudents
like themselves
who
is
life
altering.
Older
students
act
as
positive
role models to
thedaily
younger
competitors
and
understand
the
challenges
they face
role
models
to Older
the
younger
competitors
and
alllife
the
students
form
immediate
lasting
is
altering.
students
actand
as positive
all
the
students
form
immediate
and
lasting
friendships.
role
models to the younger competitors and
friendships.
day atform
Hogdots
concluded
an
all
the The
students
immediate
andwith
lasting
day at Hogdots
concluded
with an
awardsThe
ceremony
to recognize
the students
friendships.
awards
ceremony
to recognize
for their
accomplishments.
Of allthe
thestudents
literacy
The
day at Hogdots
concluded
with an
for
their
accomplishments.
Of
all
the
literacy
issues inceremony
America, to
braille
literacythe
is the
most
awards
recognize
students
issues
in accomplishments.
America,
braille literacy
is the
most
underrated
and overlooked,
in
for
their
Ofbut
alladvances
the
literacy
underrated
and
overlooked,
but
advances
in
technology
have not
replaced
the
need
for
issues
in America,
braille
literacy
is the
most
technology
have
not
replaced
the
need
for
blind children
learn to readbut
using
this vital
underrated
andtooverlooked,
advances
in
blind
children
to learn
to read
using
this
vital
medium,
created
by Louis
Braille
1824.
technology
have
not
replaced
the in
need
for
medium,
created
by Louis
Braille
1824.
blind
children
to learn
to read
usingin
this
vital
medium, created by Louis Braille in 1824.
D
D
D
D
DD
Department
theOcular
largest
division
in the LEITR
organization
and
consists
of
id
you
knowisthe
Services
in theunits:
LEITR
organization
and
consists
of
three
Recovery,
Donor
Services,
and
Department is the largest division
three
units:
Recovery,
Donor
Services,
and
Development
&
Professional
Relationships.
in the LEITR organization and consists of
Development
& Professional
Relationships.
Our Director
of
Ocular
Services,
three
units:
Recovery,
Donor
Services,
and
Our
Director
of
Ocular
Services,
Andrew
Mullins,
oversees
approximately
Development & Professional Relationships.
Andrew
Mullins,
oversees
approximately
40
incredibly
dedicated
who work
with
Our
Director
ofstaff
Ocular
Services,
40
incredibly
dedicated
staff
who
work
with
over
200
recovery
facilities
in
61
out
of
the
Andrew Mullins, oversees approximately
over
200
recovery
facilities
in
61
out
of
the
67
counties
in
Florida.
All
of
which
are
based
40 incredibly dedicated staff who work with
67
counties
in
Florida.
All
of
which
are
based
in
one
of
our
five
locations:
Tampa,
Orlando,
over 200 recovery facilities in 61 out of the
in one
of ourinJacksonville
five
locations:
Orlando,
Gainesville,
Pensacola.
67
counties
Florida.
Alland
ofTampa,
which
are
based
Gainesville,
Jacksonville
and
Pensacola.
in
one
of
our
five
locations:
Tampa,
Orlando,
 THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM builds
Gainesville,
Jacksonville
andTEAM
Pensacola.
 relationships
THE DEVELOPMENT
builds
with hospitals,
medical
relationships
withfuneral
hospitals,
medical
examiner
offices,
homes,
 THE
DEVELOPMENT
TEAM
builds
examinerand
offices,
homes,
hospices
other
collaborating
relationships
withfuneral
hospitals,
medical
hospices and
other
collaborating
organizations
throughout
the service
examiner
offices,
funeral
homes,
organizations
throughout
the service
area.
By facilitating
true partnerships,
hospices
and other
collaborating
area.
Byensure
facilitating
true partnerships,
we
can
the donation
process
organizations
throughout
the
service
we can
thequality
donation
process
goes
well
and the
of the
tissue
area.
Byensure
facilitating
true partnerships,
goes
well
and the
quality
of
is
atcan
the
highest
standard
forthe
thetissue
we
ensure
the
donation
process
is at the
for
thetissue
surgeons,
researchers
andof
transplant
goes
wellhighest
and
thestandard
quality
the
surgeons,
researchers
andfor
transplant
recipients
we serve.
is
at the highest
standard
the
recipients researchers
we serve.
 surgeons,
DONOR SERVICES isand
thetransplant
heart
recipients
we
serve.
 of
DONOR
theyear
heart
LEITR.SERVICES
It operates is
24/7
of LEITR.
