about us
KeraLink International (KLI) is a forward-thinking non-profit dedicated to eridicating corneal blindness
Originally founded as the Maryland Eye Bank in 1962 and later known as Tissue Banks International, KLI dedicated itself to eliminating the waiting list for corneal transplants in the United States. By 2019, collaborating with other eye banks, we achieved that goal and had become one of the world’s largest providers of sight-restoring ocular tissue and an innovator in tissue processing technology.
These were monumental achievements. However, we realized that what worked in the United States and other developed countries was not likely to work in regions where treatment is most needed: LMICs. So, we sold our banks and transformed ourselves into the only organization in the world solely committed to eradicating corneal blindness in LMICs.
The challenge
Corneal transplants are not an option for most people living in LMICs
As a result, corneal blindness afflicts millions in these countries, particularly the young, crippling their economic prospects, isolating them socially, and sometimes even leading to their early death.
Our Vision
Today, KLI is addressing corneal conditions in LMICs through:
Preventing injuries and infections that may lead to corneal blindness
Early detection and rapid treatment that stops corneal conditions from advancing to vision loss; and
Novel therapies, like alternatives to human tissue transplantation, to preserve and restore sight that will be priced affordably and produced sustainably in LMICs.
Meet our team
David is a world-renowned social entrepreneur in the global public health arena. Chief among his achievements is the development of a market-tested economic paradigm for making high-quality health care affordable and available to all.
David is a world-renowned social entrepreneur in the global public health arena. Chief among his achievements is the development of a market-tested economic paradigm for making high-quality health care affordable and available to all.
Heather Nuskind, MBA, COA brings over 23 years of experience in Ophthalmology. She started her career in Ophthalmology as a LASIK technician. Heather has worked in all areas of Ophthalmology.
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A highly accomplished financial professional with extensive experience in the non-profit industry. Shelby is committed to the mission of reversing corneal blindness globally through programs and technology development. Her goal is to support improving KeraLink’s financial performance through innovation and programs.
Aaron completed his undergraduate and graduate training in biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University. He has worked as a product and operations-focused executive helping early-stage companies launch impactful healthcare technologies.
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A highly accomplished financial professional with extensive experience in the non-profit industry. Shelby is committed to the mission of reversing corneal blindness globally through programs and technology development. Her goal is to support improving KeraLink’s financial performance through innovation and programs.
A native New Yorker, Noel lives in the boogie-down borough of the Bronx. While pursuing a doctorate in political theory, Noel started coaching a high school debate team and took a job in financial services. He abandoned both grad school and finance to work for the Open Society Institute developing an international debate education program and eventually a global youth initiative.
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