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  2026 Technician Education Seminar

  Contains 124 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 01/30/2026 at 12:00 PM (EST) Overview Course Info Schedule Speaker(s) Purchase & Access Info

  Attend the most comprehensive course on eye banking, register for the TES today!

  The Technician Education Seminar is a comprehensive virtual course providing a detailed overview of eye banking.

  This hybrid course features on-demand sessions and a series of live virtual workshops. The on-demand sessions are released in two sections and then the live workshops are facilitated on Zoom and provide interactive activities, demos, and lively discussion around the topics covered in the on-demand presentations. Led by expert faculty, the seminar features lectures, live case study discussions, networking opportunities, and demonstrations. 

  This course is intended for beginning eye bank professionals and focuses on the practical, technical, and scientific aspects of eye banking.  

  Course Schedule 

  Seminar Schedule (EST) 

  • December 15    On-Demand Sessions Released
  • January 7         Course Officially Begins 
  • January 30       Live Session (12:00 pm – 2:30 pm) 
  • February 6       Live Session (12:00 pm – 2:30 pm) 
  • February 13     Live Session (12:00 pm – 2:30 pm) 

   

  The course includes:

  • 50 on-demand sessions including presentations, skills videos, and bonus content
  • Participation in 3 live virtual workshops
  • Case study discussions
  • Demonstrations and interactive experiences
  • One-year access to the course presentations and materials
  • Access to a TES 2026 Virtual Course Lens Group
  • A certificate upon course completion 

  Course Information

  Copyright Notice

  The EBAA is pleased to share these materials with you for the purpose of your technical education. The materials are subject to the following conditions:

  ·       The presentations in this course are the property of EBAA and are solely for the education of attendees registered for the 2026 Technician Education Seminar.

  ·       These materials not to be shared with anyone other than the attendee of record registered for the seminar.

  ·       The materials should not be copied or used outside of the Technician Education Seminar. 

   

  Expectations

  Attendees are expected to view all presentations, attend the live session, and participate in the Lens discussions. Individuals must have access to a computer with a functioning microphone, speaker, and camera.

   

  Presentations

  The presentations are listed below. The recording time for each video is included below for your reference.  

   

  EBAA Resources 

  EBAA Overview (9 minutes): Stacey Gardner

  Accessing EBAA Resources (8 minutes): Herocia Hawkins

  EBAA Certification Program and Exam Information (30 minutes): Stacey Gardner

   

  Section I

  Kick Off Presentation (10 minutes): Stacey Gardner

  Eye Banking: Introduction and Overview (22 minutes) Speaker: Jennifer Li, MD

  History of Eye Banking (18 minutes):  Mark Mannis, MD

  EBAA Medical Standards (8 minutes):  Jennifer Li, MD

  Membership, Personnel and Governance (26 minutes):  Jennifer DeMatteo, MCM, CIC

  Cornea Recipient Testimonial (10 minutes): Alex Friedant

  Role of the Technician (14 minutes):  Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT

  Quality Assurance (32 minutes): Kip Hoffman

  Documentation (17 minutes): Monica Freiburger, CEBT

  Safety, Infection Control and Biohazard Waste (32 minutes): Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT

  Eye Bank Related Infections and Other Transmissible Diseases (2 hours and 6 minutes): Sean Edelstein, MD 

  Donor Screening (20 min): Darrell Lee, CEBT

  Authorization and Donor Risk Assessment Interview (11 minutes): Saira Quraishy, CEBT

   

  Section II:

  Ocular Anatomy Part 1 (31 minutes): Asim Farooq, MD

  Ocular Anatomy Part 11 (46 minutes): Asim Farooq, MD

  Serological Testing (33 minutes): Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT

  Physical Inspection (34 minutes): Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT

  Donor Maintenance (24 minutes): Dana Owens, CEBT

  Aseptic Technique (12 minutes): Dana Owens, CEBT

  Recovery and Preservation (42 minutes): Dana Owens, CEBT

  Tissue Storage (14 minutes): Patrick Becker, CEBT

   

  Section III

  Slit Lamp Microscopy Part 1 (43 minutes): George Rosenwasser, MD, CEBT

  Slit Lamp Microscopy Part 1 (52 minutes): George Rosenwasser, MD, CEBT

  Specular Microscopy (37 minutes): Paul Graves, CEBT

  Tissue Processing (29 minutes): Chris Conwell, CEBT

  Post-Processing Evaluation (20 minutes): Anthony Vizzerra, CEBT

  Ophthalmic Procedures (1 hour 45 minutes): Joshua Hou, MD

   

  Section IV

  Hospital Development 101 (14 minutes):  Fred Jordan, FSL

  Sealing and Packaging (15 minutes):  Kerry Gray

  Tissue Distribution (11 minutes):  Brian Philippy, CEBT

  Equipment Maintenance, Cleaning, and Sterilization (21 minutes) Nick Hicks, CEBT

  Barcelona Principles (10 minutes) Graeme Pollock, PhD

   

  Skills Videos & Bonus Content

  Role of the Medical Director – Joshua Hou, MD

  Physical Assessment - San Diego Eye Bank

  Physical Assessment for Competency - The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

  Donor Preparation – Eversight

  Donor Preparation – Miracles In Sight

  Corneal Tissue Recovery – In Situ Procedure – Eversight

  Corneal Tissue Recovery – In Situ Procedure – San Diego Eye Bank

  Ocular Tissue Recovery – Whole Eye Dissection - Eversight

  Ocular Tissue Recovery – Enucleation Procedure – San Diego Eye Bank

  Slit Lamp Microscopy – Evaluating Tissue – Paul Graves, CEBT, CTBS

  Ocular and Tissue Donation: Working Together to Enhance Lives- Dana Owens and Emmitt A. Savannah, III, CTBS

  Understanding and Identifying Sepsis – Beverly Forsyth, MD

  Paton Lecture: The Unsung Heroes of Eye Banking – Bennie Jeng, MD

  EBAA Accreditation Program – Adam Stockman, CEBT

  Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) - Martin De La Presa, MD

  DSAEK- Pull Through Technique - Joshua Hou, MD

  DSAEK With Sheets Glide - Jennifer Li, MD

  DMEK - Pull-Through Technique with Novel Infusion Forceps - Divya Srikumaran, MD

  Course Schedule (EST)

  • December 15               On-Demand Sessions Available
  • January 7                     Course Officially Begins
  • January 30                   Live Session 1 (12:00 pm – 2:30 pm) 
  • February 6                   Live Session 2 (12:00 pm – 2:30 pm) 
  • February 13                 Live Session 3 (12:00 pm – 2:30 pm) 

   

  The tentative schedule for the course can be found in the link below.

  Schedule

  

  Jennifer Li, MD

  Medical Director

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Jennifer Li, MD, is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the UC Davis Eye Center where she is the Director of the Cornea and External Disease Service and the Fellowship Director. Dr. Li received her medical degree and completed her residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and subsequently completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at UC Davis. She is also the Co-Medical Director of Sierra Donor Services in Sacramento, CA.  Dr. Li is an active member of EBAA, serving on the Board of Directors, the Accreditation Board, the Scientific Programs Committee, and the Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Li previously served as the Chair of the Medical Advisory Board and is the Immediate Past Chair of the EBAA Board of Directors and Governance Committee.  She received the EBAA R. Townley Paton Award in 2021.

  

  Martin De La Presa, MD

  Medical Director

  Grene Vision Group

  Martin de la Presa, MD, is an ophthalmic surgeon specializing in cornea, cataract and ocular surface reconstruction.  Dr. de la Presa attended medical school at the University of Utah followed by a general surgery internship at the Oregon Health & Science University. He then attended the University of Minnesota for comprehensive ophthalmology residency and completed a fellowship in cornea and external disease at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. He has earned numerous honors and awards for his research including the NASA Earth & Space Health Innovation Award, AMA Healthier Nation Innovation Award, ASCRS Resident Excellence Award, and is a recent participant in the EBAA Physician Leadership Program. Dr. de la Presa is the Associate Medical Director for Saving Sight and currently serves on the EBAA Accreditation Board.

  

  Divya Srikumaran

  Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

  Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute

  Divya Srikumaran, MD, is an associate professor of ophthalmology in the Division of Cornea and External Disease at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute. She received her M.D. degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, after which she completed her ophthalmology residency and cornea fellowship training at the Wilmer Eye Institute. Dr. Srikumaran’s research interest includes the assessment of corneal transplant outcomes and risk factors for receiving keratoplasty through big data sources including administrative claims data. She received the Hoskins Center IRIS Registry Research Fund Award through the American Academy of Ophthalmology as well as the EBAA Pilot Research grant to study real-world endothelial keratoplasty outcomes. Dr. Srikumaran is leading a team to integrate Wilmer’s Clinical data into the IRIS registry and the SOURCE EHR repository.  She is also a renowned educator and currently serves as Vice Chair of Education and was previously residency program director. As Vice Chair of Education, she has an interest in medical education and studying best practices to support doctors in training. Blending her passion for both education and expertise in corneal surgery, Dr. Srikumaran has also studied barriers to adoption of advanced keratoplasty procedures in the US and abroad. Dr. Srikumaran is a participant in the EBAA Physician Leadership Program and serves on the Scientific Programs Committee.  
  

  

  Joshua H. Hou, MD

  Associate Professor

  University of Minnesota/Lions Gift of Sight

  Joshua Hou, MD, is an Associate Professor and the Lyon Chair of Ophthalmology in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota. He received a BS in Chemistry from Duke University (Durham, NC), where he graduated summa cum laude. He received his MD from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO). He then completed an ophthalmology residency and a fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at the University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary. Dr. Hou currently serves as the Cornea Fellowship Director at the University of Minnesota and maintains a busy tertiary referral practice specialized in complex corneal transplantation and severe ocular surface disease. He is currently the Medical Director of the Lions Gift of Sight Eye Bank, serves as  Chair of the EBAA Scientific Programs Committee, and is an Associate Editor of the Eye Banking and Corneal Transplantation Journal. He leads an NIH funded laboratory at the University of Minnesota and his research interests include eye banking, tissue processing, and limbal stem cell deficiency.
  

