James and susan anderson
Grateful patients and longtime supporters James and Susan Anderson established the James J. Anderson and Susan J. Anderson Strategic Initiatives Fund, providing flexible resources to help Wills Eye Hospital seize new opportunities, advance innovation, and meet the evolving needs of patients for generations to come.
Benefactors Circle
Together, and with additional philanthropic support from champions and friends including participants in the 2025 Wills Eye Ball, a group of grateful patients helped the Wills Eye Foundation to establish the Benefactors Circle Endowed Chair in Glaucoma, a landmark $2.5 million endowment that provides permanent support for one of the world's leading glaucoma programs
Bill Lawrence
After finding hope and expert care at Wills Eye Hospital when he feared losing his vision, grateful patient Bill Lawrence made a leadership gift through the Wills Eye Foundation to help transform the Cornea Service for future generations of patients.
Patrick flaharty
Inspired by the lasting influence of Joseph C. Flanagan, MD, Wills Eye alumnus Patrick Flaharty, MD, joined fellow alumni to establish an endowed visiting professor lecture that will advance education and inspire future generations of ophthalmologists.
Wills Eye Retina Fellowship Alumni
To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Wills Eye Retina Service, retina alumni came together to establish an endowed fellowship and research fund that will support future retina specialists and advance groundbreaking research.
A generous donor made possible the inaugural All Philadelphia Glaucoma Research Retreat, bringing together leading scientists from across the region to accelerate collaboration and advance the future of glaucoma research.
Joseph and Barbara Betz
Grateful patients Joseph and Barbara Betz included the Wills Eye Foundation in their estate plans, creating a lasting legacy that will advance ophthalmic education and research for generations to come.
JOEl and roberta porter
Inspired by the education and mentorship that shaped his career, Wills Eye alumnus Joel Porter, MD, and his wife, Roberta, established an endowed visiting professor lecture to support lifelong learning and excellence in ophthalmology.
Sharon O'Neill and her family continue to honor Sean O'Neill's legacy by bringing their community together each year to support ocular oncology research and patient care at Wills Eye Hospital.
Inspired by the promise of discovery and hope for patients with retinal disease, Nikki Kurland and Marisa Langford brought their community together to raise critical funds for retina research at Wills Eye Hospital.
Susan Sullivan’s story with Wills Eye Hospital began more than 60 years ago, when, at the age of six, her family cat scratched her cornea. The issue went untreated for some time, to the point where when she eventually saw physicians at both the Police and Fire Medical Clinic as well as at Wills Eye, there was not much that could be done. She eventually went blind in her left eye.
Anna Rhodes
“If I can contribute to research, patient care, and giving each physician the opportunity to create miracles, I am grateful.”
Peter and Ruth Laibson
“An enriched educational experience for residents and fellows has been the hallmark of the Cornea Service since its inception. It is our hope that this legacy will continue for future generations.”
"It's amazing what happens there: the expertise of the doctor, the attention to detail in treatment; she could not have been better cared for anywhere else."
“No other institution provides what Wills does: mentorship, complex cases, and resident and staff camaraderie.”
"Our family felt it was a wonderful way to carry on his spirit."
“ I think it’s very important to train physicians, expand research in the field, and continue the tradition of medical excellence.”