Teams | Saving Sight

Our Everyday Heroes – Eye Donation Month

Nov 19, 2025 | Teams

Every November, we observe Eye Donation Month —a time to honor the selfless individuals and families who give the gift of sight and to shine a light on the everyday heroes who make it possible. From donor services coordinators and recovery technicians to hospital partners and cornea donors, this month is about celebration, awareness and legacy. As part of this observance, we’re proud to recognize the everyday heroes of our team whose compassion, professionalism and daily dedication embody our mission of changing lives by saving sight Explore their stories and join us in celebrating the impact of every gift.

Stephanie Alba
Donor Services Coordinator

Every day at Saving Sight begins with someone like Stephanie, a Donor Services Coordinator who helps make the gift of sight possible through compassion, clarity, and unwavering dedication to our mission of changing lives by saving sight. In her two years with Saving Sight, she has played a vital role at the start of the donation journey, screening potential donors, coordinating with hospitals and funeral homes, and supporting families during some of their hardest moments. For Stephanie, no two days are the same, but her approach never wavers, lead with empathy, stay adaptable, and rely on teamwork. One meaningful moment was when a donor family, moved by their experience, chose to register as donors themselves. For Stephanie, it was a powerful reminder that her role not only impacts recipients today but can inspire future gifts of sight. This Eye Donation Month, we recognize Stephanie and all our Everyday Heroes whose commitment ensures every donor’s legacy shines and more people can experience the gift of sight.

Sarah Plattner
Donor Services Coordinator

For more than four years, Sarah has been a steady, compassionate presence at the heart of Saving Sight’s donation process. As a Donor Services Coordinator, she helps honor the wishes of those who have passed while supporting families with care and understanding during some of their hardest moments. Her days are a blend of clinical decision-making, logistical coordination, and human connection reviewing referrals, assessing eligibility with medical partners, guiding recovery timing, and collaborating closely with funeral homes and hospital staff.

Balancing compassion and professionalism, she approaches every call “carefully and respectfully with sensitivity.” She also relies on her team, “an amazing group” she says, who lean on one another’s strengths to navigate complex cases. What stays with her most are the moments when she reads letters from donor families whose gratitude reminds her why this work matters. To Sarah, the true heroes are the donors themselves, and she feels privileged to help ensure their legacy brings hope and the gift of sight to others.

Kalista Huff
Recovery Supervisor

For Kalista, no two days as a Recovery Technician ever look the same and that’s part of what makes her work so meaningful. Some days begin with a call that carries her through a full 12-hour case; other days include a recovery followed by quiet moments of office work. But every day brings the chance to change someone’s life.

Her inspiration for this work is deeply personal, at 15, she watched her father struggle with keratoconus. Witnessing that journey shaped her future in ways she couldn’t have expected. It gave her a profound understanding of what restored sight can mean and lit the spark that now drives her every day.

That sense of purpose is never more present than when she’s scrubbed in. In those moments, her focus narrows to the donor before her and the gift they’re offering. She approaches each recovery with the same care she would want someone to give her own loved ones, focusing on precise technique, quality, and dignity.

To Kalista, being an everyday hero means showing up with skill, compassion, and gratitude, knowing that every action she takes has the power to change someone’s world.

Lauren Brownell
Recovery Technician

For Lauren, no two days as a Recovery Technician are ever alike — a truth she’s embraced wholeheartedly for over 10 years. Each day brings something new, but her purpose remains constant: to honor donors with the utmost dignity and help restore sight for someone waiting for a second chance.

Lauren approaches each recovery with the belief that donors are the true heroes of cornea donation. She treats each donor as though they were in the room with her, watching every step. This mindset grounds her in purpose and guides her commitment to recovering the highest-quality tissue because every cornea is one of a kind, and every recipient deserves the best chance at restored sight.

One of the most profound experiences of her career has been watching corneas she recovered being transplanted. Seeing that moment, the exact tissue she held with care now offering someone renewed sight, is something she describes as indescribably rewarding.

To Lauren, being called an “everyday hero” feels undeserved, she believes that honor belongs to donors and their families. Yet through her compassion, precision, and unwavering commitment, she embodies exactly what it means to help change lives by saving sight.

