The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

08/18/2025

Last week, The Eye-Bank IS&T Team said farewell and good luck to IT Technician Intern Matthew Thai as he completed his third summer with the organization.

In our latest blog post, Matthew reflects on what The Eye-Bank means to him and describes how he built on his previous knowledge and experience during his time with us this summer.
We will miss Matthew but know his junior year at the University at Buffalo will be full of exciting new opportunities. We wish him all the best!

Read more about this wonderful young professional who we know has a very bright future!

https://www.eyedonation.org/my-it-technician-internship-matthew-thai/

My name is Matthew Thai, and this is my third summer working as an IT Technician Intern at The Eye-Bank. I am a rising junior at the University at Buffalo studying Computer Science. A Brooklyn native, I attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where I majored in Biological Sciences. After graduating...

08/15/2025

Today, The Eye-Bank Quality Assurance Team says farewell and good luck to Quality Assurance Intern Christine Park.

In our latest blog post, Christine reflects on the summer she spent with us learning about the behind-the-scenes processes that make eye donation possible.

We will miss Christine but know her junior year at Binghamton University will be full of exciting new opportunities. We wish her all the best!

Read more about this wonderful young professional who we know has a very bright future!
https://www.eyedonation.org/my-quality-assurance-internship-christine-park/

My name is Christine Park. I grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey, but love to spend a lot of my time exploring the ins-and-outs of New York City. I am a rising Junior at Binghamton University studying Economics and Accounting. My past work experience at an orthodontist’s office submitting documen...

08/13/2025

One of the best ways to raise awareness about the importance of eye, organ and tissue donation is to promote meaningful conversation within communities and to share stories. As Donor Daughter and Program Manager of Donate Life New State Dominique Bethea puts it,

“It’s the stories from people who look like us that have the most impact."

This Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, talk to your loved ones about donation and make a positive impact in your friends and neighbors today by signing up on the New York State Donate Life Registry to give the gift of sight and life.

https://www.eyedonation.org/become-a-donor/

08/11/2025

Representation within multiethnic communities is very important to The Eye-Bank and to donation advocates like Dominique Bethea, Program Manager of Donate Life New York State, whose father was an eye donor and gave the gift of sight to two individuals. It is important to have conversations with your friends and family about donation because, “If you can help someone, why wouldn’t you?”

Read more about Dominique and her father’s story in our latest blog post.

https://www.eyedonation.org/national-multiethnic-donor-awareness-month/

August is National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, an observance highlighting the importance of saving and improving the quality of life of diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ, eye and tissue donation. Originally established in 1996 as National Minority Donor Awareness We...

08/08/2025

Today, The Eye-Bank Communications team says farewell and good luck to Communications Intern Joel Eulo. In our latest blog post, Joel reflects on the summer he spent with us learning about eye donation and the impact it has on his local New York community. We will miss Joel but know his senior year at Babson College will be full of exciting new opportunities. We wish him all the best!
Read more about this wonderful young professional who we know has a very bright future!

My name is Joel (Jo-L) Eulo. I am a rising senior concentrating in data science at Babson College and a New York City native. Since I started college, every summer I come home to Queens, and this summer my goal was to find at an internship in New York with a non-profit committed to social

08/05/2025

August is National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, an observance highlighting the importance of saving and improving the quality of life of diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ, eye and tissue donation. Representation within multiethnic communities is very important to The Eye-Bank and to donation advocates like Dominique Bethea, Program Manager of Donate Life New York State, whose father was a kidney transplant recipient and an eye donor who gave the gift of sight to two individuals.

07/17/2025

David Wibben had a magnetic personality and a strong desire to help others. A Physical Education teacher, a coach, and a father of four, Dave, as his friends called him, was a thoughtful man who put his community and family first. In our latest testimonial video, Dave's wife Nancy shares what it means to her that her husband's generous gift restored the sight of two individuals. We encourage all New Yorkers to follow Dave's lead. Go to eyedonation.org and sign up today to become an eye, organ and tissue donor.