Itstaff
operates
24/7
round.
THe
handles
allyear
of the
 DONOR
SERVICES
is
the
heart
round.
THe
staff
handles
all
of the
death
referrals
from
our
partners.
of LEITR. It operates 24/7 year
death
referrals
from
our
partners.
THey
communicate
with
the
donor’s
round. THe staff handles all of
the
THey
communicate
with
the
donor’s
families
during
a
very
difficult
time
death referrals from our partners.
families
during
a
very
difficult
time
with
compassion
and
sensitivity.
THey communicate with the donor’s
with
compassion
and
sensitivity.
THe
team
also
manages
the
screening
families during a very difficult time
THe team
alsoprocesses
manages
the dispatches
screening
and
consent
and
with
compassion
and sensitivity.
and
consent
processes
and
dispatches
our
Recovery
Coordinators
to all
THe team also manages the screening
our
Recovery
Coordinators
to allalone,
potential
recovery
sites.
In
2014
and consent processes and dispatches
potential
recovery
sites.
In
2014
LEITR
saw
approximately
28,000
our Recovery Coordinators to allalone,
LEITRreferrals
saw
approximately
death
andsites.
had close
to 3,000
potential
recovery
In28,000
2014
alone,
death
referrals
and
had
close
to 3,000
eye
donors.
LEITR saw approximately 28,000
eye donors.
referrals and COORDINATORS
had close to 3,000
 death
THE RECOVERY
eye
donors.
 facilitate
THE RECOVERY
the entire COORDINATORS
recovery process
facilitate
the entire
recovery
which
includes
reviewing
theprocess
medical
 THE
RECOVERY
COORDINATORS
which includes
reviewing
medical
records
tothe
ensure
safe
andthe
quality
facilitate
entire
recovery
process
recordsis
to
ensure
safe
andthe
quality
tissue
procured.
Depending
on the
which
includes
reviewing
medical
tissue transplant
is to
procured.
Depending
on the
need,
research,
either
records
ensureor
safe
and quality
need, transplant
research,
either
corneas
wholeor
globes
are recovered
tissue
is or
procured.
Depending
on the
corneas
or
wholerespect
globes
are recovered
reverence
with
the
utmost
and
need,
transplant
or
research,
either
withquickly
theor
utmost
respect
reverence
and
preserved.
corneas
whole
globes and
are recovered
and quickly
preserved.
with
the year,
utmost
respectofand
Last
because
thereverence
continued
and
quickly
preserved.
Last year,
because
of the
commitment
of our
devoted
staff,continued
the Lions
commitment
of our
devoted
staff,
the
Lions
Eye
Institute
provided
1,664ofeyes
for
research
Last year,
because
the
continued
Eye
Institute
provided
1,664
eyes
for
research
to
help
find
solutions
to
end
blinding
eye
commitment of our devoted staff, the Lions
to
help
find
solutions
to
end
blinding
eye
disease.
But
more
importantly,
we
processed
Eye Institute provided 1,664 eyes for research
disease.
But
more
importantly,
we
processed
2,610
corneas
for
transplant
so
people
of
all
to help find solutions to end blinding eye
2,610
corneas
for
transplant
so
people
of
all
ages
who
were
blind
and
visually
impaired
disease. But more importantly, we processed
ages
who
were
blind
and
visually
impaired
could
experience
the
gift
of
sight.
2,610 corneas for transplant so people of all
couldwho
experience
theLions
giftEye
of
sight. impaired
ages
were blind
and
visually
Institute Newsletter
|7
could experience theLions
giftEye
of Institute
sight. Newsletter | 7
Lions Eye Institute Newsletter | 7
GoodNews
Congratulations!
We value your partnership
When people who share a passion work together to achieve
a common purpose, something magical happens, a true
partnership is formed. These meaningful collaborations,
with trust at its core, are the foundation for our success. Take,
for instance, the long history between Lions Eye Institute and
the District 5 Medical Examiner Office, the facility that serves
Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties.
We would like to congratulate
our President & CEO, Jason
Woody for his appointment to the
Board of Directors of The Greater
Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
Jason’s leadership ability and his
commitment to our organization
and the community will serve him
well in this new capacity. We are
proud to have him represent Lions
Eye Institute.
ed in learning
st
re
te
in
u
o
y
re
A
ns Eye?
more about Lio
These are the District 5 Investigators
Brett Harding • Todd Bronson • Krystal Locklear • Keara Dotson • Dona Faber • Melissa Pope • Kenyon Hopkins
our facility in
Take a tour of r City.
historic Ybo
Pottinger,
Contact Angela
elopment
Foundation Dev
3-289-1200
Coordinator at 81
You can
shop for a cause!