Nicole Taylor
Client Services Specialist

For Nicole, every day is an opportunity to bring donors’ gifts to the people who need them most. As a Client Services Specialist, she helps guide each donated cornea from evaluation to the operating room, coordinating with Medical Review, surgeons, and departments across Saving Sight to ensure every transplant has what it needs to succeed.

What motivates her most is knowing that every task she completes, every phone call, every schedule finalized, and every tissue placement is one step closer to someone regaining the ability to see. She approaches her work with accuracy, compassion, and deep respect for the donor whose gift makes it all possible.

One experience that stays with her is meeting a transplant recipient during a tour at the Kansas City office. He shared how his vision loss had put his life on hold and how receiving the cornea she helped place allowed him to move through the world freely again. Seeing the human impact of her work firsthand was a powerful reminder of why she does what she does.

Nicole believes the true heroes are the donors, but she also sees how her team embodies everyday heroism through their diligence, passion, and teamwork. Together, they ensure every gift is honored and every transplant has the best possible chance to change a life.

Stella Cunningham
Cornea Lab Technician

As a Cornea Laboratory Technician, Stella helps carry each donated cornea through some of its most critical final steps on its way to transplant. Her role ensures that every tissue is evaluated with care, processed with precision, and prepared for delivery to surgeons or research partners.

Lab work is intensely collaborative. No two days are quite the same, and Stella moves between roles depending on what the day requires. One moment she might be evaluating tissue under the microscope, the next she may be preparing grafts for surgeons or packaging tissue for research that will further advance sight-saving techniques. Every task is a meaningful part of honoring a donor’s gift.

For Stella, this work has been both meaningful and personally transformative. As a perfectionist, she once struggled with the weight of processing tissue tied to someone’s legacy. With support from her colleagues, she learned that not every challenge is within her control but her commitment to honoring donors never wavers.

Through every step in the lab, Stella ensures that a donor’s gift is honored and transformed into the life-changing gift of sight. A quiet, yet powerful testament to the everyday heroism that happens behind the scenes at Saving Sight

Randall Reed
Cornea Lab Technician

In the journey from donation to transplant, the Cornea Lab is one of the final and most crucial stops in honoring each donor’s gift. For Randy, this work is both a responsibility and a privilege. Each cornea brought in by the Recovery team is carefully evaluated to determine the best type of transplant for each unique tissue.

No two days are ever the same. “Our work is very fluid,” he says. “We have to be ready to switch gears at any moment to honor the donor’s gift and provide consistent quality for recipients.”

Attention to detail and a desire to refine his skills are essential in his role. Randy and his team examine every cornea thoroughly and process grafts to meet the precise needs of surgeons and their patients.

What keeps him motivated is simple: “The most rewarding part is knowing that every cornea we process is going to help someone in need.”

For Randy, being an everyday hero means showing up each day ready for a challenge and doing everything he can to ensure every graft honors the donor and offers hope to someone waiting to see again.

Unleashing Potential Through the Emerging Leaders Leadership Program

Jan 17, 2024 | News, Teams

Emerging Leaders Graduates – Class of 2023

Just before the holiday season, the third Emerging Leaders class kicked off, with its participants eager to develop a wide variety of skills and knowledge. The Emerging Leaders Program is a 6-month development program that is intended to help prepare future Saving Sight leaders in the principles of leadership, strategy, and relational impact. During the program, participants will dive deep into topics such as leadership guiding principles, difficult conversations, data analytics, and communications, just to name a few.

This program is meant to develop future leaders, whether they are future leaders at Saving Sight or somewhere else down the road. The growth and development of new leaders are beneficial to everyone involved in Emerging Leaders. By focusing on leadership development, Saving Sight creates a culture that values learning and continuous improvement. Investing in leadership development ensures a pipeline of skilled and capable leaders. This, in turn, contributes to the overall success and sustainability of Saving Sight. Class participants gain new knowledge and skillsets while growing in their leadership abilities. Meanwhile, current leaders can share their experience and knowledge with emerging leaders, facilitating the transfer of institutional wisdom and organizational values. “It’s a rewarding experience, and I really enjoyed it. You’ll find that you’ll get out of it exactly what you put in,” says Mark Wood, a Client Services Specialist at Saving Sight and recent graduate of the Emerging Leaders Program.

While there were quite a few applications to the program, only a few were selected. A selection committee of current leaders at Saving Sight met and decided who would be in the third class of emerging leaders.

