Financial Assistance
In 1994 the estate of Harriet B. Cullen kindly bequeathed funds to the former Buffalo Eye Bank and Research Society, Inc., which since merged with Upstate New York Transplant Services, Inc. These funds were established to provide financial assistance to needy individuals in connection with the treatment, care or correction of any condition relating to eyes.
In addition to providing financial assistance on an individual basis the Fund subsidizes eye care endeavors on a community level such as the Hornberger Clinic and the Contact and Lens Clinic. Over the years, thousands of dollars from these funds have been awarded in the form of grants to Western New Yorkers in need of medical treatment and care for eye conditions that otherwise were unaffordable for its recipients.
Financial grants will be awarded to individuals residing in UNYTS' eight county service area on the basis of an applicant’s demonstrated financial need for medically supported eye care. If possible, applications should be submitted prior to any procedures being performed. Applications are reviewed and approved/rejected by the Endowment Fund Committee. All payments are made upon the completion of services and made payable to the provider of services.
An application for The Harriet B. Cullen Fund may be printed from this site. You may also obtain an application by contacting your local Lions Club. In some instances your local Lions Club may also contribute funds in aid of an applicant.
If you or someone you know is in need of medical treatment for the eyes, but does not have the financial resources needed to cover the costs, please consider the Harriet B. or Cullen Endowment Funds.