  

  Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT

  President & CEO

  Miracles In Sight

  Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT, began a career in ocular transplantation in 1999 at the Lone Star Lions Eye Bank in Austin, Texas.  During her 13 years there, she performed all aspects of eye banking in her role as Technical Director. Ingrid accepted a position with North Carolina Eye Bank in 2013 as the Supervisor of Recovery Services. In 2016, she earned her MBA in leadership and was promoted to the Vice President of Donor Logistics after the acquisition of ocular recovery services in South Carolina.  Ingrid was responsible for the day-to-day logistical operations of the donor recovery process, hospital development, Medical Examiner and Coroner relationships in North and South Carolina. In 2020, Ingrid led the project for the acquisition of the Lone Star Eye Bank, now Miracles In Sight, Lone Star Division. In June of 2022, Ingrid was promoted to President & CEO of Miracles In Sight. Ingrid is an active member in the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) and serves as chair of the Technician Education Committee, EBAA Medical Advisory Board and Certification Board. Ingrid served in the United States Army, HHC, 2AD as the Commanding General’s Attendant. Prior to her career in eye banking, she taught high school Spanish and English.

  

  Bennie Jeng, MD, MS

  Chair of Ophthalmology

  Penn Medicine

  Bennie H. Jeng, MD, MS, is the Harold G. Scheie Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, and Director of the Scheie Eye Institute, of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Washington University and his MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He then completed his ophthalmology residency and chief residency at the Cole Eye Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a fellowship in cornea and external diseases at the Francis I. Proctor Foundation/University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in 2003.
  
  He returned back to the Cole Eye Institute to serve on faculty, during which time he was the recipient of a K-grant from the NIH and also earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Investigation from Case Western Reserve University. He subsequently returned to Proctor/UCSF as an Associate Professor and then Full Professor, where he served as co-director of the UCSF cornea service, Director of the Proctor/UCSF Cornea Fellowship program, and Chief of Ophthalmology at San Francisco General Hospital, as well as being an R01-funded researcher in ocular surface diseases. In August 2013, Dr. Jeng began his tenure as Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he served for nearly 9 years. He assumed his current position in July 2022.
  
  Dr. Jeng has been very active with EBAA, dedicating his time and expertise to the association. He has served on the Research Committee since 2013 and is currently the Chair. He has also served on the Accreditation Board for nearly a decade and is currently Co-Chair. In addition, he has also been a longstanding member of the Medical Advisory Board and the Scientific Programs Committee (including as past Chair), and he has also served on the EBAA Board of Directors.
  
  Dr. Jeng is also involved in the leadership of many other ophthalmologic societies, as President of the Cornea Society, Immediate Past-President of the Eye and Contact Lens Association, on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and on many AAO committees. He is a current member of the American Ophthalmologic Society as well as the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. Dr. Jeng has published over 140 peer-reviewed journal articles and 30 book chapters, and he has delivered over 400 invited lectures nationally and internationally.

  
  

  

  Joshua Hou, MD

  Assistant Professor/Medical Director

  University of Minnesota/Lions Gift of Sight

  Joshua Hou, MD, is an Associate Professor and the Lyon Chair of Ophthalmology in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota. He received a BS in Chemistry from Duke University (Durham, NC), where he graduated summa cum laude. He received his MD from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO). He then completed an ophthalmology residency and a fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at the University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary. Dr. Hou currently serves as the Cornea Fellowship Director at the University of Minnesota and maintains a busy tertiary referral practice specialized in complex corneal transplantation and severe ocular surface disease. He is currently the Medical Director of the Lions Gift of Sight Eye Bank. Dr. Hou is an active member of EBAA, serving on various committees. He currently serves as a member on the EBAA Accreditation Board and the Policy and Position Review subcommittee, and is an Associate Editor of the Eye Banking and Corneal Transplantation Journal. Dr. Hou is also the immediate past Chair of the EBAA Scientific Programs Committee. He leads an NIH funded laboratory at the University of Minnesota and his research interests include eye banking, tissue processing, and limbal stem cell deficiency.

  

  Chris Conwell, CEBT, CQIA (ASQ)

  Eye Bank Technical Programs Administrator

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Chris Conwell, CEBT, CQIA (ASQ), is the Technical Programs Administrator for Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank. He began his tenure in 2011 as a per diem Tissue Recovery Technician, Chris now oversees ocular recovery training, corneal evaluation and processing training, and ocular related research & development. Chris serves as a member of the EBAA Technician Education Committee and as a faculty member of the Technician Education Seminar.
  

  

  Emmitt A. Savannah, III, CTBS

  Manager of Tissue Recovery and Research Training

  LifeGift Organ Donation Center

  Emmitt A. Savannah, III, CTBS, serves as the Manager of Tissue Recovery and Research Training at LifeGift Organ Donation Center, where he provides leadership, supervision, development and implementation of training programs for LifeGift in all its Texas regions that reinforce accepted industry practices and comply with organizational operating procedures, AATB standards, and FDA regulations. Emmitt has worked in the donation industry for over 14 years, and is passionate about leading, training, educating and developing people and teams as well as developing the programs in which they work to achieve goals efficiently.

  

  Adam Stockman, MBA, CEBT

  Director of Clinical Operations

  Iowa Lions Eye Bank

  Adam Stockman, MBA, CEBT, began his career with Iowa Lions Eye Bank in 2003 as a part-time recovery technician and has since served in nearly every technical and operational role within the organization. In his current role as Director of Operations, Adam oversees all clinical operations departments, including Donor Eligibility, Tissue Processing, and Recovery, as well as leading ILEB's Quality Assurance and Compliance program. With over two decades of experience in eye banking, he has a passion for strategic leadership, data-driven process improvements, and has a strong commitment to quality and safety. He has led major multi-center initiatives and contributed to national standard-setting efforts. Adam is also a respected educator and mentor, known for developing strong technical teams and training programs. He is an active contributor to the Eye Bank Association of America, currently serving as Co-Vice Chair of the Accreditation Board, a member of the Medical Advisory Board and a member of the Certification Board.
  

  

  Dana Owens, CEBT

  Director, Tissue Recovery

  Eversight

  Dana Owens, CEBT, is the Director of Tissue Recovery for Eversight. Dana began her healthcare career as an EMT and Medic in the United States Army.  Soon after, she found her calling and purpose within the world of eye banking.  Dana has been involved in eye banking as a recovery technician, recovery manager, business development, research recovery development, and distribution manager and has been the Director of Tissue Recovery since 2022.  Dana currently serves as the Vice-Chair for the EBAA Technician Education Committee. 

  

  Hannah Flaig, CEBT

  Laboratory Supervisor

  The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

  Hannah Flaig, CEBT, is a Laboratory Supervisor at The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration. She began her work in eye banking in 2019 as a Laboratory Technician responsible for the recovery, screening and distribution of eye donor tissue, and was promoted to Technical Trainer prior to her current position. She has a BS in Human Biology from University of California - San Diego, with a minor in cognitive science. 
  

  

  Chelsea Green, CEBT

  Processing Services Manager

  Iowa Lions Eye Bank

  Chelsea Green, CEBT,is the Processing Services Manager for the Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Chelsea received both a BA and BS with a focus in research from the University of Illinois Chicago. She came to the University of Iowa in 2011 to work in medical research and worked on multiple studies before finding her way into eye banking and earning her CEBT. She currently oversees the processing department at Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Chelsea is a member of the Technician Education Committee.

  

  Paul Graves, CEBT, CTBS

  Senior Vice President of Clinical Services

  Advancing Sight Network

  Paul Graves, CEBT, CTBS, was born and raised in Alabama. He joined Advancing Sight Network in July of 1997 as a Transplant Coordinator. Over the years, he has been involved in all aspects of clinical eye banking, from Laboratory Manager to Director of Laboratory Services. Today, as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, Paul oversees the clinical processing aspects of Advancing Sight Network, from performing tissue processing itself to developing new processing procedures to assist surgeons in the care of their patients. Paul is a Certified Eye Bank Technician and a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist. Paul currently serves on the EBAA Technician Education Committee.

  

  Paul Graves, CEBT, CTBS

  Vice President of Clinical Services

  Advancing Sight Network

  Paul Graves, CEBT, CTBS, was born and raised in Alabama. He joined Advancing Sight Network in July of 1997 as a Transplant Coordinator. Over the years, he has been involved in all aspects of clinical eye banking, from Laboratory Manager to Director of Laboratory Services. Today, as the Vice President of Clinical Services, Paul oversees the clinical processing aspects of Advancing Sight Network, from performing tissue processing itself to developing new processing procedures to assist surgeons in the care of their patients. Paul is a Certified Eye Bank Technician and a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist.

  

  Shahri Jones

  Learning Management System Developer

  San Diego Eye Bank

  Shahri Jones, a native of San Diego, has been a dedicated member of the San Diego Eye Bank team for nine years. Starting her journey in eye banking in the Distribution department, she developed a passion for eye banking and donation. In her current role as the Learning Management System Developer, Shahri is instrumental in shaping the educational landscape of the organization. Drawing upon her extensive experience and innovative spirit, she creates engaging and dynamic educational content for both internal staff and external stakeholders. Through her work, Shahri strives to bridge the gap between theory and practice, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in the field of eye banking.

  

  Mudassir Razvi, CEBT

  Laboratory Manager

  The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

  Mudassir Razvi, CEBT, is currently Laboratory Manager at The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration, where he began in 2004 as a Laboratory Technician and subsequently held the positions of Technician Trainer and Technician Supervisor. He oversees technical training and tissue processing and contributes as faculty for The Eye-Bank's annual Wing Chu, MD Cornea Fellow Day.  Mudassir has served on multiple EBAA committees and is currently a member of the EBAA Technician Education Committee. He is a graduate of The College of New Jersey with a BS in Biology.

  

  Vanessa To

  Senior Recovery Technician

  San Diego Eye Bank

  Vanessa To is a senior recovery technician at the San Diego Eye Bank. She received a BS in Environmental Chemistry at the University of California - San Diego. She has worked at the eye bank for 4 years and initially got hired as a per diem recovery technician in December 2019. Along with recoveries, she aids in donor eligibility, tissue processing, and the creation of laboratory references and training aides. 

  

  Kristen McCoy, MA, CEBT, CTBS

  Vice President of Surgical Applications

  Miracles in Sight

  Kristen McCoy, MA, CEBT, CTBS, was appointed to Technical Director in 2008 when she assumed the responsibility for corporate training and is currently the Vice President of Surgical Applications for Miracles in Sight. Kristen holds a master's degree in health and humans' services administration from St. Mary's University in Minnesota, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and is a Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT) and Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS). She has served on numerous Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) committees and sub-committees over the years including the Technician Education Committee and the Certification Board. Kristen also served as a faculty member of the Technician Education Seminar for eight years.

