By Caroline Miller, Senior Specialist, Brand Strategy & Communications
When most people think of eye donation, they imagine a cornea transplant—restoring someone’s vision in a life-changing surgical procedure. But there’s another equally important side to the gift of sight—research. Every day, advances in eye care, new surgical techniques and groundbreaking treatments are made possible thanks to high-quality human tissue provided to scientists and innovators.
A key member of this work is Eversight’s Research Client Manager, Caitlin Qualter. Her role blends relationship building, logistics and problem solving to ensure researchers across the globe have the resources they need to make discoveries that change lives.
“As research client manager, my biggest role is being that liaison between our research partners and Eversight,” Caitlin said. “Coordinating with them for all of their projects, learning more about their studies, and seeing where we can fit into their puzzle.”
Caitlin’s approach to client partnerships is rooted in trust, transparency and ongoing communication.
Those relationships often last years as projects evolve. A researcher studying diabetic retinopathy today may return in the future to compare new findings with past data, and Eversight will be there to support them.
A career built in eye donation research at Eversight
Caitlin’s journey into eye banking began almost by chance. With a degree in biology and uncertainty about where to apply it, she was introduced to Eversight through a friend.
“I had never heard of eye banking. I never knew it was a thing,” she said. “I just remember I had applied, and I loved hearing about the mission and what it was all about but still was a little skeptical. I remember having my phone interview with Diane [Hollingsworth, Eversight President/CEO] and hearing more about the day-to-day work and really wanting to hear more.”
That interview led to a tour of Eversight’s Chicago office, and she was instantly hooked. Over the past nine years, Caitlin has grown within the organization—starting in the lab, moving into Donor Eligibility, then Tissue Processing, where she eventually became supervisor before stepping into her current research role.
Meaning in the mission
While she’s less hands-on than during her tissue processing days, she finds the rewards of working in research just as powerful—though in a different way.
“When we provide tissue for researchers, they’re so grateful,” she said. “Often, they wouldn’t be able to advance their studies without us. At my first ARVO conference, so many researchers made a point to come over and say, ‘We’re so thankful for this partnership.’”
For Caitlin, a current research project in particular stands out: a pediatric genetics study involving donors under the age of 18.
“When there’s a child donor of any type, it weighs heavier,” she said. “This study is a great way to honor those donors. We don't place surgical tissue under five years old. This is a way to place those tissues under five for this research project. In general, if a pediatric donor does not meet their qualifications to donate for transplant this is another placement opportunity for them—it's really impactful.”
The project has special significance because it provides an avenue for donation in cases where surgical transplantation isn’t possible for the youngest donors—offering families a chance to create a lasting legacy for their child.
The R&D edge
Eversight’s Research & Development team operates out of Cleveland, Ohio, and Caitlin is quick to point out how unique the program is in the field.
“I don’t think a lot of eye banks or industries have what we have…the access to the tissue we have so quickly, as well as the services we can provide,” she said. “Our technicians are really skilled, and we can dissect tissue for exactly what a researcher needs—whether it’s the retina, the lens or another specific part.”
The team works with universities, biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms and other partners. Some projects involve direct tissue supply, while others are full collaborations that include in-house research or co-authorship on publications.
“When I joined the team, it was eye opening to see how much research is really being done in the field,” Caitlin said. “Tissue from one eye can be sent to three different researchers for three different projects that have nothing to do with each other. They all need a specific type of tissue. It’s surprising just how hands-on Eversight really is in most of those projects.”
Dispelling misconceptions
One of the challenges Caitlin faces is changing how people view research tissue.
“A common misconception is that research tissue might not be as important as transplant tissue. That’s really not true,” Caitlin said.
“The impact a research donation can make is tremendous. One tissue can provide multiple different research purposes.”
Looking ahead for Caitlin Qualter
Caitlin sees the future of Eversight’s research work as bright, especially with emerging fields like regenerative medicine, artificial corneas and advanced medical devices.
“We're on the right side of all of that. We’ve established good partnerships, and we continue to expand our skillset, communication and relationships,” Caitlin said. “I love being part of that momentum.”
Above all, she hopes people come to understand that the impact of research is every bit as meaningful as transplantation.
“Everybody is always excited for transplant stories, but you can have that same meaningful outcome for being part of a research project,” she said. “Talk to your family—not just about wanting to donate for transplant, but also for research.”
Caitlin’s work—and that of the entire R&D team—ensures that donated tissue finds its way into the hands of innovators who are shaping the future of eye care. Behind every study, every breakthrough, and every new treatment is a network of skilled professionals like her, turning the gift of sight into the gift of discovery.
Want to discover more?
Explore how Eversight’s Research & Development team partners with innovators to shape the future of eye care.
Groundbreaking research into cures and treatments for blinding eye diseases is only possible with philanthropic support. Give today to power the research that makes sight-saving discoveries possible.
