Nonprofit doubles its size with acquisition

TAMPA — The Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research Inc. has acquired a Tampa sight restoration firm that will double its size and create one of the world's largest eye banks and cornea distributors.

Buying International Sight Restoration will allow Lions Eye to expand its ocular tissue distribution network to 80 countries and reach roughly half the world's population, according to a statement.

“This deal will bring sight to more people around the world because of Lions Eye Institute's large donation pool combined with ISR's vast distribution network,” says Jason Woody, Lions Eye's CEO.

The deal also dovetails with Tampa's growth as a life sciences hub, and expands Lions Eye's footprint into Mexico and Louisiana.

International Sight CEO Christina Sanchez Miller, in the release, says the deal reflects “the future of our industry.”

“Through this partnership we will be uniquely able to meet the needs of surgeons and patients worldwide,” she adds.

Since its formation, the nonprofit Lions Eye has helped more than 65,000 people worldwide.