The Circle of Light Photo Project is a collection of photographs taken by people whose sight was restored through cornea transplants. The project educates the public about the impact eye tissue donation has on the lives of those in our communities.

Cornea transplant recipients show the world the things they can now see by participating in this important project.

Starting in 2024, the Circle of Light Photo Project traveling exhibit was featured at the Denver International Airport, various local libraries across Colorado and Wyoming, several key medical partners such as Northern Colorado Medical Center, Banner Wyoming Medical Center, and UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, and even select photos featured statewide in all Wyoming Driver Services offices. We're very excited to share the recipients' gratitude for restored sight through their photos with our communities! View all the Circle of Light Photo Project exhibit locations.

Due to popular demand, the current 2024-25 exhibit has been extended through September 2025!  If you are interested in hosting the Circle of Light Photo Project 2024-25 exhibit, please connect with us at info@corneas.org.

That's entirely up to you. We suggest you look around for the things you had trouble seeing or doing before your transplant. Maybe you already have a favorite photo you took after your transplant. If not, we suggest going on a walk through a park or your neighborhood and looking for details in the everyday things you see. Close-ups and landscapes all work. We've had everything from cityscape to food, to vacations. Be creative!

All cornea transplant recipients can submit photos year-round. 

The next round of photo submissions will be accepted in late 2025 through January 2026.

Once recovered and evaluated, donated eye tissues are first placed with recipients on a local transplant waiting list. If a suitable recipient is not found locally, we reach out to other eye banks in the United States. If a suitable recipient still cannot be found, we reach out to our international networks to find a recipient in other parts of the world. This way all viable corneas are transplanted. Tissues not suitable for transplant for medical reasons can often be placed in research programs.

The International Surgery Fund defrays costs associated with international tissue placement. This can include increased shipping fees, additional testing, and a lower cost reimbursement. This fund ensures eye tissues that cannot be placed with recipients in the United States are still transplanted. The fund also supports humanitarian missions of local transplant surgeons who give of their time and skills in developing countries. As part of addressing the worldwide need, the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank has also helped establish eye banking practices and donation programs throughout the world.

The Eye Surgery Grant was established in 1983. It exists to assist patients without the financial means to cover medically necessary eye surgery. Candidates enter the program through sponsorship from their local Lions Club. They must be a resident of Colorado or Wyoming. The Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank Board of Directors reviews the applications and may assist with a grant toward surgery costs.

Regional Donor Registry Support

Eye, Organ, & Tissue Donation Education

The eye bank brings eye, organ, and tissue donation education to a variety of audiences we rely on to fulfill our mission. These include coroners, medical examiners, funeral service professionals, hospices, and hospitals. RMLEB also spreads the donation message through awareness campaigns and public events.

To learn more or to schedule a presentation at your place of business or school, please email us.