Did you know ... Amazon will donate
a portion
of your
purchase to your favorite charity?
When you shop on Amazon
Smile (smile.amazon.com) and select
Lions Eye Institute for Transplant
& Research, Tampa as your charity
of choice, the Amazon Foundation
will send a percentage of your
qualified purchase to help support
the initiatives of the Lions Eye
Institute Foundation.
8 | Lions Eye Institute Newsletter
Barbara C. Wolf, M.D., the Chief
District Medical Examiner,
and her staff are responsible for
the cornea and eye donation
programs in the region. As a
visionary in her field, Dr. Wolf is
always looking for ways to improve their
processes to continue their efforts in
offering safe, viable cornea and eye tissue
to Lions Eye. For instance, our recovery
staff is allowed access to her facility 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. By offering
such rare accessibility, she assures the
time between the death of the donor and
preservation of the cornea is minimized
which translates to higher quality tissue
for the surgeon and recipient.
But, it doesn’t end there; Dr. Wolf
and her team go the extra mile for their
community with their commitment
to organ donation. They understand
organ, eye and tissue donation not only
benefits the recipients, but also the
grieving families who may find comfort
in knowing that their loved one might
be able to help heal or even
save the life of someone else.
So, the staff compassionately
explains the donation process
to the families who come
through their facility, focusing on
what the program does and who it can
potentially help.
Working collaboratively with Dr.
Wolf and the District 5 Medical Examiner
Office is a powerful tool that has the
potential to improve the health and wellbeing of a community by decreasing
the organ, eye and tissue shortage that
affects thousands of people each day.
Because of this relationship, the team
has helped Lions Eye Institute provide
114 corneas for transplant surgery, and
88 eye tissues for our research programs.
We are honored to work with Dr. Barbara
Wolf, Dr. Wendy Lavezzi, Kyle Shaw
and the rest of the staff. But more
importantly, we are grateful for the
partnership and the opportunity to
provide the gift of vision.
FoundationFocus
Spreading joy for the holidays –
TT
LEITR staff gives back
he holidays were a busy time for the staff at Lions Eye Institute. Every year, the
Foundation hosts a Holiday Party for the students of Hillsborough County
School System’s Very Important People who are Visually Impaired People (VIP2)
program. This annual tradition allows the entire staff to be a part of something greater
and to give back to our community.
Because these children use their senses differently, they need unique toys with
special tactile and sound features. Each child creates a wish list for Santa which is
transformed into a special Holiday Heart. These hearts are hung in LEITR’s reception area and our staff chooses one child
(or more) to make their wishes come true. Filled with the spirit of the season, the LEITR staff set a new record for the
Holiday Hearts campaign! In less than 24 hours all of the hearts were taken and every child at the VIP² Holiday party
would experience the joy of the season.
On December 5th, we were honored to host nearly 100 blind and visually impaired students and their families.
The children spent time making crafts for the holidays, visiting with friends and, of course, sitting on Santa’s lap to
discuss a very important topic – their Christmas wishes. The highlight of the party was Santa and Mrs. Claus handing
out the special gifts from the LEITR staff.
Each Christmas present was met with big smiles, happy hearts and lots of giggles as the staff watched
their child tear into their gifts! To tell the truth, the experience was more heartfelt and meaningful to the
staff than it was for the children, proving, yet once again, that Lions Eye Institute has the best employees!
Every year, after the festivities, the tree from the VIP² party is donated to a needy family, so they,
too, can have a special Christmas. This year was no different. True to form, LEITR staff stepped up to the
plate and purchased the live tree, the lights and all of the decorations for the occasion, ensuring that a
family who did not have the means would be able to have a tree for their children. The tree was delivered,
unwrapped and placed prominently in the home.
It is very humbling to see the LEITR staff come together on a daily basis to give the gift of sight,
and yet, they are still willing to go above and beyond to make a difference in our local community. Thank you
to each and every one of them who have unselfishly supported the Foundation.
Thank you for making
of the Latin rhythm. Try your luck at a gaming table in a glittery casino. This year’s Eye
Ball had it all as we traveled back to the “Forbidden City,” Classic Havana.