Bi-weekly sessions will immerse participants in a wide array of subjects, such as the Guiding Principles of Leadership, Time Management, and Emotional intelligence. Experts from the leadership team present their areas of expertise, sparking in-depth discussions.

The Emerging Leaders Program at Saving Sight stands as a catalyst for developing the leaders of tomorrow. As the third class starts its journey, the program’s focus on leadership principles, strategy, and relational impact provides a comprehensive foundation for future leaders. The commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge transfer between current and emerging leaders fosters a culture of growth within the organization. With bi-weekly sessions immersing participants in diverse subjects and hands-on experiences, the program ensures not only the growth of knowledge but also the practical application of leadership skills.

The Importance of EBAA Accreditation

Aug 30, 2023 | Teams

Established in 1981, the EBAA (Eye Bank Association of America) Accreditation is an important benchmark for excellence within the world of eye banking. This accreditation holds the seal of approval from several reputable federal agencies, including the FDA and CDC, signifying its importance in the field. EBAA Accreditation ensures the consistent safety and quality of ocular tissue by enforcing adherence to meticulously outlined medical standards, which are endorsed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It is a testament to an eye bank’s commitment to upholding the highest standards.

The accreditation process is meticulous and entails a comprehensive review of various aspects of eye bank operations, policies, and personnel. A distinctive feature of EBAA Accreditation is the involvement of a dedicated team comprising an experienced eye banker and a corneal surgeon. This team undertakes site visits every three years, evaluating donor records, standard operating procedures, tissue documentation, and administrative records. They observe tissue recovery and processing techniques, thus ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the eye bank’s practices.

The inspection results are presented before the EBAA’s Accreditation Board, a group of seasoned professionals within the field. Their deliberations determine whether an eye bank earns accreditation, requires corrective action, or faces potential revocation of status. This rigorous evaluation underscores the significance of the EBAA Accreditation as an emblem of excellence, which directly impacts the safety and quality of the ocular tissues utilized in transplantation surgeries.

EBAA Accreditation signifies a commitment to safety and quality and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of patients. It establishes a standard of excellence that fortifies confidence among medical professionals and patients alike. By fostering consistent adherence to the highest medical standards, the accreditation program ensures the preservation of ocular tissue quality, elevating the pursuit of restoring vision through transplantation.

Business Development Department Highlight

Jun 8, 2023 | Teams

At Saving Sight, the Business Development Department is responsible for driving growth and creating new business opportunities for the organization. With its focus on both existing and new customers, the department plays a vital role in expanding the organization’s reach and impact in the field of cornea donation and transplantation. The department’s responsibilities include building and maintaining strong relationships with surgeons and stakeholders, identifying growth potential with existing customers, and recruiting new surgeons. By prioritizing both the acquisition and retention of surgeons, the team ensures a steady stream of business and works towards Saving Sight’s mission of changing lives by saving sight.

The Business Development Department consists of three members: Patrick Gore, Lynn Forest-Smith, and Kevin Wright. They work collaboratively to develop working relationships with surgeons, analyze business opportunities, conduct market research, and provide training and education to physicians, technicians, and support staff. In addition, they actively engage with university programs to foster strong relationships and participate in industry conferences to stay updated on innovation and best practices.

The team spends time visiting physicians, attending meetings, and conducting research to ensure they are well-prepared for discussions with doctors. Education is also a significant aspect of their work, as they stay informed about advancements in ophthalmology to better support their physician partners. The work of the Business Development Department is crucial to the success of Saving Sight. By serving as effective liaisons between the organization and its external stakeholders, they ensure collaboration and build lasting relationships with surgeons. Their role requires innovation and adaptability to stay relevant and competitive in a constantly changing market

Looking ahead, the department is excited about upcoming projects and events that aim to meet customer needs and further the organization’s mission. One notable project is the development of a Continuing Education (CE) program for nurses and surgery center staff. This online program will provide CE credits and simplify the process for staff to fulfill their educational requirements, elevating Saving Sight to new heights in eye banking.

Overall, the Business Development Department plays a vital role in driving growth and creating opportunities for both Saving Sight and Vital Tears. Through their dedicated efforts, they establish and nurture relationships with surgeons, identify new business avenues, and ensure the organization remains competitive and impactful in the field of cornea donation and transplantation.

