The most powerful equipment in an eye bank isn’t on a shelf—it’s the people who run it. That’s why this partnership starts with a hybrid curriculum, mentorship and a train-the-trainer model that keeps expertise in Morocco. Build people, and the systems follow. Build systems, and patients regain sight.
Why a Morocco eye bank matters
Access to corneal transplant surgery is essential to address a leading treatable cause of vision impairment and blindness in North Africa.
Corneal blindness is a growing public health concern in developing countries. Keratoconus, a condition primarily affecting young people, accounts for 50 percent of corneal transplant cases in Morocco. Its impact on patients and their families is profound, disrupting education, careers and mental well-being.
By developing a local, sustainable eye bank, the Cheikh Zayed Foundation Eye Bank (CZFEB) will work to meet cornea and tissue transplant needs in Morocco, share corneas and other tissues throughout the region, and serve as a regional center of excellence for donation and transplantation programs.
Building from the ground up
Since 2024, Vision Share and Eversight have collaborated with the ophthalmology team in Rabat to lay the foundation for CZFEB, including leading the development and implementation of a novel training approach for newly hired staff.
“Build people, build systems, bring sight home.”
Training designed for lasting impact
In early 2025, Eversight launched a hybrid curriculum for Rabat eye bank technicians, combining remote learning, weekly instruction, virtual wet labs and didactic coursework to accelerate competency and confidence. The hybrid training includes:
- Weekly virtual instruction with expert faculty
- Guided wet labs to practice technical skills
- Structured didactic coursework aligned to eye bank competencies
The program includes in-person training in Ann Arbor, Mich. at Eversight, followed by on-site sessions in Morocco. A “train-the-trainer" approach will ensure that local professionals build long-term capacity to train future staff.
“I never imagined that I would be developing an eye bank training program remotely, but the results have been nothing short of incredible,” said Heather Nuskind, EdD, Global Development & Surgical Innovations Director, Eversight. “The dedication and collaboration of the teams have been something truly special and unique. Together, we’ve made considerable advancements in training, and it’s been one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”
Strengthening collaboration on the ground
In May 2025, Eversight Vice President of Global Development Collin Ross and Vision Share Executive Director Phil Fasone traveled to Rabat to meet with CZFEB and the eye bank team. Together, they focused on strengthening corneal donation systems and advocacy across the country, mapping the next steps for development.
“This is about more than opening an eye bank—it’s about cultivating talent and trust, so sight-restoring care is available close to home,” Ross said. “The Rabat eye bank will serve as a regional hub for donation and transplantation programs, meeting local needs and strengthening vision care across North Africa. Every step of this project points to one outcome—more people in Morocco regaining sight.”
What’s next
Eversight, Vision Share and the Cheikh Zayed Foundation Eye Bank are advancing toward a state-of-the-art eye bank system serving Rabat and regional communities across Morocco.
“Together, Vision Share, Eversight and the Cheikh Zayed Foundation are laying the groundwork for a sustainable, world-class eye bank that will serve not only Rabat, but communities across Morocco,” Fasone said. “We are honored to support this transformative initiative and look forward to continuing this important work—bringing sight-saving care and training to the people of Morocco.”
How you can help
Nuskind recently shared her experience working on this collaboration with The Ophthalmologist. Read about this catalyst for a clearer future and share the interview with your networks.
Your social and financial support powers training, quality systems and advocacy so more people in Morocco and beyond can receive corneal transplants.
- Donate today to fund sight-saving training and technology to further educate clinicians around the world
- Partner with us if you’re a hospital, NGO or academic institution interested in building sustainable eye banking capacity