  

  Mark Mannis, MD

  Medical Director

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Mark J. Mannis, MD, is the Fosse Endowed Chair in Vision Science Research, and Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, UC Davis Eye Center at the University of California, Davis. He also serves as Medical Director of Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank in Sacramento, California. Dr. Mannis is a recipient of the R. Townley Paton Award from EBAA and was a recipient of the Lew Wasserman Award in research from Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc. for his work in the development of antimicrobial peptides in ophthalmology. He has received the Moacyr Alvaro Gold Medal from the Federal University of Sao Paulo for contributions to ophthalmic education in Latin America and has received an honorary doctorate from the University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru. He was the 2014 recipient of the Castroviejo Medal for his lifetime contributions to the subspecialty of cornea and both the Claes Dohlman Award from the Cornea Society and the EnergEyes award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology for his mentorship and teaching accomplishments. He conducts a busy referral practice in diseases of the cornea and external eye based at the University of California, Davis.

  

  Jennifer DeMatteo, MCM, CIC

  Director of Regulations and Standards

  EBAA

  Jennifer DeMatteo, MCM, CIC, is the Director of Regulations and Standards for the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA). She oversees the EBAA Accreditation program, Medical Standards process and serves as their regulatory liaison. She received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science degree in clinical microbiology from Hahnemann University (now Drexel University). She was responsible for directing the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Employee Health programs and personnel in major tertiary hospital and ambulatory care settings.  Jennifer has been a Healthcare Epidemiologist for over 20 years and is certified in Infection Control & Epidemiology (CBIC).

  

  Jennifer Li, MD

  Medical Director

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Jennifer Li, MD, is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the UC Davis Eye Center where she is the Director of the Cornea and External Disease Service and the Fellowship Director. Dr. Li received her medical degree and completed her residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and subsequently completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at UC Davis. She is also the Co-Medical Director of Sierra Donor Services in Sacramento, California. Dr. Li is the immediate past Chair of the EBAA Board of Directors and has served on various EBAA committees including EBAA Accreditation Board, the Scientific Programs Committee and as Chair of the Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Li received the R. Townley Paton Award in 2021 for her contributions to the EBAA, sight restoration and corneal transplantation.
  

  

  Matt Arnett

  Chief Quality Officer

  Dakota Lions Sight and Health

  Matthew Arnett is the Chief Quality Officer of Dakota Lions Sight & Health (DLSH) where he has worked since 2013. Prior to joining DLSH, he worked as an analytical chemist for a FDA-regulated pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturing firm. Matthew currently serves as Chair of the EBAA Quality Assurance Committee and has also served on the Mary Jane O'Neill Fellowship in International Eye Banking Selection Committee and as a guest faculty member of the 2019-2020 Technician Education Seminar. When not at work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family (wife & son), cheering for the Green Bay Packers as a partial (1/360,760th) owner of the team, and brewing his own beer in a custom designed brewery in his garage.

  

  Sean Edelstein, MD

  Associate Medical Director

  Mid-America Transplant

  Sean Edelstein, MD, is an Associate Professor at Saint Louis University Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Edelstein attended Medical School at University of Cape Town, South Africa, and completed his ophthalmology residency and fellowship in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery at Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Edelstein is the Associate Medical Director at Mid-America Transplant and is an active member in the EBAA, where he currently serves on the Accreditation Board and the Medical Review Subcommitee and has previously served on the Medical Advisory Board.

  

  Darrell Lee, CEBT

  Laboratory & Processing Manager

  Lions Eye Bank of West Central Ohio

  Darrell Lee, CEBT, is a Laboratory & Processing Manager for Lions Eye Bank of West Central Ohio. He has worked for the eye bank for over 13 years, initially starting off as an eye tissue recovery technician. Darrell’s has BS in Chemistry and is a CEBT. Along with being a tissue coordinator, he is responsible for the processing of corneal tissue at LEBWCO. 

  

  Saira Quraishy, CEBT

  Manager, Technical Operations

  Georgia Eye Bank

  Saira Quraishy, CEBT, obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Kennesaw State University and joined Georgia Eye Bank in May 2006 as a Donor Coordinator. In April 2007, Saira transitioned into a technical/laboratory position and has been a Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT) since 2007. After several years of dedicated service and outstanding job performance, Saira was promoted to the position of Laboratory Supervisor in April 2013 and in January 2015, Saira was promoted to Manager of Technical Operations. Saira manages donor recovery operations, laboratory operations, donor eligibility determinations, and tissue distribution activities. Saira serves on the Technician Education and the Scientific Programs Committees for the Eye Bank Association of America.

  

  Asim Farooq

  Assistant Professor

  University of Chicago

  Dr. Asim V. Farooq is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine where he was awarded a grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, allowing him to devote a year to study the pathogenesis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in the cornea. He then completed ophthalmology residency training at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, and a fellowship in cornea and external disease at the Washington University in St. Louis.
  

  

  George Rosenwasser, MD, CEBT

  Gift of Life Donor Program Eye Bank

  George O. D. Rosenwasser, MD, CEBT, has been associated with eye banking since 1984. He is the author of the first atlas and text on eye banking and has been a member of various EBAA committees, including Medical Advisory Board, Technician Education Committee, Scientific Programs Committee, and the International Relations Committee. He is also a member of the steering committee for the Corneal Preservation Time Study. He completely revised the Technician Education Seminar in 2009 and has given many of the lectures from 2009-2019.  He practices Cornea and External Disease in Hershey, PA, and is the Medical Director for the Gift of Life Donor Program Eye Bank.  Dr. Rosenwasser received the R. Townley Paton Award from EBAA in 2015.

  

  Anthony Vizzerra, CEBT

  Director of Clinical Services

  Saving Sight

  Anthony Vizzerra, CEBT, serves as Director of Clinical Services at Saving Sight. He has been in the eye banking profession for five years. Anthony earned his Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in chemistry from The University of Arizona. In his current role, Anthony oversees the daily operations of the clinical laboratory and directly supervises the lab team.  Since being with Saving Sight, he has been able to successfully change procedural protocols to help reduce processing errors, as well as reduce overall supply costs. 
  

  

  Joshua Hou, MD

  Medical Director

  Lions Gift of Sight

  Joshua Hou, MD, is an Associate Professor and the Lyon Chair of Ophthalmology in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota. He received a BS in Chemistry from Duke University (Durham, NC), where he graduated summa cum laude. He received his MD from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO). He then completed an ophthalmology residency and a fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at the University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary. Dr. Hou currently serves as the Cornea Fellowship Director at the University of Minnesota and maintains a busy tertiary referral practice specialized in complex corneal transplantation and severe ocular surface disease. He is currently the Medical Director of the Lions Gift of Sight Eye Bank.  Dr. Hou serves on the EBAA Accreditation Board, the Policy and Position Review Subcommittee, and is the Associate Editor of the Eye Banking and Corneal Transplantation Journal. Previously, he served as Chair of the EBAA Scientific Programs Committee. He leads an NIH funded laboratory at the University of Minnesota and his research interests include eye banking, tissue processing, and limbal stem cell deficiency.

  
  

  

  Fred Jordan, FSL

  Director of Development

  Miracles in Sight

  Fred Jordan, FSL, has been in eye banking since 1995 and full-time with Miracles In Sight since 2001. Fred is a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. Over his many years with Miracles In Sight, Fred has fulfilled the roles of Surgical Recovery Specialist, Lab Technician, Professional Development Specialist and is now Director of Development. He currently serves on the EBAA Donor, Partner and Community Relations Committee.

  

  Kerry Gray

  Laboratory Technician

  Saving Sight

  Kerry Gray has worked as a Cornea Processing Technician at Saving Sight in Kansas City for 3 years. Prior to that, she was a zookeeper, working with penguins, stingrays, otters, and polar bears. This is Kerry's first year on the Technician Education Committee and she is excited to further her education and skills as a processing technician! 
  

  

  Brian Philippy, BCHE, BS, CEBT

  Director of Business Development

  Lions Gift of Sight

  Brian Philippy, BCHE, BS, CEBT, works for Lions Gift of Sight in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Brian started eye banking in 1997 at the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank (now Lions Gift of Sight), beginning as a Lab Attendant, then Procurement Technician, Distribution Coordinator, Donor Coordinator, then Lab Manager. In 2005, Brian became the Technical & Quality Assurance Director in Norfolk, then later the Director of Transplant & Research. Brian also served as a Consultant and Director at Vision Share, concurrent with time served in Norfolk. Earning CEBT in 2003, Brian began an extensive EBAA committee service history in 2006.

  Fees

  Early Bird (Before November 1) Member:  $350   Non-Member: $650

  Regular (November 1 – January 5): Member: $450    Non-Member: $750

   

  Purchase Information

  To purchase this course, individuals must log into eyeLEARN, and then select the Register button.

  EBAA Members: If you are an employee of an EBAA member eye bank, you will receive member rates to attend this course. If you work for an EBAA member eye bank but are not yet in the EBAA data base, please contact Herocia Hawkins to be added to the database and linked to your organization.

  IMPORTANT: If you should receive member pricing and don’t see that as an option, please contact Herocia Hawkins before registering.

   

  Access Information

  Once you have registered for the course, you will have access to it. The on-demand sessions will be available starting on December 15.

  To access the presentations, log into eyeLEARN, click on the Components tab, and select the recording you wish to view. Once you have watched a presentation, be sure to complete the survey associated with that presentation. To receive credit for completing the course, attendees must watch all presentations, attend all live sessions, and complete all of the surveys.  

   

  Computer Information

  Attendees should have access to a computer with a camera and functioning speaker and microphone. The live sessions are designed to include active participation by the attendees and having a computer with microphone, camera and speaker will enable attendees to fully participate in the seminar. 

   

  If you require assistance with registering or accessing the recordings, please contact Herocia Hawkins.

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    • Non-member - $650
    • Member - $350
    • Regular Price after 11/01/2025 12:00 AM
    • Non-member - $750
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  DMEK 2.0: Beyond the Basics

  Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 11/06/2025 at 1:00 PM (EST) Overview Speaker(s)

  Attend this session to expand your knowledge about DMEK tissue preparation beyond the basics!

  As preparation techniques for Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) become more advanced, the requests become more complex. This session moves past the basics of tissue preparation for DMEK as the speakers discuss cases and situations where the preparation may be more complex or require additional considerations than a typical case. 