The evening celebrated of the “Gift of Sight” and the many lives you have helped
the Lions Eye Institute Foundation touch in our community and around the world. Held
at T. Pepin Hospitality Centre on November 8, 2014, with the singular purpose to change
the lives of the people we serve, the Gala was an incredible success! With the help of our
sponsors and you, our guests, we raised $152,000 to further the Foundation’s efforts.
The evening would not have been possible without the support and generosity of our sponsors who believe in
the Foundation’s mission and have compassion for the families that the Lions Eye touches every day. THank you to Gorovoy
M.D. Eye Specialists, THe Bank of Tampa, LifeLink of Florida, Premier Eye Care, St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute,
Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP., THe Tampa Club, agtc, CliftonLarsonAllen, THe Eye Doctors of New Tampa, Faithful
Deliveries, Scotia Vision, Stephens Instruments, THrivent Financial, WUSF Public Media and Tampa Bay Metro.
During the gala we had the privilege to recognize two incredible community leaders for their impact in
the field of vision. Lorna Taylor, President and CEO of Premier Eye Care received our Light of Sight Award. Ms.
Taylor has been an integral part of this organization and a true champion of our mission. Dr. Mark Gorovoy, a
fellowship-trained, board-certified Ophthalmology sub specialist was honored with our Innovation & Research.
Dr. Gorovoy has been instrumental in perfecting partial cornea transplantation.
We heard the incredible journeys of three very special people whose lives have been forever changed because
of the great work of Lions Eye Institute; Mrs. Dorothy Bernstein, Robert Perez and Elizabeth Price. We thank
them for sharing their stories of courage, hope and determination. They continue to be an inspiration for our
fight to help people who are blind and visually impaired worldwide.
Thank you to everyone that attended the event. Looking forward to seeing you again this year!
Lions Eye Institute Newsletter | 9
Gala photo
credit: Amy
Pezzicara, Pe
zz Photo
Eye Ball Gala Havana Nights
the spell of a warm tropical night. Savor the exotic
a success! Imagine
flavors of the Cuban cuisine. Dance to the sultry sounds
BrightHouse Networks
Paul Briley
George Bringes
Brinker International Restaurant
Support Center (Chili's)
Busch Gardens
Mr. & Mrs. John A. Byczek
Dana Caggia
Callaghan
Robert Capuano
Chris Carlson
Ronald Christaldi
Carne Chophouse
Maxine Carpenter
Jason Carrier
Cason Photography
Certisource, Inc.
Cigar City Brewing
City of Tampa
Clara A. Schiller Perpetual Trust
Clifton Larsen Allen
Cobb Theatres
Cooper's Hawk Winery
& Restaurant
Nick and Holly Davis
James E. Dehart
James H. Demming
Shannon Dierickx
Dinosaur World
Disney World
John Doyle
Tim Dunlevy
Alex H. Dunser
Ellenton-Parrish Lions Club
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs
Wildlife State Park
Anthony R. Esposito
John Evans
EyeSurgeonMD
Faithful Deliveries
Havert L. Fenn
Ferriss Moving & Storage Co. Inc.
Edgar Figueroa
First Watch
Florida Aquarium
Focal Point Coaching Excellence
Lynn Forest-Smith
Foundation for Christain
Ministries, Inc.
Margie Franklin
Bobby Freeman
Fresh Market
G. Peppers
Gainesville Lions Club
Gator Sportsshop
Karl Gavin
Marie Geisinger
Genghis Grill
Glazer Children's Museum
Gold and Diamond Source
Fernando & Jenny Gomez
Jose Gonzalez
Patrick & Amy Gore
Gorovoy M.D. Eye Specialists
Mark Gorovoy, MD
Andrea Grissom
Lewis R. Groden, MD
GulfShore Bank
Carl Haeussler
Keith Harvey
Mark & Jennifer Hasler
Lisa Heil
Edward C. Henderson
Larry Hersch
Robin Hicks
Stuart Y. Hicks
High Point Lions Club
Elizabeth Hilferty
Jeanine E. Hill
Holiday Inn Clearwater Beach
Joseph Holt Sr.
Amber Howell
Tyler Iller
Ryann Iredell
Jay Carlson Photography
John C. Jensen
Frances W. Johnson
Rosalyn M. Johnson
Lawrence P. Kleven
Peter S. Labruzzo
Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Lambright
Crystal Lauderdale
Fred Lay
Elizabeth Lehr
Burt Levy
LifeLink Foundation
LifeShare of Oklahoma
Lions Club Of Spring Hill, Inc.
