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TBI Centers of Excellence - National Eye Bank Center

A Centralized Eye Banking Model

The National Eye Bank Center (NEBC), based in Memphis, Tennessee, is a state-of-the-art, centralized eye banking facility that prepares corneas, sclera, and other ocular tissue for use in surgical procedures.

NEBC opened in 2005, and was the first eye banking facility of its kind. Ocular tissue from throughout the TBI network is sent to NEBC, where it undergoes stringent review to determine its suitability for transplant. Once cleared, tissue can be prepared to custom surgeon specifications and distributed for transplant. The large concentration of ocular tissue at The Center allows TBI to direct tissue for its optimal use, whether for standard corneal allografts, specialized pre-cut corneas, or research.

The National Eye Bank Center’s Memphis location is an essential element of its success. The unparalleled transportation advantages, including proximity to FedEx worldwide headquarters, ensure tissue will reach surgeons and their patients when they need it.  Future endeavors in research and innovation will be supported by the region’s thriving biotech community.

Technology at NEBC

Visante OCT: The NEBC was the first eye banking organization to use the Visante OCT for evaluation of corneal tissue for transplant surgery.   All corneal tissue at the NEBC is screened with the Visante to detect weaknesses in the cornea’s structure (from previous LASIK surgery, for example) that would make the cornea unsuitable for transplant.  The Visante OCT is also used to screen pre-cut corneas after preparation to verify the accuracy of the cut.

IntraLase Femtosecond Laser: The NEBC was among the first eye banks to acquire a femtosecond laser for use in preparing pre-cut full-thickness corneal allografts.  TBI currently offers custom-prepared corneas for Femtosecond Laser Enabled Keratoplasty.     

Operating Room Microscopes: Pre-cut corneas are prepared using operating room microscopes like the OPMI Visu for better visualization.  The NEBC is one of few eye banking facilities to offer this extra level of service in cornea preparation.

Moria Microkeratome: The microkeratome system is used to prepare corneas for lamellar transplant.  NEBC technicians have performed thousands of pre-cuts with the microkeratome and each tissue is prepared to surgeon specifications, from thickness to after-cut markings.

Research at NEBC

The NEBC is committed not only to helping individuals regain sight today, but to supporting the contributions of the entire ophthalmic community, including those who investigate the causes and cures of blindness.  NEBC conducts its own research in eye banking techniques, supports scientists through the provision of research tissue, and is also available as a resource to physicians who need access to large volumes of cornea data for research.

If you would like more information about research at The NEBC, please contact TBI at tissue@tbionline.org

Current Research Projects

Improving OCT Technology: A university-affiliated researcher is testing new Optical Coherence Tomography equipment at The NEBC in collaboration with TBI staff.  OCT devices allow for precise evaluation, measurement and analysis of the anterior segment of the cornea without direct contact.

Laser-Prepared Lamellar Grafts: The NEBC was one of the first eye banking facilities to acquire a femtosecond laser for the preparation of pre-cut corneas.  Currently, The NEBC is collaborating with several physicians to research and develop methods that effectively utilize this technology for partial-thickness corneal transplants.

VisionGraft Sterile Cornea: TBI is now offering the first sterile cornea allograft to surgeons for tectonic procedures.  TBI staff is working closely with ophthalmologists from across the country to document the clinical applications of this exciting new allograft.

NEBC in the Media