University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

IT’S A MATCH 🎉

Welcome to the The University of Iowa ophthalmology family, Dr. Kerri McInnis-Smith! 💛🖤

Dr. McInnis-Smith is currently completing her residency at Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology and will be joining us as our ASOPRS oculofacial plastic surgery fellow in July of 2027.

🌿✨ On Thursday, May 21, we hosted our annual Celebration of Hope & Renewal in the Iowa Lions Donor Memorial & Healing Garden at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center- University Campus in Iowa City.

This special event honors eye, organ and tissue donors as well as their loved ones. It also recognizes the dedication of those who support the donation and transplantation process, and allows transplant recipients to express their gratitude.

Attendees heard remarks from Esther Baker, executive director of Iowa Lions Eye Bank; Dr. Kanwal Matharu, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Dr. Mark Greiner, Medical Director of ILEB and Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Gift of Sight recipient Charise Schwarm, and Dave McGlaughlin, who shared the story of his wife, Gift of Sight donor Jeanna McGlaughlin.

The ceremony also featured beautiful musical selections by Dr. Matthew Bean of Western Illinois University and a reading of the Honor Roll of donors by Junior Miss Clinton County 2026 - Mackie Malli. We are grateful to Jay Herman of Groove Announcing and Event Services for generously providing the sound system and ambient music that helped create a meaningful atmosphere for remembrance and reflection.

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we honored donors, celebrated recipients, and reflected on the lasting impact of the gift of sight. 💙 You can watch the ceremony at the link in the comments.