CLEMMONS, N.C. (Sept. 24, 2025) – Miracles In Sight (MIS) recently received a $50,000 grant from the North Carolina Lions Foundation to fund the purchase of two ophthalmic instruments to assist the nonprofit with research. The grant is made possible by additional support from the A.J. Fletcher Foundation and matched by Lions Clubs International Foundation.
As one of the largest nonprofit eye banks in the world, MIS specializes in the preparation, preservation, and distribution of donated ocular tissue. In close collaboration with ophthalmologists and researchers, MIS ensures timely and secure transport of this tissue, helping patients regain sight through life-changing corneal transplants and groundbreaking research.
The funding will be used to purchase a SL-D4 digital slit lamp for tissue evaluation and research and a MORIA microkeratome system. The equipment will be used for enhanced imaging capabilities for tissue analysis, digital imaging and data integration, and training and skills development aligning with the organization’s continued research goals.
“This new and innovative equipment is critical in the ever-changing research needs for preserving this pivotal tissue for successful corneal transplantation,” said Ingrid Schunder, president and CEO of MIS. “This new state of the art equipment will allow MIS to continue its missions of offering a wide range of services, including research and collaboration with innovation partners to advance corneal transplant procedures.”
An SL-D4 slit lamp is a digital-ready ophthalmic diagnostic device that serves as a conventional biomicroscope and a digital imaging platform. The slit lamp can be used as a standard examination instrument or connected to a digital camera to create a comprehensive digital imaging system. MIS will use the slit lamp for various research projects involving tissue analysis.
At MIS, the MORIA Evolution 3E technology will play an important role in clinical application and research initiatives. The device allows for the study and improvement of corneal tissue preparation techniques, which can lead to improved outcomes in transplantation and broader advancements in ophthalmic care.
The North Carolina Lions Foundation collaborated with private and public donors, including the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, to raise $25,000, which was matched by a $25,000 grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
“Eye research has taken a dramatic turn over the years, and NC Lions club members and Lions Clubs International Foundation are excited about the possibilities that can be discovered through the use of cutting-edge equipment used at Miracles In Sight,” said Carlton Metts, executive director for the NC Lions Foundation. “Two of our North Carolina Lions members come to mind after successful cornea transplants: one less than a year ago and the other back in the 90s. Lions have been involved with many research programs but this one with MIS feels like helping a family member.”
ABOUT MIRACLES IN SIGHT: The Mission of Miracles In Sight is to support the restoration, preservation, and enhancement of sight through transplant, research, education, and innovation. Headquartered in Clemmons, N.C., MIS was founded in 1951 as the Eye Bank For Restoring Sight and later became the North Carolina Eye Bank before becoming MIS in 2014. Providing patients with the best tissue, in quality and selection, for transplant by leading ophthalmologists is accomplished by MIS through a state-of-the-art process. For more information, visit miraclesinsight.org.