John T. Livecchi, MD
Carlton D. Lloyd
Stacey Lowe
William F. Lyons
Dawn Maharaj
Ahad Mahootchi, MD
Suzanne Marshall
Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell McCartney
Barbara McCoy
Stephanie McGovern
McIntosh Lions Club
Patrick McNamara
Men's Warehouse
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Mishkin
Ursula Mokler
MOSI - Museum of
Science & Industry
Peter J. Mucci
Andrew Mullins
Kimberly Murray
Paul F. Naccari
Thomas W. Nachazel
Northdale Golf and Tennis Club
Michael O'Rourke
James Stefan
Ocala Lions Club
Stephens Instruments
Clifford R. Opp
Chase Stockton
Patrick Owings
Sumter County Lions Club
Palmer Eye Foundation
Ruthann Swanson
Parkview Baptist Church
Eileen Sweeney and Joe Lauck
Taylor Pappas
Tampa Bay Metro
Julian L. Patterson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pepito Masterpiece Portraits
Tampa Bay Lightning
David Perkins
Tampa Bay Rays
Linda Philipps
Tampa Police Department
William Pilger
Tampa Sports Authority
PinkCalyx
Tampa Theatre
Padrick A. Pinkney
Terry Tarte
Pink Petticoat
Tequilas Taqueria & Tequila Bar
Alfonso Ponce
Samuel Teske, OD
Port Charlotte Lions Club
The Eye Doctors of New Tampa
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Pottinger
The Straz Center
Premier Eye Care
The Tampa Club
Elizabeth Price
The Viera Lions Foundation
PRP Wine International
William J. Thede
Patsy Rains
Barbara Thien
David Rankin
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Thomas
Reeves Import Motorcars
Shannon Thomas
Kimberly Renspie
Thrivent Financial
Monica Rhanem
TJ Maxx
Ike Riddell
Toast Wine & Café
James Rosa
Toffee To Go
Stephen Ryan
Michelle Turman
Safety Harbor Lions Foundation
Ulele
Eleanora B. Sangillo
Manyso Vang
Laura Sauerwein
Alvaro Vega
Dan Schallenkamp
Robert J. Veitch
Adam Scheiner, MD
Venice Lions Club
Lee Schroeder
Mary Jane Verderosa
Glenn D. Schuele
Mackenzie Vogt
Karina Schweitzer
Ruth Wallis
Scotia Vision Consultants
Xuan Wallis
Daniel J. Scott
Gerald Warren
Seminole Lions Foundation, Inc
Samuel H. Webber
Lawrence W. Shafer
Westchase Golf Course
Sonja L. Sheppard
David L. Whitmer
Sheraton Sand Key
Dandi Whitson
John W. Shrive
James Wilford
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Loretta Williams
James O. Simpkins
Susan Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Earl Sims
Lisa Winkelpleck
Sketch & Sip
Beth Withrow
Drew Smith
Wines for Humanity
Ernie J. Smith
Witecki Decorating
Francis J. Smith
Edward Woodard
Sopchoppy Lions Club
Jason K. Woody
Dewitt Sorrels
WUSF Public Media
Sylvia Soto
Southern Brewing and
Aharon Yoki
Winemaking
Elaine M. Yost
Splitsville, Downtown Disney
Zephyrhills Lions Club
Fredrick Spriggs
Neil Zusman
St. Luke's Cataract and
* Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy
Laser Institute
of this report. If any errors or omissions have been
St. Petersburg Lions
made, please accept our sincere apologies and notify
Foundation, Inc.
the Foundation Office at (813) 289-1200.
Lions Eye Institute Newsletter | 11
On Saturday,
April 25th, hundreds
came out to Centennial Park
to Roar Through Ybor!
Thank you to our generous
Race Sponsors!
City of Tampa
Bank of Tampa
LifeLink Legacy Fund
Ybor City Lions Club
Fit2Run
fitlife foods
Tampa General Hospital
The Columbia Restaurant
The Tampa Tribune/TBO.com
Tampa Bay’s MOR
CBS Outdoor
Thank you to the many volunteers especially the
University of Tampa's Delta Gammas whose support
of the event has been invaluable.
Stay tuned.
More to
come in our
next issue.