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Lions Eye Donation Service
30 years of giving sight
The Lions Eye Donation Service (LEDS) eye bank marks its 30th birthday in July 2021.
Join us as we celebrate 30 years of giving sight with 30 days of highlights, from research achievements, heartwarming recipient stories, donor journeys and more.
30 years in 30 days
DAY 1
A history of Lions Eye Donation Service
Learn about the 30-year journey of the Lions Eye Donation Service (LEDS).
Day 2
Our stories: How a transplant changed my life
WATCH: Meet one of our youngest corneal recipients and hear her inspiring story.
Day 3
Why you should become an eye donor
Thinking of donating your eye tissue? Here’s what you should know.
Day 4
Our stories: Donor recipient testimonial
Read how the work of the LEDS team has made a huge impact for donors and recipient families.
Day 5
VIDEO: Meet Dr Graeme Pollock OAM
Get to know Dr Pollock, who has led our team for 30 years. Learn more about the impact of eye donation.
Day 6
A quick chat with Gavin de Loree
We sit down with Gavin de Loree and learn about the work he does with the Lions Eye Donation Service.
Day 7
Milestones: Celebrating the work of LEDS
An estimated 7500 people have donated their eyes to save the sight of others.
Day 8
How the work of LEDS supports research
Learn about CERA’s work to create a laboratory-grown corneal transplant.
Day 9
A special donor thank you: Jillian Henderson
We say thank you to Jillian, whose choice to become a donor gave sight to others.
Day 10
Give someone sight as an eye donor
Register your wish to become an eye donor to make a real difference to someone’s life.
Day 11
A special donor thank you: Bill Hunter
We pay tribute to Bill, a wonderful donor whose gift went on to help others.
Day 12
Milestones: Celebrating the work of LEDS
An estimated 15,000 corneal transplants have been performed since 1991.
Day 13
Our stories: Transplant recipient testimonial
Read how the work of the LEDS team has made a huge impact for donors and recipient families.
Day 14
The important support of the Lions Club
Alf Hawken, Lions Club member and LEDS Committee Chair, shares why saving sight is vital.
Day 15
Happy birthday Lions Eye Donation Service!
July 15 2021 marks the Lions Eye Donation Service’s 30th birthday. Here’s how we celebrated.
Day 16
A quick chat with Dr Jacqueline Beltz
Jacqueline Beltz is an ophthalmologist and the Deputy Medical Director of the Lions Eye Donation Service.
Day 17
Milestones: Celebrating the work of LEDS
Since 1991, LEDS has helped train over 60 corneal fellows – who now help corneal recipients around the world.
Day 18
Our frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the eye donation process, how it works and how to register.
Day 19
A quick chat with Dr Prema Finn
We get to know Dr Prema Finn to learn more about the work she does with the Lions Eye Donation Service.
Day 20
Milestones: Celebrating the work of LEDS
We perform over 530 corneal transplants per year across both Australia and New Zealand.
Day 21
DSAEK: A revolutionary Melbourne first
Dr Rasik B Vajpayee performed Melbourne’s first Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK).
Day 22
Chasing down keratoconus with AI
Researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect keratoconus earlier to improve the outlook for those with the condition.
Day 23
Watch: How a transplant changed my life
Margaret shares how a much-needed corneal transplant returned her sight so she could again enjoy the her favourite activities.
Day 24
Why you should consider becoming an eye donor
By donating your eye tissue after you pass, you can give someone the gift of sight or help with life-changing medical research.
Day 25
About us: The Lions Eye Donation Service
Learn how LEDS performs sight-saving surgeries, gathers consent for donations and distributes donated corneas and other eye tissue.
Day 26
Eye donation in the time of COVID
In 30 years, the Lions Eye Donation Service hasn’t closed once – and the LEDS team wasn’t going to let a pandemic break that record.
Day 27
Milestones: Celebrating the work of LEDS
In 1991 we purchased one of the world’s first specular microscopes, revolutionising eye donation and corneal transplantation.
Day 28
Setting the standard: The Barcelona Principles
How LEDS helped develop the world’s first global agreement on the ethical use of human eye tissue.
Day 29
Our stories: Transplant recipient testimonial
Read how the work of the LEDS team has made a huge impact for donors and recipient families.
Day 30
How to register as an eye donor
Without donors, we could not do the work we do. Here’s how to register as an eye donor.
Thank you
to all our donors, past, present and future
The 31st day of the Lions Eye Donation Service’s 30th anniversary month is the perfect time for a heartfelt thank you to all our donors and donor families.
We couldn’t do what we do without the kindness of those who decide to donate their eyes to give sight to others.
A further thank you to Alison, Sienna, Dale, Lesley and Margaret for sharing their families’ donation stories.
Contact Lions Eye Donation Service (LEDS)
Please call (03) 9929 8708 7am-4pm Monday-Friday or email us.
Urgent referrals: Authorised health practitioners may contact LEDS 6am-10pm via the on-call phone 0408 370 148.
