A Summer of Sight: Educational Experiences in Eye Banking
This summer was filled with meaningful opportunities to educate, collaborate, and inspire. From introducing students to the life-changing impact of donation to advancing surgeon training and fostering research partnerships, each experience reinforced the important role education plays in restoring sight and improving lives.
Throughout July and August, we welcomed students, residents, fellows, physicians, and community partners into our facilities, providing firsthand insight into eye banking and the incredible journey from donation to transplantation.
Inspiring Future Healthcare Professionals
The summer began with the collaboration of Tennessee Donor Services and Meharry Medical College Donation Immersion Experience Summer Program. We were honored to host these outstanding students during the eye bank portion of their experience, where they gained firsthand insight into the life-changing impact of eye donation and transplantation.
A few weeks later, we welcomed nine students from the Y2K (Yes2Kollege Educational Resources) Program, which introduces students in grades 7 through 12 to a variety of healthcare careers. During their visit, students learned about the profound impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation, including how one donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of more than 75 others. They also observed a tissue processing event, giving them a rare opportunity to see the work involved in preparing corneal tissue for transplantation.
The students were fascinated by the experience, and many were surprised to learn that a career in eye banking could have such a significant impact on others. Moments like these remind us of the importance of opening doors to future healthcare professionals and donation advocates.
Welcoming New Fellows and Building Strong Partnerships
This summer also brought opportunities to connect with ophthalmologists at various stages of their careers.
We were delighted to welcome Dr. Rikki Enzor, the new UC Davis Eye Center Cornea Fellow, to the SDSEB community. Dr. Enzor brings a unique background to her fellowship, having previously practiced as a glaucoma specialist before returning to training to further specialize in Cornea and External Diseases. We look forward to partnering with her throughout the year, providing hands-on experience with eye banking and opportunities to further develop her surgical and clinical expertise.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Allison Liu and Dr. Mark Mannis from the UC Davis Eye Center for an insightful discussion about the future of eye banking and research. Dr. Liu shared her interest in exploring collaborative opportunities focused on neurodegenerative diseases and ocular biomarkers. We are excited about the potential for innovation and scientific discovery that these conversations may create.
Advancing Surgical Education and Innovation
A major focus of the summer was supporting surgeon education through hands-on wet lab training sessions designed to enhance surgical skills and introduce new techniques.
In July, we organized a wet lab training featuring our newest pre-loaded DSAEK inserter for Dr. Tran of Alameda Health System and Dr. Choi, a PGY4 resident at Sutter Health CPMC Campus. Both ophthalmologists successfully performed the procedure and were enthusiastic about incorporating the technology into their practice.
We also hosted Dr. Rashidi from Eye Site Sacramento Medical Group Ophthalmology for a DMEK wet lab training. In addition to refining surgical techniques, Dr. Rashidi toured our facility and met the processing team responsible for preparing tissue for his upcoming transplant cases. Experiences like these help strengthen the connection between surgeons and the dedicated professionals who support every transplant.
At UCSF Health Eye Center, we had the privilege of working alongside the new cornea fellows, providing hands-on training with the Pull-Through DMEK EndoGlide Inserter and DMEK Micro Jones Tube. These educational sessions encouraged valuable discussions about surgical approaches, tissue handling, and best practices that ultimately contribute to better patient outcomes.
More recently, we welcomed Dr. Caroline Head, the newest physician at Cornea & Cataract Consultants of Nashville, for a behind-the-scenes look at our facility and hands-on DMEK inserter training. We are grateful for opportunities to connect with local physicians, share our expertise, and strengthen partnerships that help restore sight.
Educating the Next Generation of Eye Care Specialists
The summer concluded with one of our favorite educational traditions: the Northern California Eye Banking Orientation.
We were pleased to host UC Davis Eye Center residents and a cornea fellow, along with residents from California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), for a comprehensive introduction to eye banking. Nine attendees dedicated their Sunday morning to learning how corneal tissue is recovered, processed, and distributed to restore sight around the world.
The orientation provided participants with an inside look at the expertise, precision, and teamwork required to prepare corneal tissue for transplantation. They also gained a deeper understanding of the gift of donation and the profound impact it has on both donor families and transplant recipients.
Whether introducing middle and high school students to careers in healthcare, supporting medical students and residents, collaborating with fellows, or providing advanced training for practicing surgeons, every educational experience shares a common goal: restoring sight, improving lives, and honoring the gift of donation.
We are grateful to everyone who spent time learning with us this summer. Through education, collaboration, and innovation, we continue to honor the generosity of donors and their families while helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
