Hawai'i Lions Eye Bank & Makana Foundation

AATB spring meeting was great! FDA popped in for a visit... the United Sight group rocked it at ASCRS... april was definitely an interesting month...

Mahalo to the Ala Moana, Palolo and Kane`ohe Lions Clubs for inviting us to your last meetings. We appreciate the opportunity to keep our Hawai`i Lions informed on their largest service project to date, the Eye Bank.

Aloha friends and Lions, This message is to notify you that unfortunately the Hawaii Lions Eye Bank & Makana Foundation is effectively not in operation following the termination of the Executive Director and sole Certified Eye Bank Technician by the Hawaii Lions Foundation board. The Director was terminated for refusing an order to furlough staff required for Eye Bank operations that would also have broken multiple contracts requiring 24 hour contacts. As HLEBMF no longer mee...ts Eye Bank Association of America requirements and lacks the staff to perform its duties, the Eye Bank is closed and it is unknown if it will reopen. The Director had been with the Eye Bank for almost 8 years at the time of termination and despite many issues with substandard salaries, treatment, and benefits had continued to keep the Eye Bank running and supplying our local surgeons with corneas for their patients. At this time local surgeons have been advised to reach out to the San Diego Eye Bank, a longtime friend of the Hawaii Lions Eye Bank, for all surgical needs and San Diego has graciously agreed to help out with our surgeons until and unless HLEBMF is able to be brought back online. I am grateful for the opportunity that I've had to work with our local surgeons and families and to serve our community as the former Eye Bank Director. Please stay safe everyone and take care. Regards, Michael Simao Former Executive Director Hawaii Lions Eye Bank and Makana Foundation

I would like to say Mahalo to all those who have made these past 10 years at the Hawaii Lions Eye Bank & Makana Foundation such a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Thank you all! Shawn Wofford

Another great Lions convention... Mahalo to everyone who took the time to stop by our table or took a tour of the office. Big MAHALO to those Lions and clubs who remembered the Eye Bank in the parade of checks.