MLERF Now Screening for Macular Degeneration
 In January 2011, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation extended our free vision services by screening for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at our glaucoma events. AMD is a progressive disease that affects the macula of the eye, stealing sight from the individual's center of vision, leaving only peripheral vision. And like glaucoma, there is no cure.
"AMD is so prevalent; it's truly an eye disease of old age," said Tamara Oberbeck, RN, Vision Services Program Manager. "More people are living longer, and it just comes with the territory." In fact, according to the Macular Degeneration Partnership, 14-24% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have the condition...
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Springfield Noon Lions Club Donates $17,000 to HLEB
 This December, Heartland Lions Eye Banks was the recipient of a $17,000 donation from the Springfield Noon Lions Club. Funds will be used to renovate a new location for the Eye Bank's Springfield, Ill. branch office in order to better serve the needs of hospitals and corneal surgeons in Central Illinois.
The Eye Bank, one of the five largest in the nation and the only Lions eye bank in Illinois, retrieves, processes and distributes the highest-quality donor eye tissue to corneal surgeons and their patients...
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Kenyans No Longer Have to Wait for Sight-Saving Surgery
.jpg) “Just wanted to extend a very gracious ‘thank you’ from the people of Kenya and the Tenwek Eye Unit in Kenya. You recently sent corneas to the Global Sight Network which I was able to place for PK (penetrating keratoplasty) use with our gratis surgeon in Kenya. With your help we have successfully eliminated the waiting list there.” - Christopher Ware, Alabama Eye Bank
As a member of Global Sight Network (GSN), a humanitarian effort by a network of eye banks, physicians, vision scientists and philanthropic organizations, Heartland Lions Eye Banks helps our partner organizations restore sight to patients overseas...
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In 2010, the Eye Bank set a record for the number of corneas transplanted. Thanks to our generous donor families, 2,921 corneas were transplanted, including 752 in Missouri, 126 in Illinois and 299 in Kansas.
Missouri lawmakers are seeking funding for the state's organ donor registry. Learn about new legislation and how you can encourage your state representatives to "add the check-box!"
National Eye Donor Month is right around the corner! Contact the Eye Bank's PR department at 800-283-1982, ext. 115 or at info@hleb.org to order free NEDM posters or other materials for your club or organization.
Our Vision Screening Program team members recently received certification from Pediavision for the screening of amblyopia and other vision conditions. Those certified include Tamara Oberbeck, Jennifer Gallihugh, Lisa Tyler, Tyler Sangermano, Peggy Craig, Angela Bell and Laura Yohai.
National Eye Donor Month
March 1-30, 2011
Last year, the Eye Bank provided corneas for 2,921 transplants. Spread the word about the importance of eye donation and learn how you can make the pledge to donate.
Hays Open House
March 27, 2011
1111 30th St.
Hays, KS 67601
Join the Eye Bank at our Hays, Kan. office for an open house during NEDM. Light refreshments will be served.
Take a look at what we're doing in your community! Review the monthly program stats for your Lions district.
Top Giving Lions Clubs for 7/1/10 - 1/31/11
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Mariah was a vivacious, outgoing 18-year-old when she lost her life in a texting while driving accident. Determined not to let her death be in vain, Mariah’s mother, Merry, has been on mission to save the lives of other teens – both as a spokesperson for AT&T’s 