   

  Speakers will share videos and experiences highlighting the following situations:

  • Endo-In DMEK

  • Using tissue from diabetic donors

  • DMEK with an IOL

  • Turning DSAEK tissue into a DMEK graft

  • Punching down already processed tissue

   

  Attend this session to expand your knowledge about DMEK tissue preparation beyond the basics!

  

  Chris Conwell, CEBT, CQIA (ASQ)

  Eye Bank Technical Programs Administrator

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Chris Conwell, CEBT, CQIA (ASQ), is the Technical Programs Administrator for Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank. He began his tenure in 2011 as a per diem Tissue Recovery Technician, Chris now oversees ocular recovery training, corneal evaluation and processing training, and ocular related research & development. Chris serves as a member of the EBAA Technician Education Committee and as a faculty member of the Technician Education Seminar.
  

  

  Chelsea Green, CEBT

  Processing Services Manager

  Iowa Lions Eye Bank

  Chelsea Green, CEBT,is the Processing Services Manager for the Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Chelsea received both a BA and BS with a focus in research from the University of Illinois Chicago. She came to the University of Iowa in 2011 to work in medical research and worked on multiple studies before finding her way into eye banking and earning her CEBT. She currently oversees the processing department at Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Chelsea is a member of the Technician Education Committee.

  

  Nicholas Hicks, CEBT

  Director, Tissue Processing

  Eversight

  Nicholas Hicks, CEBT, serves as the Director of Tissue Processing at Eversight. Nicholas has been with Eversight since 2012. Throughout his tenure, he has prepared over 4,000 corneas for transplantation and actively contributed to numerous research studies to advance sight restoration. Nicholas is a Certified Eye Bank Technician and plays a significant role in the eye banking community, serving on the Eye Bank Association of America's Technician Education Committee and Accreditation Board. In September 2024, he participated in a transformative training session during the World Eye Bank Symposium in Jakarta, Indonesia, underscoring his commitment to global collaboration in combating corneal blindness.
  
  

   

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• From Compliance to Culture: Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Quality

  Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/22/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT) Overview Speaker(s)

  Attend this session to learn more about establishing a culture of quality at your organization. Register today!

  Every eye bank has a quality department—but not all have a quality culture.  In this webinar, speakers explore how quality can go beyond checklists and audits to become part of your organization’s everyday mindset. Speakers look at how leadership, staff, and the quality team can all play a role in building a stronger culture of quality, focusing specifically on two key area: process improvement and communication.

   

  Attendees will learn:

  • Understand the roles of Operations and Quality Assurance in process improvement initiatives.
  • Identify key areas where misalignment between Operations and QA can lead to inefficiencies or failures.
  • Learn practical strategies for fostering effective communication and trust between cross-functional teams by exploring a real-world example of successful process improvement.
  • How to speak with maximum impact while minimizing conflict 
  • Negotiation strategies for increasing collaboration and alignment 
  • How Quality can lead your organization during high-stakes moments

   

  Attend this session to learn more about establishing a culture of quality at your organization. Register today! 

  

  Kip Hoffman, CQT (ASQ) (Moderator)

  Quality Coordinator

  Iowa Lions Eye Bank

  Kip Hoffman, CQT (ASQ), is the Quality and Compliance Coordinator at Iowa Lions Eye Bank and the Chair of the EBAA Quality Assurance Committee. He cares for audits, document control, compliance, data analysis and the like, having prior experience working with quality and purchasing in the manufacturing sector. He is an ASQ Certified Quality Technician and specializes in SOP creation and Lean concept.
  

  

  Katrina Capuzzo, CEBT

  Director of Quality Assurance

  Lions World Vision Institute

  Katrina Capuzzo, CEBT, CTBS, is the Director of Quality Assurance at Lions World Vision Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Applied Science from UCLA and has over 15 years of experience in the field of eye and tissue donation, primarily in Quality Assurance, Donor Eligibility, and Recovery. Katrina currently serves on the EBAA Quality Assurance and Exam Committees. When not at work, Katrina enjoys traveling by train with her husband and two young sons.

  

  Jerry Burkey, CEBT

  Quality Assurance Lead

  San Diego Eye Bank

  Jerry Burkey, CEBT, is a Certified Eye Bank Technician and the Quality Assurance Lead at the San Diego Eye Bank. Prior to working in Eye Banking, Jerry was a Fire Chaplain and Executive Director at FirefighterAid. He has 15 years of experience in eye banking across various disciplines, having worked in Recovery, Quality, Hospital Development, and Donor Eligibility. Jerry currently serves on the EBAA QA Committee and the Technical Procedures Manual Subcommittee.

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  2025 Fall Medical Advisory Board (MAB) Live Broadcast

  Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/16/2025 at 3:30 PM (EDT) Overview Registration and Access

  If you are unable to attend the MAB in-person in Orlando, you can register to view the session virtually.

  The Fall Medical Advisory Board Meeting takes place on Thursday, October 16, at 1 pm Eastern, and will be broadcast live from Orlando. If you are unable to attend the MAB in-person, you can register to view the session virtually. Up to 2 CEUs may be earned for CEBTs, and Medical Directors can attend virtually to fulfill the accreditation requirement. 
  

  NOTE: If you are a member of MAB - this is not a way to participate virtually in the meeting and we encourage you to attend the in person meeting at the Fall Leadership Meeting. This broadcast link will contain outbound audio only.

  Registration Information

  EBAA may purchase this session for $50; non-members may purchase this session for $200. To register and access the session, click on the registration button. 

  Access Information

  Once you are registered for the webinar, the session will be available through your Dashboard or on this site. Registered attendees will receive reminder emails with information for accessing the webinar and the recording.

  CEU Information

  Attendees may earn 2 CEUs for attending this session. Once an individual has attended the session and completed the evaluation, they will be awarded with 2 CEUs. Individuals can view their CEUs on the EBAA Member Portal under Certification/CEUs.

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  Maximizing Impact: Leveraging Technology to Create Effective Newsletters

  Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/24/2025 at 2:00 PM (EDT) Overview Speaker(s)

  By leveraging these strategies, organizations can strengthen relationships, improve outreach, and drive greater engagement with their audience. Attend this session to learn strategies for success!

  This session explores how organizations use technology to enhance their eNewsletter strategies, ensuring they effectively engage stakeholders and inspire action. Participants will learn best practices for audience segmentation and personalization, discover automation and AI tools to streamline communications, and understand how strong email content and storytelling can drive deeper engagement. The session will also cover key metrics for optimizing outreach and impact.

  Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how to use technology to enhance email marketing efforts.
  • Learn best practices for segmenting and personalizing eNewsletters to engage key audiences.
  • Explore automation and AI tools to improve efficiency and engagement.
  • Identify key metrics to track and optimize email performance for increased impact.
  • Discover how to craft compelling content and stories that move audiences to act.

  By leveraging these strategies, organizations can strengthen relationships, improve outreach, and drive greater engagement with their audience. Attend this session to learn strategies for success! 

  

  Keri Goff

  Senior Director, Campaigns & Creative

  Whole Whale

  Keri is the Senior Director of Campaigns & Creative at Whole Whale. She has over 13 years of experience in storytelling, design, and production. Her career has been dedicated to amplifying voices and driving social progress through innovative creative strategies and compelling narratives.

  
  Through her previous experience at The Soze Agency and DoSomething.org, Keri has spearheaded numerous campaigns that push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Her approach to storytelling is rooted in collaboration, firmly believing in telling stories with people, not for them. This philosophy has led her to create impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences and inspire action.

  
  Keri’s journey in the creative world began with a background in photojournalism and design, where she honed her skills in visual storytelling. A notable highlight of her early career includes photographing President Obama’s 2009 inauguration, setting the stage for a career filled with capturing pivotal moments and translating them into powerful narratives.

  
  Known for her expertise in disruptive campaign creative, Keri has a talent for placing thought-provoking content in unexpected places, creating moments of surprise and engagement for audiences. Standout moments include a reproductive justice drone show after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, multiple Times Square takeovers with pro-immigrant messaging, interactive art installations on the National Mall, 10+ murals commissioned, and more.

  

  Kat Manuel

  Account Manager

  Whole Whale

  As an Account Manager, Kat is dedicated to transforming client visions into measurable marketing impact. Kat works closely with clients throughout every aspect of the project, ensuring we not only meet but exceed their goals. Her approach combines strategic thinking with hands-on optimization, particularly in email marketing, where she dives deep into clients’ systems to uncover ways to nurture and engage their audiences.

  
  

  Highlights of Kat’s work include collaborating with both project-based and retainer clients to develop creative marketing strategies that go beyond traditional deliverables. Notable client wins include helping What Matters re-launch their new OKRs Explained course from planning to launch and supporting The Opportunity Agenda in running ad campaigns that brought in thousands of new leads to the organization. Kat takes pride in helping clients unlock the power of their data, empowering them to make informed, strategic marketing decisions that drive real results.

  
  

  With over 7 years of experience in non-profit and marketing agency sectors, Kat brings a unique perspective shaped by her degree in International Relations and Communications from San Francisco State University. Kat’s career has been driven by a passion for working with organizations that create positive social impact.

  
  

  When she’s not working, you’ll find her on outdoor adventures with her dog, tending to her garden, experimenting in the kitchen, or practicing yoga. Kat believes in bringing the same creativity and care to her personal life that she brings to her professional work.

  

  Maria Chelko (Moderator)

  Communications Manager

  The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

  Maria Chelko has fifteen years of experience as an educator in hospital, community, and academic settings. Since joining The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration in 2017, she has served in many positions including Family Support Coordinator and Hospital and Community Liaison. She is currently Communications Manager. Throughout her career in eye banking, she has been dedicated to improving eye donation outcomes and fostering a positive culture of donation in the New York City area through public and professional education and donor family outreach. Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State University and a master’s in Writing from The University of New Hampshire

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  Community Chat: Ocular Tissue Allocation and Distribution

  Contains 1 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 09/10/2025 at 2:00 PM (EDT) Overview

  Join us for a lively discussion about the allocation and distribution of ocular tissue.

  Join EBAA members for a Community Chat on Ocular Tissue Allocation and Distribution. Planned by the EBAA Technician Education Committee, the chat provides a unique opportunity for attendees to discuss the allocation and distribution of ocular tissue. If you have a specific question about allocation and distribution that you would like to make sure is addressed during the chat, please send your question in advance to Stacey@restoresight.org.  Join us for a lively discussion about the allocation and distribution of ocular tissue.  

