Global Leader in Vision Research

The only comprehensive eye center in South Carolina

Boy with glasses

Support the Storm Eye Institute

Built Upon a Tradition of Philanthropy

Storm Eye Institute has been built on a tradition of philanthropic support. The original five-story Albert Florens Storm Eye Institute, completed in 1976, was built with a gift from Mrs. Albert Florens Storm, who wished to honor her husband through provision of ocular care for the poor and expansion of eye research.

Subsequently, in 1998, Storm Eye Institute, through a partnership with more than 4,800 Lions and other supporters, completed an $8.8 million capital campaign, enabling the addition of four new floors to the original five-story building. The addition houses two research floors and an administrative and teaching floor that includes a 142-seat auditorium.

Today we are proud to continue this philanthropic heritage as demonstrated in a dedication to state-of-the-art patient care, cutting-edge scientific discovery, and unparalleled educational opportunities. Thanks to the generous support of our friends in the community, Storm Eye Institute is able to provide a level of care that far exceeds what even we envisioned 28 years ago.

In preparing for the challenges of the 21st century, a comprehensive vision for Storm Eye Institute was inaugurated to include the Feldberg Center for Vision Rehabilitation; the Charles B. Hanna, MD, Retinal Research Laboratory; the Ola B. Williams Glaucoma Center; the N. Edgar Miles Center for Pediatric Ophthalmology; Tucker Morse/ Joanna Foundation Electro-physiology Service; and the Glaucoma Research Laboratory, funded by William and Laura Hewitt, within the expanded space at the Storm Eye Institute. These are just a few of the programs and facilities that were made possible through private gifts from people, businesses and organizations that care about raising the standard of eye care services, not only here in South Carolina but throughout the world.

Although much has been accomplished, much remains to be done. The Storm Eye Institute has great potential for growth in both basic research pertinent to eye disease, and in clinical programs that will depend extensively on the integration of genomic, molecular, and cellular research. Dramatic changes in the nation's health care environment today dictate the critical need for substantial philanthropic support.