Providing the Gift of Sight for 50 Years

Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank, then called Sacramento Valley Eye Bank, was established in 1975 by the Junior League of Sacramento and UC Davis Department of Ophthalmology. The establishment of the eye bank was led by George Waring, MD at UC Davis who had a vision to recover and transplant corneal tissue and Ann Kerr, a double cornea transplant recipient.

In 1977, they partnered with the Northern California Lions Sight Association (NCLSA) who successfully raised funds for equipment and support. The Junior League of Sacramento financed the first executive director and provided fifteen volunteers to assist in the development of the eye bank. Under the new leadership, they began creating the structure of the eye bank as well as recovering corneas, educating the community about eye donation and transplantation, and sponsoring research.

In 1980, Mark Mannis, MD at UC Davis, became the new medical director and created an organizational plan to expand the eye bank to include musculoskeletal, skin, and cardiovascular banking. With the support of the board and NCLSA, they changed the name to the Lions Eye and Tissue Bank and became a member of the Eye bank Association of America. For years, they were the main supplier of corneas and tissue in the northern California and Nevada regions.

In 1996, UC Davis transferred the Lions Eye and Tissue Bank to DCI Donor Services, Inc changing the name to Sierra Eye and Tissue Donor Services. Under this new umbrella, the eye bank was operating with organ procurement organization, Sierra Donor Services, then called Golden State Services.

DCI Donor Services, Inc. also operates the organ procurement organization, Tennessee Donor Services, and merged with the Lions Eye Bank of Middle Tennessee in 1999. The merger expanded the eye bank’s reach and improved their ability to provide vital services to the Tennessee community. This eye bank was founded in 1967 by the Lions Club of Middle Tennessee and Vanderbilt University Hospital and aimed to serve the residents of Tennessee. In 1993, the Lions Club further demonstrated their commitment by funding a clinic at Vanderbilt dedicated to providing eye care for children. This initiative reinforced their ongoing dedication to improving eye health and accessibility for the community.

In 2012, the eye bank operations for both regions were consolidated, streamlining their efforts and resources. Two years later, in 2014, DCI Donor Services introduced a new division called Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank, further expanding their capabilities and commitment to eye care and donation services.

1975

Sacramento Valley Eye Bank was founded by the Junior League of Sacramento and UC Davis Department of Ophthalmology.

1977

Northern California Lions Sight Association (NCLSA) partnered to raise funds for equipment and support.

1980

Mark Mannis, MD was named medical director and the name updated to Lions Eye and Tissue Bank and became a member of the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA).ern California Lions Sight Association (NCLSA) partnered to raise funds for equipment and support.

1996

UC Davis transferred their donation program to DCI Donor Services, Inc., changing the name to Sierra Eye and Tissue Donor Services.

1999

Lions Eye Bank of Middle Tennessee merged with DCI Donor Services Inc., becoming Tennessee Donor Services.

2012

Eye Bank operations for Sierra Eye and Tissue Donor Services and Tennessee Donor Services merged.

2014

DCI Donor Services created a new division, Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank.

2017

VIDARIS, autologous serum eye drops programs was established.