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  Community Chat: DEI in Eye Banking – Continuing the Conversation Among New Laws and Restrictions

  Contains 1 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 08/27/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT) Overview Speaker(s)

  Join our panelists as they discuss their varying DEI circumstances and how they are adapting to the current climate and restrictions, while still upholding important DEI values and principles that contribute to a positive and productive workplace environment for everyone.

  The EBAA DEI Committee is hosting a roundtable discussion / community chat about the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion amongst eye banks. In today's political climate DEI is being scrutinized; many states have passed laws limiting members' ability to uphold DEI programming and efforts.

   

  Join our panelists as they discuss their varying DEI circumstances and how they are adapting to the current climate and restrictions, while still upholding important DEI values and principles that contribute to a positive and productive workplace environment for everyone.

   

  We encourage participants to engage in the discussion and ask questions. If you're uncomfortable asking a question of offering a comment, you may submit them in advance - they will be read/asked anonymously. Please send your thoughts to Herocia@RestoreSight.org by Wednesday, August 13.

   

  To create as safe and open an environment as possible, this session will NOT be recorded - so please plan to attend live.

  

  Mike Tramber, MBA, CEBT, CTBS (Moderator)

  Vice President of Operations

  Miracles in Sight

  As Vice President of Operations, Mike is responsible for developing long-term strategies, creating lean and efficient operational processes, improving customer relationships and monitoring the successes of each operational department.

  
  Mike started his career in the organ, tissue and eye donation industry more than 20 years ago as a recovery technician, where his skills and attention to detail helped him routinely win the coveted Technician of the Month award. His calm demeanor, excellent interpersonal skills and industry knowledge make him an outstanding and successful leader. He later moved to Carolina Donor Services as Tissue Recovery Manager where he led the department to win the Golden Quill and Golden Scalpel Awards for minimal errors in both documentation and surgical technique. Mike came to Miracles In Sight in 2006, where he quickly was able to use his skills to forge many process and procedural improvements and lead the company to become one of the top eye banks in the world. Mike is an advocate for donation. He is active on multiple EBAA committees, leads technician education trainings, and lectures on eye banking domestically and abroad.

  
  After graduating high school, Mike enlisted in the US Army as a laboratory technician and worked towards completing a diploma in surgical technology. He received his Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Mt. Olive College and his Master of Business Administration from Winston-Salem State University.

  

  Alyssa Hernandez

  Director of Marketing and Development

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Alyssa Hernandez began her career in eye banking in 2020 at Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank. As the Director of Marketing and Development, she implements and executes branding and business development growth strategies along with marketing campaigns. Alyssa currently serves as a member of the EBAA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the EBAA Donor Partner Community Relations Committee.

  Alyssa resides in Sacramento, CA with her husband and 3 young boys. She dedicates her passion for eye, organ, and tissue donation to her son who is a liver transplant recipient.

  

  Collin Ross

  Vice President of Global Development

  Eversight

  Collin Ross is Vice President of Global Development for Eversight, a leading network of non-profit eye banks. Collin is passionate about sight restoration and eye bank development. Over his 27-year career, Collin has been privileged to work with physicians and transplant professionals in many countries to combat blindness through transplantation and medical education. Collin is especially proud of Eversight’s work to restore sight in the Middle East, Pakistan, and South Korea. Collin holds the EBAA Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT) credential, as well as a Masters degree in International Security and Economic Policy and a Bachelors degree in Political Science.

   

  

  April Gilbert

  Processing Senior Team Lead

  Advancing Sight Network

  April joined Advancing Sight Network in July of 2008 as a Certified Eye Bank Technician. April received her Bachelors and master’s degrees in chemistry from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Prior to joining the Advancing Sight Network, April worked for the University of Louisville Lions Eye Bank as a recovery coordinator and earned her CEBT while there. Over the years, she has been involved in all aspects of clinical eye banking from recovery, global placement, and laboratory services. Today, as the Processing Senior Team Lead, April oversees the clinical processing aspect of Advancing Sight Network, from performing tissue processing itself to developing new processing procedures to assist surgeons in the care of their patients.
  

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  Gender Identification in Decedent Care and Medicolegal Investigation

  Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Overview Speaker(s)

  Attend this session to learn best practices for reporting, documenting and communicating about gender identifying information.

  As eye bank professionals, it is important to consider the accurate reporting, documentation, and communication of gender identifying information of donors and patients.  Juniper Fedor, MS, PA (ASCP)cm, the lead pathologists’ assistant at the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office, provides the necessary tools to document, address, and discuss gender in medicolegal death investigation and other aspects of decedent care, including eye, tissue and organ donation procurement. Basic terminology and definitions will be provided as well as guidelines to navigate conversations with the families and next of kin of gender diverse donors.

   

  Attendees will learn:

  • The role of the pathologist in forensic medicolegal death investigations
  • Basic terminology to use when referring to gender diverse individuals.
  • Tools to document, address, and discuss gender when speaking with next of kin and colleagues
  • Best practices when communicating about gender diverse donors
  • How to implement and improve inclusive practices in the field as well as at the eye bank

  Attend this session to learn best practices for reporting, documenting and communicating about gender identifying information.

  

  Juniper Fedor, MS, PA (ASCP)cm

  Lead Pathologists' Assistant

  DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office

  Juniper Fedor, MS, PA (ASCP)cm, is the lead pathologists’ assistant at the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office in Decatur, Georgia. Awarded the 2023 Susan P. Baker Public Health Impact Award and 2025 Eckert Award by NAME, Juniper dedicates his early career to transgender advocacy in death investigation and utilization of pathologists' assistants and physician extenders in forensic pathology. Juniper also has experience as an autopsy technician, funeral professional, and medicolegal death investigator, and is ABMDI-certified.
  

  

  Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT (Moderator)

  President & CEO

  Miracles In Sight

  Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT, began a career in ocular transplantation in 1999 at the Lone Star Lions Eye Bank in Austin, Texas.  During her 13 years there, she performed all aspects of eye banking in her role as Technical Director. Ingrid accepted a position with North Carolina Eye Bank in 2013 as the Supervisor of Recovery Services. In 2016, she earned her MBA in leadership and was promoted to the Vice President of Donor Logistics after the acquisition of ocular recovery services in South Carolina.  Ingrid was responsible for the day-to-day logistical operations of the donor recovery process, hospital development, Medical Examiner and Coroner relationships in North and South Carolina. In 2020, Ingrid led the project for the acquisition of the Lone Star Eye Bank, now Miracles In Sight, Lone Star Division. In June of 2022, Ingrid was promoted to President & CEO of Miracles In Sight. Ingrid is an active member in the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) and serves as chair of the Technician Education Committee, EBAA Medical Advisory Board and Certification Board. Ingrid served in the United States Army, HHC, 2AD as the Commanding General’s Attendant. Prior to her career in eye banking, she taught high school Spanish and English.

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  EBAA Certification Program & Exam - Information & Overview

  Contains 1 Component(s) Overview

  Learn about the EBAA Certification Program and the Certification Exam!

  EBAA offers the opportunity to obtain certification as a Certified Eye Banker - Technical (CEBT) or a Certified Eye Banker (CEB). Attend this informational session to learn about the EBAA Certification Program and the Certification Exam. The session highlights information about the CEB and CEBT certification opportunities, discusses the Exam, and provides tips and resources for preparing for the exam. Learn about the Certification program and how to become a CEBT or CEB! 

  Visit the Certification page for more information about the certification program and the exam! 

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  Introduction to Eye Banking Course

  Contains 46 Component(s) Recorded On: 01/18/2023 Overview Speaker(s) Access Resources

  The EBAA Introduction to Eye Banking Course is designed specifically for newer eye bank professionals. Access this course to learn more about eye banking and EBAA!

  Introduction to Eye Banking Course 

  The EBAA Introduction to Eye Banking Course is designed specifically for newer eye bank professionals. The course provides learners with information about eye banking and the EBAA. Experienced eye bank professionals and Medical Directors share information about the EBAA, eye banking, regulations and standards, and best practices. The course features a collection of presentations, previously recorded webinars, and skills videos on a variety of topics in eye banking. Access this course to learn general information about eye banking and the EBAA!

  Course Outline

  EBAA Resources

  • EBAA Overview and Information – Stacey Gardner
  • Accessing EBAA Resources – Herocia Hawkins

  Introduction to Eye Banking

  • Overview of Eye Banking – Jennifer Li, MD
  • History of Eye Banking - Mark Mannis, MD

  EBAA Standards and Information

  • The EBAA Medical Standards – Jennifer Li, MD
  • The EBAA Accreditation Board - Shahzad Mian, MD
  • The EBAA Accreditation Process – Adam Stockman, MBA, CEBT
  • Membership, Governance, & Regulatory – Jennifer DeMatteo
  • The Role of the Medical Director – Joshua Hou, MD
  • The Role of the Medical Director with Annual Competencies - Amy Lin, MD
  • EBAA Bylaws – Kevin Corcoran, CAE

  Eye Bank Operations

  • Eye Banking - Brief Overview and Funding the Process - Michael Tramber, CEBT, CTBS
  • Quality Assurance Overview – Kip Hoffman
  • Enhancing Vision: Quality Management & Collaborative Efforts* - Wayne Dietz, CEBT, and Stephanie Cottrell
  • Hospital Development 101 – Fred Jordan
  • Ocular and Tissue Donation: Working Together to Enhance Lives* - Dana Owens, CEBT, and Emmitt A. Savannah, III, CTBS
  • Determining Tissue Imputability Following an Adverse Reaction – Elmer Tu, MD
  • Designing and Building a Lab – A Blueprint for Success* - Panel
  • All About the Data – Leveraging Metrics to Build Partnerships* - Annie Kuhl and Jessica Bramow
  • The FABULOUS Framework for Resilience and Well-Being - Barbara Rubel, MA
  • Creating a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Organization* - Panel
  • R. Townley Paton Lecture: The Unsung Heroes of Eye Banking - Bennie Jeng, MD

  Donor Eligibility and Tissue Suitability

  • Infectious Disease: Overview and Updates* - Beverly Forsyth, MD
  • Sepsis and How to Determine Eligibility for Donation – Beverly Forsyth, MD
  • Broadening Tissue Acceptance Among Surgeons - Evan Warner, MD, and Joann Kang, MD

  Technical Procedures

  • Physical Assessment** - San Diego Eye Bank
  • Physical Assessment for Competency**- The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration
  • Donor Preparation** – Eversight
  • Donor Preparation** – Miracles In Sight
  • Corneal Tissue Recovery – In Situ Procedure** – Eversight
  • Corneal Tissue Recovery – In Situ Procedure** – San Diego Eye Bank
  • Ocular Tissue Recovery – Whole Eye Dissection** - Eversight
  • Ocular Tissue Recovery – Enucleation Procedure** – San Diego Eye Bank
  • Slit Lamp Microscopy** - Advancing Sight Network
  • DMEK Corneal Tissue Preparation Basics* - Panel
  • DSAEK Corneal Tissue Preparation Basics* - Panel

  Ophthalmic Procedures and Surgical Indications

  • Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)** - Martin De La Presa, MD
  • Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) - Pull Through Technique** - Joshua Hou, MD
  • Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) With Sheets Glide** - Jennifer Li, MD
  • Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) - Pull-Through Technique with Novel Infusion Forceps** - Divya Srikumaran, MD
  • Keratoconus – Overview, Current Treatments and Future Therapies* - W. Barry Lee, MD
  • Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: Overview, Current Treatment, and Future Therapies* - Ula Jurkunas, MD

  *Previously recorded webinar. To earn CEUs for watching the webinar, access the webinar outside of the course. 

