The 2026 World Eye Bank Symposium (WEBS), held in Prague, Czech Republic, brought together eye banking professionals, ophthalmologists, researchers, and industry partners from around the world for a day of scientific exchange, collaboration, and innovation.
Hosted by the Global Alliance of Eye Bank Associations (GAEBA), the symposium featured presentations on advances in corneal transplantation, tissue preservation, bioengineering, and global eye banking development, while reinforcing the importance of international partnerships in supporting global sight restoration.
Special thanks to Marián Okál, MD, and Magdaléna Netuková, MD, PhD, from the International Eye Bank of Prague, the WEBS Organizing Committee, GAEBA, and conference organizer, Gary L.A. Jones for their dedication and leadership in organizing such a successful and inspiring event.
Throughout the day, attendees enthusiastically shared ideas, discussed emerging challenges, and exchanged experiences with colleagues from around the world. The energy throughout the symposium reflected a shared commitment to advancing eye banking and expanding access to sight-restoring care.
“WEBS 2026 demonstrated the strength of the global eye banking community and the impact we can achieve when we come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. The symposium provided an opportunity to showcase innovation, strengthen international partnerships, and reaffirm our shared commitment to expanding access to safe, ethical, and sight-restoring transplantation worldwide.”
Catherine Wong, GAEBA President
A Landmark Moment for Global Eye Banking
One of the most significant highlights of WEBS 2026 was the official launch of the GAEBA Eye Bank Medical Standards, unveiled by project member Kristen McCoy on behalf of the international project team. Representing the culmination of more than ten years of collaboration, the Standards establish practical minimum best practice recommendations for eye banks across the world.
Developed following discussions with the World Health Organization (WHO) and through contributions from experts representing diverse healthcare systems and economic settings, the document is designed to support both established eye banks and countries working to develop new eye banking programs.
Led by GAEBA Chair Heather Machin, with key contributions from Ramona Bashshur, Erik Hellier, and numerous volunteers from across the global eye banking community, the Standards are available as an open-source resource to help strengthen safe, ethical, and sustainable eye banking worldwide. Future editions will continue to evolve alongside advances in clinical practice and research.
Read the GAEBA Eye Bank Medical Standards.
“The launch of the GAEBA Eye Bank Medical Standards represents years of collaboration from experts around the world. Our goal was to develop practical, accessible guidance that can support eye banks at every stage of development while promoting safe, ethical, and high-quality practices globally.”
Heather Machin, GAEBA Chair / Treasurer
Scientific Program Highlights
This year’s scientific program reflected the rapidly evolving field of corneal transplantation and eye banking, with presentations highlighting innovations designed to improve tissue quality, expand treatment options, and address global challenges in tissue availability.
The scientific sessions sparked engaging discussions as presenters shared new research, practical innovations, and lessons learned from their own programs. Attendees actively exchanged ideas and experiences, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that has become a hallmark of WEBS.
Customized Corneal Transplantation
The opening session explored new approaches to patient-specific corneal transplantation, highlighting techniques that maximize the use of donor tissue while improving surgical precision and outcomes. Presentations examined innovations in tissue preparation, including standardized processing of anterior lens capsule allografts, advances in DSAEK graft preparation, and improvements in corneal graft cutting technologies designed to enhance tissue quality and consistency. Together, these studies demonstrated how refinements in eye bank processing continue to support safer and more customized transplantation.
Beyond the Donor: Synthetic Tissues and Bioengineering
The second session focused on emerging technologies that may help address the worldwide shortage of donor tissue. Researchers presented promising developments in bioengineered Descemet membranes, corneal lenticule implantation, novel surgical delivery systems, and innovative stromal implants for keratoconus treatment. These presentations illustrated how regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and synthetic biomaterials are creating new possibilities for restoring vision while complementing traditional donor tissue transplantation.
