The Arkansas Lions Eye Bank and Laboratory serves the entire state of Arkansas and is supported by the Lions Clubs of Arkansas. These clubs provide financial support to the eye bank for such things as health fairs, civic displays, school lectures, and enucleation training classes.

Arrange Eye Donation

For more information about eye donation, call the eye bank at 501-686-8388 or 501-666-3937. Click on this printable donation form to fill out a donor card and mail it to: Arkansas Lions Eye Bank & Laboratory Department of Ophthalmology, UAMS 4301 W. Markham St., #523 Little Rock, AR 72205-7199

Schedule a Presentation

Representatives of the Arkansas Lions Eye Bank and Laboratory are available to give presentations to school and civic groups. Call 501-686-8388 or 501-666-3937.

History of the Arkansas Lions Eye Bank and Laboratory

In 1983, Dr. John Shock, M.D., chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), agreed to take the steps necessary to establish an eye bank laboratory which would meet the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) standards. Michael Brown, M.D., a former UAMS ophthalmology resident, completed training in corneal transplantation at Emory University, which gave him the necessary expertise to return to Little Rock to set up the laboratory and serve as its Medical Director. The Department of Ophthalmology submitted an application to the EBAA for membership to establish its own eye bank under the name "Arkansas Eye Bank and Laboratory." On April 5, 1986, the first meeting of individuals interested in keeping the Lions involved in eye banking was held. Emphasis was placed on creating a structure that included checks and balances between Lions, doctors at UAMS, and doctors in private practice. On April 17, 1986, Articles of Incorporation for "The Arkansas Lions Eye Bank and Laboratory" were filed with the Secretary of State. On this same date, the Arkansas Ophthalmological Society voted to endorse the application to the EBAA for the new eye bank. Although the Lions name was not initially used in the eye bank title, approval by Lions International was eventually granted. Thanks to the help and dedication of many individuals across the state, as well as the support of the Founders Lions Club, the eye bank was established.

The Arkansas Lions Eye Bank and Laboratory was finally established in 1986. It's main goal from the beginning has been to provide quality corneas for those in need in the state of Arkansas. The eye bank got off to a slow start with little or no assets. The first Executive Director, Ms. Medine Watson worked long days (and even nights) to get everything in place. A Lions Board was established, volunteer enucleators were recruited, and the necessary equipment to operate the eye bank was eventually acquired.

As time went by, a complete network of supporters was established across the state, and these individuals began to donate resources. Office space was generously provided for the eye bank by the Department of Ophthalmology at UAMS. The eye bank received its certification from the Eye Bank Association of America in 1987, and has continued to make progress since that time.

From these humble beginnings, the eye bank has emerged into one of the premier eye banks in the United States. The Lions support has always been present from the beginning, and has continued to grow with the eye bank. In 1997, it was proposed that the eye bank become a Lions state project. This was approved and the work began to develop this idea. All the necessary paperwork was completed and submitted to Lions International for acceptance. The final approval came from Lions International in September, 1999, giving the eye bank the privilege of using the word "Lions" in its name. Thus, we became the Arkansas Lions Eye Bank and Laboratory. We have continued to make a name for ourselves, not only in the Lions community for our provision of gratis corneas to Lions sponsored patients, but also across the nation for the quality of corneal tissue that we process. The Arkansas Lions have sponsored the procurement of eye examination equipment; funded a cutting edge research project; and provided funds so that eye bank personnel can attend health fairs and other related events in order to enhance community awareness of the need for eye donation.