  **Skills Video

  Log into eyeLEARN and register for this course to get started! 

  NOTE: This course is designed to provide general information about eye banking and EBAA. For more detailed information about eye banking, attend the Technician Education Seminar. 

  

  Beverly Forsyth, MD

  Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

  Beverly Forsyth, MD, has a dual appointment at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai as Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Medical Education. She has an BA from Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences, and received her medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Forsyth completed her Internal Medicine residency at Montefiore Medical Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She completed her Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. At Mount Sinai, she is a clinician-educator and she combines a clinical HIV practice with teaching and participation in scholarly work in medical education. She is also the Director of Education Infection Prevention and Emergency Management for the medical and graduate programs. Dr. Forsyth currently serves as a member of the Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration's Medical Advisory Board and is on the Editorial Board for the EBAA Journal, Eye Banking and Corneal Transplantation. 

  

  Ula Jurkunas, MD

  Associate Professor of Ophthalmology

  Mass Eye and Ear

  Ula Jurkunas, MD is a clinician-scientist who performs corneal and refractive surgery at Mass Eye and Ear and conducts basic science research on Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy and stem cell transplantation at Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear. In addition to being one of the highest volume refractive and transplant surgeons at Mass Eye and Ear, she teaches residents and fellows about corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery as well as the clinical management and diagnosis of corneal and refractive conditions. Dr. Jurkunas is the Associate Director of the Cornea Service at Mass Eye and Ear and Co-Director of the Harvard Ophthalmology Cornea Center of Excellence.
  

  

  Paul Graves, CEBT, CTBS

  Senior Vice President of Clinical Services

  Advancing Sight Network

  Paul Graves, CEBT, CTBS, was born and raised in Alabama. He joined Advancing Sight Network in July of 1997 as a Transplant Coordinator. Over the years, he has been involved in all aspects of clinical eye banking, from Laboratory Manager to Director of Laboratory Services. Today, as the Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, Paul oversees the clinical processing aspects of Advancing Sight Network, from performing tissue processing itself to developing new processing procedures to assist surgeons in the care of their patients. Paul is a Certified Eye Bank Technician and a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist. Paul currently serves on the EBAA Technician Education Committee.

  

  Jennifer Li, MD

  Medical Director

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Jennifer Li, MD, is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the UC Davis Eye Center where she is the Director of the Cornea and External Disease Service and the Fellowship Director. Dr. Li received her medical degree and completed her residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and subsequently completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at UC Davis. She is also the Co-Medical Director of Sierra Donor Services in Sacramento, CA.  Dr. Li is an active member of EBAA, serving on the Board of Directors, the Accreditation Board, the Scientific Programs Committee, and the Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Li previously served as the Chair of the Medical Advisory Board and is the Immediate Past Chair of the EBAA Board of Directors and Governance Committee.  She received the EBAA R. Townley Paton Award in 2021.

  

  Martin De La Presa, MD

  Medical Director

  Grene Vision Group

  Martin de la Presa, MD, is an ophthalmic surgeon specializing in cornea, cataract and ocular surface reconstruction.  Dr. de la Presa attended medical school at the University of Utah followed by a general surgery internship at the Oregon Health & Science University. He then attended the University of Minnesota for comprehensive ophthalmology residency and completed a fellowship in cornea and external disease at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. He has earned numerous honors and awards for his research including the NASA Earth & Space Health Innovation Award, AMA Healthier Nation Innovation Award, ASCRS Resident Excellence Award, and is a recent participant in the EBAA Physician Leadership Program. Dr. de la Presa is the Associate Medical Director for Saving Sight and currently serves on the EBAA Accreditation Board.

  

  Divya Srikumaran

  Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

  Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute

  Divya Srikumaran, MD, is an associate professor of ophthalmology in the Division of Cornea and External Disease at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute. She received her M.D. degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, after which she completed her ophthalmology residency and cornea fellowship training at the Wilmer Eye Institute. Dr. Srikumaran’s research interest includes the assessment of corneal transplant outcomes and risk factors for receiving keratoplasty through big data sources including administrative claims data. She received the Hoskins Center IRIS Registry Research Fund Award through the American Academy of Ophthalmology as well as the EBAA Pilot Research grant to study real-world endothelial keratoplasty outcomes. Dr. Srikumaran is leading a team to integrate Wilmer’s Clinical data into the IRIS registry and the SOURCE EHR repository.  She is also a renowned educator and currently serves as Vice Chair of Education and was previously residency program director. As Vice Chair of Education, she has an interest in medical education and studying best practices to support doctors in training. Blending her passion for both education and expertise in corneal surgery, Dr. Srikumaran has also studied barriers to adoption of advanced keratoplasty procedures in the US and abroad. Dr. Srikumaran is a participant in the EBAA Physician Leadership Program and serves on the Scientific Programs Committee.  
  

  

  Joshua H. Hou, MD

  Associate Professor

  University of Minnesota/Lions Gift of Sight

  Joshua Hou, MD, is an Associate Professor and the Lyon Chair of Ophthalmology in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota. He received a BS in Chemistry from Duke University (Durham, NC), where he graduated summa cum laude. He received his MD from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO). He then completed an ophthalmology residency and a fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at the University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary. Dr. Hou currently serves as the Cornea Fellowship Director at the University of Minnesota and maintains a busy tertiary referral practice specialized in complex corneal transplantation and severe ocular surface disease. He is currently the Medical Director of the Lions Gift of Sight Eye Bank, serves as  Chair of the EBAA Scientific Programs Committee, and is an Associate Editor of the Eye Banking and Corneal Transplantation Journal. He leads an NIH funded laboratory at the University of Minnesota and his research interests include eye banking, tissue processing, and limbal stem cell deficiency.
  

  

  Mike Tramber, MBA, CEBT, CTBS (Moderator)

  Vice President of Operations

  Miracles in Sight

  As Vice President of Operations, Mike is responsible for developing long-term strategies, creating lean and efficient operational processes, improving customer relationships and monitoring the successes of each operational department.

  
  Mike started his career in the organ, tissue and eye donation industry more than 20 years ago as a recovery technician, where his skills and attention to detail helped him routinely win the coveted Technician of the Month award. His calm demeanor, excellent interpersonal skills and industry knowledge make him an outstanding and successful leader. He later moved to Carolina Donor Services as Tissue Recovery Manager where he led the department to win the Golden Quill and Golden Scalpel Awards for minimal errors in both documentation and surgical technique. Mike came to Miracles In Sight in 2006, where he quickly was able to use his skills to forge many process and procedural improvements and lead the company to become one of the top eye banks in the world. Mike is an advocate for donation. He is active on multiple EBAA committees, leads technician education trainings, and lectures on eye banking domestically and abroad.

  
  After graduating high school, Mike enlisted in the US Army as a laboratory technician and worked towards completing a diploma in surgical technology. He received his Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Mt. Olive College and his Master of Business Administration from Winston-Salem State University.

  

  Jessica Bramow

  Senior Database Administrator

  Iowa Lions Eye Bank

  Jessica Bramow, an accomplished IT professional with over 25 years of experience, has been a Senior Database Administrator at the Iowa Lions Eye Bank for the past five years. In her role, she excels in database administration, ETL processes, writing complex data queries, and creating insightful dashboards and reports. Her expertise has significantly improved data-driven decision-making processes within her organization. She is adept at using a wide range of tools and technologies, including SSMS, Power BI, DAX, SSIS, Python, Power Automate, and more.

  Jessica’s extensive career includes a notable 20-year tenure at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Iowa. During this period, she advanced from an IT Support Analyst to a Senior Systems Administrator. She spearheaded the implementation of several ophthalmic software systems, developed custom scripts for data extraction that were used to clean and normalize data, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. Additionally, she introduced innovative data visualization solutions, including BI dashboards, which significantly improved the efficiency of data dissemination and decision-making across the department.

  Jessica’s background is further distinguished by her service in the United States Marine Corps and the Iowa National Guard, showcasing her dedication and leadership skills. She holds a Data Analytics Certificate from Cornell University and has completed numerous courses in business intelligence and data analytics, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

  Outside of her professional life, Jessica enjoys camping, spending quality time with her family, and cheering for the San Francisco 49ers.

  

  Barbara Rubel, MA, BCETS, D.A.A.E.T.S.

  Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Award-Winning Author

  Barbara Rubel is a leading authority and award-winning author on managing burnout, secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. As a nationally recognized keynote speaker, she motivates professionals to build resilience through the lens of vicarious trauma-informed care. Her programs help first responders, mental health teams, healthcare leaders, and victim service providers in trauma-informed organizations, manage workplace chronic stressors. Barbara has presented to over 1,000 organizations since 1991, including state and national associations, and non-profits. As a Board-Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress and Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, she helps leaders retain employees who struggling with workplace stressors and gives attendees practical wellness strategies. Barbara received a BS in psychology and a MA degree in community health, with a concentration in thanatology, both from Brooklyn College.

