
For nearly 80 years, Southern Eye Bank has been dedicated to restoring vision, advancing eye care, and educating about donation across Louisiana. Founded in 1947, we are the third oldest eye bank in the United States, and since the beginning, have helped more than 56,000 people receive the gift of sight.
We’re proud of our strong legacy and committed to a bold, forward-looking future. As part of Advancing Sight Network, we combine deep local presence with global reach—supporting donor families, advancing research, and helping surgeons restore sight through life-changing transplants.
Our mission is to provide donated eye tissue for sight-restoring surgeries and to support medical research that’s working to cure blinding diseases.
But our work goes far beyond recovery and distribution. We educate, advocate, and collaborate—dispel myths, share data, and support families. We build strong relationships across our parishes, creating a network of care and innovation that honors every donor and brings hope to those affected by vision loss.
As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing research, we are also establishing a branch of the Precision Ocular Biobank at Southern Eye Bank, helping to fuel new discoveries in the fight against blindness.
Get the latest information about Southern Eye Bank’s special events and activities and learn how you can participate.
Upcoming EventsWe are a team of experienced, mission-driven professionals dedicated to improving lives across Louisiana through the gift of eye donation.
Rooted in the values that make our state unique—family, connection, and resilience—we approach every aspect of our work with integrity, excellence, and compassion.
As part of Advancing Sight Network, we bring both local insight and national expertise to every recovery, relationship, and opportunity to restore sight.
We serve the people of Louisiana—those whose lives are touched by eye donation in every form.
We support families making the generous decision to donate, individuals awaiting the gift of sight, and the medical professionals who rely on donated tissue for transplants and research. We also serve our broader community by raising awareness, answering questions, and breaking down myths that prevent people from saying “yes” to donation.
Every person we reach—whether in a hospital, a research lab, or a parish community—is part of our purpose: to restore vision, honor the gift of donation, and create lasting impact.
2701 Kingman St
Metairie, LA 70006
(504) 891-2401