IT Department Highlight

Feb 8, 2023 | Teams

At Saving Sight, the IT department plays a crucial role in the success of the organization by providing reliable and efficient technology, cyber security training, and the knowledge to help keep the technology running. They are responsible for the support and upkeep of all technology components, while also keeping up with the latest advancements as they apply to Saving Sight. The department comprises a team of dedicated people who work together to ensure that all departments work seamlessly.

The IT Department is made up of three talented IT professionals: Brandon, Jess, and Andrew. Brandon, the Director of IT, and team leader is responsible for overseeing the database administration, vendor management, contracts, and services. He is also responsible for department employee management, project management, and application development. Jess, the IT Systems Administrator, is responsible for administering, implementing, and maintaining the security of all systems and platforms used by the organization. Andrew is the Desktop Support Technician and ensures that all equipment is functioning smoothly and efficiently day in and day out.

The day-to-day activities of the IT department are centered around problem-solving, with a mix of current projects, new projects, and individuals requiring support and ticketing assistance. The department’s role is largely reactive in responding to support tickets received. Yet it also operates proactively, staying ahead of the game and keeping up with new advancements. Documentation and content creation are important aspects of the IT department’s work, as they aim to maintain the current infrastructure and provide reliable equipment.

“Technology drives almost every process and procedure in the organization,” says Brandon, making the IT department’s role vital to the success of the mission. The department is involved at every level and works closely with other departments to ensure their technology needs are met and goals are achieved. The IT department’s goal is to act as a support system for other departments, providing technology solutions that align with their goals and strategies.

The biggest evolution in the IT department has been the shift towards data analysis and the handling of helpdesk support internally, instead of outsourcing. The IT Department enjoys the challenge of learning new things and helping people out, making the workday smoother and more productive. “If you like to solve problems, IT is the place for you,” says Brandon. They find satisfaction in finding solutions and making a difference in the organization.

In 2023, the IT department is placing a strong emphasis on cybersecurity. It is implementing policies and procedures to shore up its security foundation and conducting security training for all end-users through Ninjio, a cyber security training company. 96% of cyber attacks come from end-users, and the IT Department is making an effort to educate everyone within the organization on how to identify and report threats.

The IT department is a support system for the entire organization, providing reliable and efficient technology solutions that drive success. It is always working to stay ahead of the curve and provide the best possible services to the organization.

Quality Assurance Department Highlight

Jul 27, 2022 | Teams

The Quality Assurance department is designed to prevent, detect, and correct deficiencies that may lead to circumstances that increase the risk of introduction, transmission, or spread of communicable diseases, and is an integral part of Saving Sight and Vital Tears operations. At Saving Sight, the Quality Assurance Department is made up of three team members: Patrick Johnson – Director of Quality Improvement and Regulatory Affairs, Kristine Kennedy – Quality Improvement Specialist and Jessica Cody – Quality Improvement Specialist. While each member has their own responsibilities and title, “in the end, we are a team and complete all task as a team,” says Kristine Kennedy.

Like any department, each day is different, but in the Quality Assurance Department you can find them in meetings, working on projects, auditing different processes, not only in our main office in Kansas City but in each of our satellite offices. “Quality Assurance is part of every aspect of Saving Sight and Vital Tears” says Kristine Kennedy. This could be helping a team understand how to complete regulatory documentation or verifying that documentation is completed correctly. It might be improving SOPs for departments to clearly understand requirements or improve a process. Quality Assurance is a vital part of helping the organizations operate to stay in compliance and improve the overall quality of the operation. They are ultimately responsible for quality improvement and assurance, making sure we are following the rules set forth by HIPAA, Non-Conformance Management, both internal and external audits, OSHA incident tracking and supply and supplier management. No day is the same, but they play and important role in making sure we are being good stewards of the gift of sight.

“The Quality Assurance department has been a very rewarding job for me. I truly love being able to help other departments grow in their learning and support them in improving their processes. This roll requires organization, problem solving, “out of the box thinking,” and teamwork, just to name a few. I am so incredibly blessed to work with such amazing people that are dedicated to our mission. I have the best teammates EVER, that are always willing to step up, have each other’s back, and support one another” says Kristine Kennedy. Saving Sight truly is lucky to have such a caring and devoted group of people, all helping us in our mission to change lives by Saving Sight.

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