  
  Babara is the co-author of, Living Blue: Helping Law Enforcement Officers and Their Families from Recruitment to Retirement, and But I Didn’t Say Goodbye: Helping Families After a Suicide (3ed). (2020), and four editions of the 30-hour CE course for Nurses, Loss, Grief, and Bereavement: Helping Individuals Cope (4ed), (2018), Elite Healthcare. Barbara is a contributing writer to Thin Threads: Grief and Renewal; Fresh Grief; Coaching for Results; and Keys to a Good Life. For over twenty years, she has been a Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime Consultant. She co-authored the OVCTTAC Training Curriculum, Compassion Fatigue. You have seen Barbara’s work in Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, Health, and Shape magazines. Her work has appeared on TODAY, FOX Business, and many others. Three weeks before giving birth to triplets, Barbara’s father, a retired law enforcement officer, died by suicide. Her story was featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary, Fatal Mistakes, Families Shattered by Suicide narrated by Mariette Hartley.

  

  W. Barry Lee, MD, FACS

  Co-Medical Director

  Georgia Eye Bank

  W. Barry Lee, MD, FACS, is a partner and fellowship director at Eye Consultants of Atlanta, affiliated with Piedmont Hospital and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where he specializes in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery.  Dr. Lee has served as Co-Medical Director of the Georgia Eye Bank since 2009. Dr. Lee has served on various EBAA Committees including the Accreditation Board as Co-Chair, the EBAA Board of Directors, and the Medical Advisory Board.  Dr. Lee is the President of the Cornea Society and Past President of the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology. In 2018, Dr. Lee received the EBAA R. Townley Paton Award for his significant contributions to eye banking and sight restoration. Dr. Lee has also received the Senior Achievement & Secretariat Awards from the AAO.  He is co-editor of the textbook, Ocular Surface Disease: Cornea, Conjunctiva, and Tear Film, published by Elsevier in 2013.

  

  Wayne Dietz, CEBT

  Quality Assurance Director

  San Diego Eye Bank

  Wayne Dietz, CEBT, is the Quality Assurance Director at the San Diego Eye Bank.  Yes, when he started, Eye Banks were not performing serological testing in 1985.  After leaving the United States Navy he brought his surgical scrub skills to the technical department, becoming Technical Director in 1988.  Prior to entering the Quality Department, Wayne was the Tissue Distribution Manager.  Working with Verble Worth and Verble, he helped to establish the consent program at the Medical Examiner’s Office.  He has served on the following EBAA committees:  Technician Training, Technician Certification, Research and Quality Assurance.

  

  Chelsea Green, CEBT

  Processing Services Manager

  Iowa Lions Eye Bank

  Chelsea Green, CEBT,is the Processing Services Manager for the Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Chelsea received both a BA and BS with a focus in research from the University of Illinois Chicago. She came to the University of Iowa in 2011 to work in medical research and worked on multiple studies before finding her way into eye banking and earning her CEBT. She currently oversees the processing department at Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Chelsea is a member of the Technician Education Committee.

  

  Annie Kuhl

  Chief Communications Officer

  Saving Sight

  Annie Kuhl serves as Chief Communications Officer at Saving Sight, an eye tissue bank serving Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois.  She has worked at Saving Sight and within the field of transplantation for over 20 years.  Annie leads the organization's communications and external relations strategies in her job role, overseeing the Hospital Development and Communications teams. Annie is a passionate advocate of the healing gifts of organ and tissue donation and serves as a State Team Mentor and Advisory Council member for Donate Life America. Annie graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism degree and a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and is an avid Mizzou Tigers fan. In her free time, you can find her on the trail training for her next marathon.

  

  Joshua Griffin, CEBT

  Director of Operations

  East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank

  Joshua Griffin, CEBT, is the Director of Operations for theEast Tennessee Lions Eye Bank. With over 18 years of experience in eye banking,Josh has worked in various roles including Recovery Technician, LabCoordinator, Lab Technician, Technical Director and his current position asDirector of Operations. Josh earned an associate’s degree in Microbiology. 

  

  Bruce Varnum, MS

  Corneal Transplant Recipient

  Chair, Georgia Eye Bank Board of Trustees

  Bruce Varnum, MS, serves as the Chair of the Georgia Eye Bank Board of Trustees, and is the former CEO & President of the Georgia Eye Bank. Bruce has been associated with GEB for 37 years, first as Chair of the Executive Advisory Board (1987-1996), then elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees in 1996, and then transitioned into Chair, President and CEO. In 2013, Bruce turned over the responsibilities of President and CEO and continued as Chair of the Board of Trustees. During his career in eye banking, Bruce has been an active member of EBAA. Bruce began serving the EBAA on the Finance Committee in 1998. Two years later he joined the Constitution and By-Laws Committee. From 2001-2012, Bruce was an active member of the EBAA Board of Directors, serving as Chair-Elect from 2006-2008, as Chair from 2008-2010, and as Immediate Past Chair from 2010-2012. Bruce served as chair of the Audit Committee and was involved in numerous other subcommittees and projects to help grow and shape the association. in 2011, Bruce received the Leonard Heise Award for his service and commitment to EBAA, eye banking, and the gift of sight.  Bruce earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Lehigh University College of Business. Bruce is a corneal transplant recipient and continues to support eye banking as the Chair of the Georgia Eye Bank Board of Trustees. 

  

  Monica Freiburger, CEBT

  Donor Eligibility Manager

  Iowa Lions Eye Bank

  Monica Freiburger, CEBT, has been with Iowa Lions Eye Bank since 2008, beginning her career as a Recovery Technician and advancing to her current role as Donor Eligibility Manager. Since 2018, she has actively contributed to the Eye Bank Association of America through various committees, including the Continuing Education Committee, Exam Committee, Statistical Report Committee, Technical Procedures Manual Subcommittee, and currently serves on the Policy and Position Research Subcommittee and Technical Education Committee.

  

  Emmitt A. Savannah, III, CTBS

  Manager of Tissue Recovery and Research Training

  LifeGift Organ Donation Center

  Emmitt A. Savannah, III, CTBS, serves as the Manager of Tissue Recovery and Research Training at LifeGift Organ Donation Center, where he provides leadership, supervision, development and implementation of training programs for LifeGift in all its Texas regions that reinforce accepted industry practices and comply with organizational operating procedures, AATB standards, and FDA regulations. Emmitt has worked in the donation industry for over 14 years, and is passionate about leading, training, educating and developing people and teams as well as developing the programs in which they work to achieve goals efficiently.

  

  Stephanie Cottrell, CEBT, CTBS, CQIA, (ASQ)

  Senior Quality Improvement Coordinator

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Stephanie Cottrell is a Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT) and has over 20 years of experience working in the field of eye & tissue donation. Stephanie currently oversees Quality Compliance for Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank and has extensive experience with donor eligibility, auditing, regulatory and accreditation inspections. She is a certified Quality Improvement Associate through the American Society for Quality (ASC) and certified in medical coding through MTI College.

  

  Chris Conwell, CEBT, CQIA (ASQ)

  Eye Bank Technical Programs Administrator

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Chris Conwell, CEBT, CQIA (ASQ), is the Technical Programs Administrator for Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank. He began his tenure in 2011 as a per diem Tissue Recovery Technician, Chris now oversees ocular recovery training, corneal evaluation and processing training, and ocular related research & development. Chris serves as a member of the EBAA Technician Education Committee and as a faculty member of the Technician Education Seminar.
  

  

  Nicholas Hicks, CEBT

  Director, Tissue Processing

  Eversight

  Nicholas Hicks, CEBT, serves as the Director of Tissue Processing at Eversight. Nicholas has been with Eversight since 2012. Throughout his tenure, he has prepared over 4,000 corneas for transplantation and actively contributed to numerous research studies to advance sight restoration. Nicholas is a Certified Eye Bank Technician and plays a significant role in the eye banking community, serving on the Eye Bank Association of America's Technician Education Committee and Accreditation Board. In September 2024, he participated in a transformative training session during the World Eye Bank Symposium in Jakarta, Indonesia, underscoring his commitment to global collaboration in combating corneal blindness.
  
  

   

  

  Shawn Sanford, CAE

  Head of Membership and Community Engagement

  CLOC

  Shawn Sanford, CAE is an experienced membership engagement strategist who specializes in supporting associations in building and executing diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

  
  Shawn currently serves as the Head of Membership and Community Engagement at CLOC, a small association of 8,000 members where she leads membership recruitment and retention strategy and has implemented a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging strategy for the organization. Separately, Shawn supports other associations in developing and launching a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. Prior to CLOC, Shawn led membership and diversity, equity and inclusion strategic initiatives and planning at the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) and has supported members in industries such as legal, IT professionals, education and healthcare.

  
  Shawn is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a certified DEI practitioner. Shawn is the grateful recipient of the Association Forum’s 2021 Welcoming Environment Award and the 2021 Forty Under 40 Award. She is also an active volunteer at the Association Forum and the Association of Society Association Executives (ASAE).

  
  Shawn is a proud alumna of the University of Notre Dame and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Saint Francis. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her daughter. 

  

  Jerilyn Giardina (Moderator)

  Executive Vice President

  AltruVision

  Jerilyn Giardina is the Executive Vice President at AltruVision in Philadelphia, PA. She has worked at AltruVision for ten years and received her Master's Degree in Nonprofit Leadership from La Salle University. Jerilyn currently serves as the Chair of the EBAA Donor, Partner, and Community Relations Committee.

  

  Kip Hoffman, CQT (ASQ) (Moderator)

  Quality Coordinator

  Iowa Lions Eye Bank

  Kip Hoffman, CQT (ASQ), is the Quality and Compliance Coordinator at Iowa Lions Eye Bank and the Chair of the EBAA Quality Assurance Committee. He cares for audits, document control, compliance, data analysis and the like, having prior experience working with quality and purchasing in the manufacturing sector. He is an ASQ Certified Quality Technician and specializes in SOP creation and Lean concept.
  

  

  Ann Kent, CEBT

  Recovery Services and Training Supervisor

  Georgia Eye Bank

  Ann Kent, CEBT, is a Certified Eye Bank Technician and the Recovery Services and Training Supervisor at the Georgia Eye Bank.  She has been in eye banking for over 10 years and has prior experience in donor coordination, recovery services, and clinical services.  Ann is responsible for the training of laboratory staff in many functions including tissue recovery, evaluation, and donor eligibility.  She currently serves on the EBAA Technician Education Committee.
  

  

  Darrell Lee, CEBT

  Laboratory & Processing Manager

  Lions Eye Bank of West Central Ohio

  Darrell Lee, CEBT, is a Laboratory & Processing Manager for Lions Eye Bank of West Central Ohio. He has worked for the eye bank for over 13 years, initially starting off as an eye tissue recovery technician. Darrell’s has BS in Chemistry and is a CEBT. Along with being a tissue coordinator, he is responsible for the processing of corneal tissue at LEBWCO. 

