By Caroline Miller, Marketing & Communications Specialist
John Ryan’s journey with Eversight began with a simple desire to give back. As a long-time member of the New Jersey Lions Club, John was deeply involved in the organization’s efforts to promote healthy vision, including White Cane events and other local initiatives.
From New Jersey Lions to advocacy for eye donation
After decades of service with the Lions, John found himself wanting to do more in retirement.
“It's at this stage of life, you go back, and you say, ‘what have I done?’” John said. “I consider this to be one of the things I've done and made a slight difference in the world by assisting and working with Eversight. You talk to people that have had corneal transplants, and it's changed their lives, and it makes me proud to feel that I'm kind of a part of that.”
In 2012, John was invited to join the board of what was then the Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey. For him, it felt like a natural extension of his work with the Lions, and he enthusiastically accepted.
Over the years, John played a vital role in supporting the eye bank’s transition into what is now known as Eversight, a move that brought with it growth, challenges and, ultimately, expanded possibilities for impact.
“It was just a name change,” he said. “We're still doing the good stuff we did, and matter of fact, this will enable us to even do more of it and continue it in a better way. It helped us grow.”
As a member of Eversight’s New Jersey Advisory Board, John helped steer the organization through a pivotal period. That shift, while challenging, allowed Eversight to broaden its scope, reaching more people and providing even greater support for sight restoration efforts.
Eversight works with Advisory Board members like John who volunteer their time to help Eversight advance its mission through public education and philanthropic giving in their local community.
“We also provide advice to Eversight on the New Jersey market, what's going on, how it's working and things that we can comment on and say, ‘Hey, there might be a better way of doing this if we did that instead,’” he said.
This year, John’s dedication to Eversight’s mission was recognized in a new way. After years of serving on the New Jersey Advisory Board, he was invited to join the Eversight Board of Directors, a role that allows him to further advocate for the organization he has championed for over a decade. His commitment remains as strong as ever.
"When you hear the stories from cornea transplant recipients, it really hits home,” John said. “This work changes lives."
A personal mission
“It’s a moment of closure for donor families, and a celebration of life and giving,” he said. “There’s something very powerful about witnessing that.”
John’s experience with the Lions Club gives him a unique perspective on how to strengthen relationships between Eversight and the Lions, ensuring that both organizations can continue their shared mission of helping others.
Looking toward the future
As Eversight expands its efforts globally, John is keenly aware of the importance of the work being done in countries like Korea and Pakistan, where access to corneal transplants is limited.
“I’ve gotten to learn Eversight in a bigger context,” John said. “What amazes me is when you hear the things that are going on like recovering the corneas, research and development, training doctors—it's absolutely incredible.”
John’s passion for giving back has been a constant throughout his life, from his early days with the Lions Club to his current role with Eversight. As a member of the Board of Directors, he looks forward to continuing his service, supporting the organization’s mission and ensuring that more people, both in the U.S. and abroad, can experience the miracle of restored sight.
For John, the work is not just a duty—it’s a source of pride.
“When you can help someone regain their sight, you’re not just giving them vision, you’re giving them their life back,” he said. “It's a pleasure to be with an organization that makes a difference in the world.”
