Honoring a Life of Sight and Service
The Dr. John E. Bokosky Memorial Fund
Give in memory of Dr. John E. Bokosky
Your gift will carry forward his legacy, restoring vision and changing the world, one life at a time.
For more than forty years, Dr. John E. Bokosky devoted his life to restoring sight and transforming lives. As the Medical Director of the San Diego Eye Bank and the most prolific corneal surgeon in San Diego, he gave the Gift of Sight to thousands of patients across our community and beyond. Under his leadership, the San Diego Eye Bank distributed over 100,000 sight-restoring corneas worldwide – a testament to his dedication and vision. He was also instrumental in developing new processing techniques and procedures, advancing eye banking standards, and training generations of eye bankers and surgeons.
To honor his life’s work and enduring generosity, the San Diego Eye Bank has established the Dr. John E. Bokosky Memorial Fund.
This fund will help facilitate sight-restoring transplants for patients in need, continuing Dr. Bokosky’s mission to provide a whole new outlook and perspective through the Gift of Sight.
FAQs
Where exactly will my donation go?
To honor his life’s work and enduring generosity, the San Diego Eye Bank has established the Dr. John E. Bokosky Memorial Fund. This fund will help to facilitate sight-restoring transplants for patients in need, continuing Dr. Bokosky’s mission to provide a whole new outlook and perspective.
What specific work will this fund support?
This fund will help to facilitate sight-restoring transplants for patients in need, continuing Dr. Bokosky’s mission to provide “a whole new outlook and perspective.” It is dedicated to continuing his legacy of providing these critical services for patients who could not otherwise afford them.
Is this a new fund, or am I donating to SDEB?
This is a new, dedicated fund created to honor Dr. Bokosky. We have set up a specific DonorBox campaign, and our finance team will earmark every donation to ensure it is kept separate from general SDEB donations.
What is the overall goal of the fund?
The goal is to create a lasting tribute to Dr. Bokosky’s 40+ years of voluntary service. Instead of flowers, this fund provides a way to honor his memory by continuing his personal legacy of ensuring that all patients, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the services they need.
Honoring a Legacy
San Diego Eye Bank Board of Directors & Medical Director
Throughout his extraordinary career, Dr. Bokosky performed corneal transplants on patients spanning a lifetime — from a two-day-old newborn to seniors in their nineties. His skill and compassion knew no bounds.
Beyond his surgical excellence, Dr. Bokosky’s heart for those in need defined his legacy. He freely gave his time and care to patients who could not otherwise afford treatment, ensuring that the Gift of Sight was never out of reach for anyone. Remarkably, he was preparing to restore sight for two patients on his final day, a testament to his lifelong dedication.
A Message From Our Director
“Dr. John Bokosky helped shape how the San Diego Eye Bank works today. For more than 40 years as our Medical Director, he set the tone for what it means to work hard, stay curious, and remain true to our purpose.”