  

  Hannah Flaig, CEBT

  Laboratory Supervisor

  The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

  Hannah Flaig, CEBT, is a Laboratory Supervisor at The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration. She began her work in eye banking in 2019 as a Laboratory Technician responsible for the recovery, screening and distribution of eye donor tissue, and was promoted to Technical Trainer prior to her current position. She has a BS in Human Biology from University of California - San Diego, with a minor in cognitive science. 
  

  

  Alyssa Hernandez

  Director of Marketing and Development

  Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank

  Alyssa Hernandez began her career in eye banking in 2020 at Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank. As the Director of Marketing and Development, she implements and executes branding and business development growth strategies along with marketing campaigns. Alyssa currently serves as a member of the EBAA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the EBAA Donor Partner Community Relations Committee.

  Alyssa resides in Sacramento, CA with her husband and 3 young boys. She dedicates her passion for eye, organ, and tissue donation to her son who is a liver transplant recipient.

  

  Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT (Moderator)

  President and CEO

  Miracles in Sight

  Ingrid Schunder, MBA, CEBT, began a career in ocular transplantation in 1999 at the Lone Star Lions Eye Bank in Austin, Texas.  During her 13 years there, she performed all aspects of eye banking in her role as Technical Director. Ingrid accepted a position with North Carolina Eye Bank in 2013 as the Supervisor of Recovery Services. In 2016, she earned her MBA in leadership and was promoted to the Vice President of Donor Logistics after the acquisition of ocular recovery services in South Carolina.  Ingrid was responsible for the day-to-day logistical operations of the donor recovery process, hospital development, Medical Examiner and Coroner relationships in North and South Carolina. In 2020, Ingrid led the project for the acquisition of the Lone Star Eye Bank, now Miracles In Sight, Lone Star Division. In June of 2022, Ingrid was promoted to President & CEO of Miracles In Sight. 

  Ingrid is an active member in the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) and serves as chair of the Technician Education Committee, EBAA Medical Advisory Board and Certification Board.

  Ingrid served in the United States Army, HHC, 2AD as the Commanding General’s Attendant. Prior to her career in eye banking, she taught high school Spanish and English.

  

  Shannon Schweitzer, MBA, CEBT

  Executive Director

  Lions Eye Bank of West Central Ohio

  Shannon Schweitzer, MBA, CEBT, is the Executive Director of Lions Eye Bank of West Central Ohio.  Shannon has over 20 years of eye banking experience and her roots are in technical operations.  Shannon became Speaker of the House in 2022 and was relected in 2024, and she enjoys serving on the EBAA Board and being involved in strategic planning that helps the association strengthen the future of the profession and its members.

   

  

  Taylor Vanek, CEBT

  Manager of Surgeon Development

  Miracles in Sight

  Taylor Vanek, CEBT, began her career in eye banking in 2012 as a recovery technician after having seen a recovery during her internship at the medical examiner's office. Just over ten years later, she has worked in almost all areas of eye banking. She has worked with donor families, corneal transplant surgeons, in the lab and with the community to educate and foster corneal donation. In 2020, Taylor joined Miracles In Sight and has recently become their new Manager of Surgeon Development. 

  

  Alyson Ronan, CEBT

  Lab Coordinator

  Southern Eye Bank

  Alyson Ronan, CEBT, is a Lab Coordinator at Southern Eye Bank. 

  

  Haidre Williams

  Quality Program Specialist

  VisionGift

  Haidre Williams is a Quality Program Specialist at VisionGift in Portland, OR, and co-founded the VisionGift Women’s Affinity Group (WAG). While at Portland State University, she volunteered and did paid work with the Women’s Resource Center, supervising their annual mentorship program as well as facilitating weekly group meetings for women returning to college. She uses this experience, her background in women’s studies, and her own lived experience as a woman of color to hold space for important and relevant DEI conversations in the Women’s Affinity Group and the EBAA DEI committee
  

  

  Paul Graves, CEBT, CTBS

  Vice President of Clinical Services

  Advancing Sight Network

  Paul Graves, CEBT, CTBS, was born and raised in Alabama. He joined Advancing Sight Network in July of 1997 as a Transplant Coordinator. Over the years, he has been involved in all aspects of clinical eye banking, from Laboratory Manager to Director of Laboratory Services. Today, as the Vice President of Clinical Services, Paul oversees the clinical processing aspects of Advancing Sight Network, from performing tissue processing itself to developing new processing procedures to assist surgeons in the care of their patients. Paul is a Certified Eye Bank Technician and a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist.

  

  Bennie Jeng, MD, MS

  Chair of Ophthalmology

  Penn Medicine

  Bennie H. Jeng, MD, MS, is the Harold G. Scheie Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, and Director of the Scheie Eye Institute, of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Washington University and his MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He then completed his ophthalmology residency and chief residency at the Cole Eye Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a fellowship in cornea and external diseases at the Francis I. Proctor Foundation/University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in 2003.
  
  He returned back to the Cole Eye Institute to serve on faculty, during which time he was the recipient of a K-grant from the NIH and also earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Investigation from Case Western Reserve University. He subsequently returned to Proctor/UCSF as an Associate Professor and then Full Professor, where he served as co-director of the UCSF cornea service, Director of the Proctor/UCSF Cornea Fellowship program, and Chief of Ophthalmology at San Francisco General Hospital, as well as being an R01-funded researcher in ocular surface diseases. In August 2013, Dr. Jeng began his tenure as Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he served for nearly 9 years. He assumed his current position in July 2022.
  
  Dr. Jeng has been very active with EBAA, dedicating his time and expertise to the association. He has served on the Research Committee since 2013 and is currently the Chair. He has also served on the Accreditation Board for nearly a decade and is currently Co-Chair. In addition, he has also been a longstanding member of the Medical Advisory Board and the Scientific Programs Committee (including as past Chair), and he has also served on the EBAA Board of Directors.
  
  Dr. Jeng is also involved in the leadership of many other ophthalmologic societies, as President of the Cornea Society, Immediate Past-President of the Eye and Contact Lens Association, on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and on many AAO committees. He is a current member of the American Ophthalmologic Society as well as the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. Dr. Jeng has published over 140 peer-reviewed journal articles and 30 book chapters, and he has delivered over 400 invited lectures nationally and internationally.

  
  

  

  Shahri Jones

  Learning Management System Developer

  San Diego Eye Bank

  Shahri Jones, a native of San Diego, has been a dedicated member of the San Diego Eye Bank team for nine years. Starting her journey in eye banking in the Distribution department, she developed a passion for eye banking and donation. In her current role as the Learning Management System Developer, Shahri is instrumental in shaping the educational landscape of the organization. Drawing upon her extensive experience and innovative spirit, she creates engaging and dynamic educational content for both internal staff and external stakeholders. Through her work, Shahri strives to bridge the gap between theory and practice, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in the field of eye banking.

  

  Joann Kang, MD

  Associate Medical Director

  The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

  Joann Kang, MD, is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Montefiore-Einstein. Dr. Kang received her Bachelor of Science with Honors from Cornell University. She then obtained her Doctorate in Medicine from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago and was elected chief resident in her final year. Following this, she completed a Corneal and External Disease fellowship at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary. Dr. Kang’s research focus is on corneal transplantation, Boston keratoprosthesis and sutured intraocular lenses. She has numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, review articles and abstracts in publication. She is also an editorial board member for BMC Ophthalmology and serves as a guest editor for Annals of Eye Science. As a member of the Admissions Committee at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Director of Resident Surgical Education at Montefiore, Dr. Kang has trained and mentored many medical students and residents. She is the recipient of multiple awards in recognition of her teaching and contributions to the department. She serves on national committees for the Eye Bank Association of America, the Eye and Contact Lens Association, and the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. She is also the Associate Medical Director and Medical Advisory Board Member of The Eye Bank for Sight Restoration in New York.

  

  Dana Owens, CEBT

  Director, Tissue Recovery

  Eversight

  Dana Owens, CEBT, is the Director of Tissue Recovery for Eversight. Dana began her healthcare career as an EMT and Medic in the United States Army.  Soon after, she found her calling and purpose within the world of eye banking.  Dana has been involved in eye banking as a recovery technician, recovery manager, business development, research recovery development, and distribution manager and has been the Director of Tissue Recovery since 2022.  Dana currently serves as the Vice-Chair for the EBAA Technician Education Committee. 

  

  Mudassir Razvi, CEBT

  Laboratory Manager

  The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

  Mudassir Razvi, CEBT, is currently Laboratory Manager at The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration, where he began in 2004 as a Laboratory Technician and subsequently held the positions of Technician Trainer and Technician Supervisor. He oversees technical training and tissue processing and contributes as faculty for The Eye-Bank's annual Wing Chu, MD Cornea Fellow Day.  Mudassir has served on multiple EBAA committees and is currently a member of the EBAA Technician Education Committee. He is a graduate of The College of New Jersey with a BS in Biology.

  

  Vanessa To

  Senior Recovery Technician

  San Diego Eye Bank

  Vanessa To is a senior recovery technician at the San Diego Eye Bank. She received a BS in Environmental Chemistry at the University of California - San Diego. She has worked at the eye bank for 4 years and initially got hired as a per diem recovery technician in December 2019. Along with recoveries, she aids in donor eligibility, tissue processing, and the creation of laboratory references and training aides. 

  

  Evan Warner, MD

  Medical Director

  Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin

  Evan Warner, MD, is a fellowship-trained cornea transplant surgeon and an Assistant Professor of Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery at The University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he trains cornea fellows and residents. He has serves on the EBAA Accreditation Board and Scientific Programs Committee, and serves as Medical Director of Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin.

  Access

  The eye bank Medical Director course is available for free on-demand. To access the course, log into eyeLEARN with your EBAA credentials and then access the course site.

  Questions?

  Contact Herocia Hawkins with any questions.

  Resources:

  • EBAA website
  • Introduction to Eye Banking: A Handbook and Atlas
  • Current and New Technologies in Corneal Donor Tissue Evaluation: Comparative Image Atlas
  • EBAA Medical Standards
  • EBAA Technical Procedures Manual
  • FDA Final Guidance for Industry: Current Good Tissue Practice (cGTP)
  • FDA Final Guidance for Industry: Eligibility Determination for Donors of HCT/Ps

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