European Eye Bank Association: Past, Present, and Future

Authors

Gary Lloyd Aubrey Jones, BSc (Econ), Iva Dekaris, MD, PhD, Jesper Hjortdal, MD, PhD, Elisabeth Pels, PhD

Keywords

corneal storage, corneal transplantation, eye banks, organ culture

Abstract

The European Eye Bank Association (EEBA) is a technical-scientific organisation for eye banks throughout Europe and beyond. Founded in 1989 with the simple objective of sharing information on eye banking, the Association is today the leading pan-national association in Europe dedicated to the advancement of eye banking and an authoritative reference point for eye banks that work according to quality standards. The Association establishes and maintains an agreed-upon set of medical and technical standards; promotes the collection of data on eye bank activities and processes; provides opportunities for the discussion of all aspects of eye banking practice, including eye donor selection and procurement, relevant research and development, education, and training in eye banking; and fosters links with national and international corneal transplant communities and relevant bodies. The introduction of a structured, focused Committee and a permanent Secretariat, and the development of an advanced website have enabled the Association to establish closer links and collaborative activities with key regulatory bodies. The Association has also provided a more constant exchange of clinical, scientific, and technical ideas and best practices with fellow professionals by means of annual meetings, the EEBA Directory and website, and a regular newsletter. The EEBA is committed to defining standards for eye banking and encouraging eye banks to maintain the highest possible standards for quality and safety. Through its Annual Meetings and the collection and exchange of detailed information from Member eye banks, the Association continues to speak with a confident and representative voice on eye banking in Europe.

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