Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has awarded a $228,641 Vision Grant to Lions District 35-N to support the expansion and equipping of Beauty of Sight's eye bank, formerly known as the Florida Lions Eye Bank. The grant will upgrade laboratory capabilities, enabling the organization to serve more patients across Florida with sight-restoring corneal tissue and specialized ocular biologic therapies.
The matching grant, made possible by support from Lions clubs in District 35-N and Multiple District 35—which includes Florida, the Bahamas, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—will also bolster ophthalmic research, education, and surgical training. The upgraded facility will position the eye bank to adopt emerging technologies and therapies advancing vision care.
“Lions have been leaders in the fight against blindness for more than a century, and we are deeply grateful to Lions Clubs International Foundation for helping make this Vision Grant possible,” said Elizabeth Fisher, District Governor for Lions District 35-N. “This grant reflects the dedication of Lions throughout District 35-N and across our region to improving lives through sight. By supporting the expansion of Beauty of Sight, we are helping ensure that more patients across Florida have access to the vision-restoring care they need.”
Beauty of Sight, located within Bascom Palmer Eye Institute—the #1 ranked eye hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report—has served patients for over six decades. Its new laboratory, just blocks from the medical campus, will enable expanded capabilities while maintaining close collaboration with Bascom Palmer.
“This grant represents a powerful investment in the future of vision care,” said Elizabeth Fout, Executive Director of Beauty of Sight. “With LCIF’s support and the dedication of Lions throughout our district, we will be able to enhance our laboratory capabilities, expand our services throughout Florida, and ultimately serve more patients who rely on sight-restoring treatments.”
The laboratory expansion is part of Beauty of Sight’s strategic initiative to prepare for innovations transforming eye banks' roles in ophthalmic care. “Beauty of Sight has a long and proud history of advancing vision care through innovation, research, and collaboration,” said Joel Levenston, PVDG, President of the Board of Beauty of Sight. “This investment in our new laboratory ensures that the organization remains positioned to support emerging technologies and therapies that are shaping the future of eye banking and ophthalmic care.”
Through the partnership among LCIF, Lions District 35-N, and Beauty of Sight, the project will strengthen the region’s ability to provide sight-saving care and expand access to advanced treatments. For more information, visit Beauty of Sight, Lions District 35-N, or LCIF.