07/14/2025

This year, at the Eye Bank Association of America's (EBAA) Annual Meeting in San Diego, our Eye-Bank team had lots to celebrate! Former Eye-Bank Communications Director Noël Mick Moschetta, who recently retired after 34-years of service, received the Leonard Heise Award, the highest non-medical distinction presented each year to a member of the eye banking community, and our current Communications Director Maria Chelko received the Communications Optics Award, which recognizes an individual or team from an EBAA-member eye bank who shows mastery of storytelling and creativity to advance EBAA’s mission. Congratulations, Noel and Maria! Read our latest blog post to learn more!

https://www.eyedonation.org/eye-bank-association-of-america-recognizes-two-leaders-of-the-eye-bank/

At the 2025 The Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) Annual Meeting, two Eye-Bank Directors were recognized for their achievements within the profession. Former Eye-Bank Communications Director Noël Mick Moschetta, who recently retired from the organization after 34-years of service, received the...

07/02/2025

Take in the sights this summer but remember to protect your eyes! UV protection sunglasses keep your eyes safe and make you look cool while doing it.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, long-term exposure to UV radiation in sunlight is linked to cataracts and eye growths, including cancer. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of all UV light. Some manufacturer's labels say "UV absorption up to 400nm." This is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption.

Stay safe and hydrated. Have a great summer!

06/30/2025

Last week, a group from The Eye-Bank travelled to sunny San Diego, CA, to attend the Eye-Bank Association of America's (EBAA) Annual Meeting. This year's meeting was especially meaningful, as two leaders from our organization, both our former and our current Communications Directors, received awards for their dedication to the EBAA's mission.

Former Eye-Bank Communications Director Noel Mick Moschetta received the 2025 Leonard Heise Award, the highest non-medical distinction in our profession presented each year to a member of the eye banking community in recognition of their outstanding devotion to the EBAA's development. And current Communications Director Maria Chelko received the 2025 Communication Optics Award, which recognizes an individual or team from an EBAA-member eye bank who shows mastery of storytelling and creativity to advance EBAA’s mission to restore sight worldwide. Congratulations, Noel and Maria!

Two members of The Eye-Bank's Medical Advisory Board were featured speakers at the meeting. Beverly Forsyth, M.D. presented in a general session on "Understanding and Identifying Sepsis" and Viral Juthani, M.D. presented at the EBAA's Medical Directors Symposium about "Becoming an Ambassador for your Eye Bank."

Thank you to the EBAA for providing such a wonderful opportunity for eye bankers across the country to collaborate, learn, and celebrate successes. See you next year!

06/26/2025

The Summer Kick Off was a success!

The temperature was sky high at The Leadership Council Summer Kick Off at .nyc on Tuesday, but so were the vibes! Guests enjoyed breathtaking skyline views, mingled with fellow supporters, and cooled off with spectacular Summer cocktails. It was an unforgettable night, raising more than $12,000 in support of The Eye-Bank's sight-saving programs.

Now, let's turn up the heat! Help us reach our stretch goal of $15,000.

Giveaway: Donate within the next 24 hours for a chance to win an Artisansofiq handcrafted "Phoebe Bucket Bag."

AND TRIPLE YOUR IMPACT
Thanks to two generous family foundations, every $1 contributed now will result in $3 toward our sight-saving programs.

Bonus: Like and share this post and tag one friend for a chance to win this luxury bag as well!

Happy Summer!

06/23/2025

Summer starts here! Join The Eye-Bank’s Leadership Council TOMORROW, June 24, for our Summer Kick Off Happy Hour at the stunning Vintage Green rooftop in Midtown!

- Sip fine wines, seasonal cocktails & craft beers
- Enjoy delicious light bites
- Bid on amazing raffle prizes and auction items
- Take in unbeatable views of the NYC skyline

Tickets are almost sold out so grab yours now at eyedonation.org/summer-kick-off