Global Supply Solutions
The third session, Global Supply Solutions, turned its focus to expanding worldwide access to ocular tissue through international collaboration, improved preservation technologies, and enhanced donor screening. Featured presentations included “Morocco Eye Bank Development,” presented by Philip Fasone, Executive Director of Vision Share, which examined the role of international partnerships in building sustainable eye banking programs. Additional presentations explored advances in preservation media designed to extend tissue viability, new approaches to donor screening and genetic testing, and innovations that improve eye bank logistics, tissue utilization, and access to corneal transplantation worldwide.
Together, these presentations demonstrated that scientific innovation, thoughtful stewardship of donor tissue, and international collaboration are all essential to meeting the growing global demand for corneal transplantation.
Strengthening Global Collaboration
Beyond the scientific presentations, WEBS 2026 fostered an atmosphere of openness, curiosity, and collaboration. Participants from across the globe generously shared their experiences, challenges, and successes, creating meaningful conversations that will continue to shape the future of eye banking long after the symposium concluded.
Our aim for WEBS 2026 was to provide a platform where the global eye banking community could connect, share advancements, and help shape the future of the sector. Witnessing that vision come to fruition through the exchange of ideas, meaningful collaboration, and the sheer enthusiasm of participants from across the globe was genuinely inspiring.
Gary L.A. Jones, Executive Officer, European Eye Bank Association and WEBS 2026 Organizer
Between sessions, attendees gathered for lunch, providing an opportunity to continue conversations, reconnect with colleagues, and build new professional relationships. These informal conversations often proved just as valuable as the scientific presentations, providing opportunities for collaboration and lasting professional relationships that extend well beyond the symposium.
Honoring Excellence in International Eye Banking
Another memorable highlight of WEBS 2026 was the presentation of the Dr. Paul Dubord Award for International Eye Banking to Collin Ross, Vice President of Global Development at Eversight. Presented every two years by GAEBA, the award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to international eye banking while exemplifying the vision and values of Dr. Paul Dubord, whose lifelong dedication helped expand access to corneal transplantation around the world.
Throughout nearly three decades of service, Collin Ross has played a pivotal role in advancing global eye banking through sustainable program development, international partnerships, and education. His leadership has supported the establishment and growth of eye banking programs in multiple countries and has helped strengthen global collaboration through initiatives such as the Barcelona Principles and the newly launched GAEBA Eye Bank Medical Standards.
“This award is a tremendous honor that’s made even more meaningful coming from such distinguished peers in our profession. Having known Dr. Dubord and seen his global impact firsthand, I am especially honored to carry on his legacy of sight restoration and service to those in need.”
Collin Ross, Vice President of Global Development at Eversight
Collin’s recognition was warmly celebrated by attendees and served as a reminder of the lasting impact that visionary leadership, mentorship, and international collaboration can have on expanding access to sight-restoring care around the world.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the scientific discoveries shared throughout the day, the launch of the GAEBA Eye Bank Medical Standards marked an important milestone for the global eye banking community and reflected GAEBA’s ongoing commitment to advancing education, collaboration, and excellence in eye banking.
“The Global Eye Bank Medical Standards were developed to be a practical, living resource for the worldwide eye banking community. We hope they will help strengthen existing programs, support the development of new eye banks, and continue to evolve alongside advances in clinical practice.”
Kristen McCoy, Global Eye Bank Medical Standards Project Team Member
As the symposium ended, attendees left Prague with new ideas, strengthened partnerships, and a renewed commitment to advancing eye banking worldwide. WEBS 2026 once again demonstrated that meaningful progress is achieved not only through scientific discovery but also through the relationships and collaboration that unite the global eye banking community.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of WEBS 2026, including our speakers, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and organizing committee, for helping make this year’s symposium an outstanding opportunity to share knowledge, foster innovation, and strengthen the future of eye banking worldwide.
Join the Global Alliance of Eye Bank Associations (GAEBA)
WEBS 2026 demonstrated what is possible when eye banking professionals from around the world come together to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and advance innovation.
GAEBA’s mission is:
To empower the world’s leading eye banking professionals to collaboratively promote best practices and advocate for global eye tissue donation and transplantation.
Whether through education, the development of global medical standards, advocacy, or events like WEBS, GAEBA is committed to strengthening eye banking worldwide.