Merger Micro Site

Two Global Leaders in Eyesight Restoration, Advancing Sight Network and Miracles In Sight, Announce Merger. READ MORE

We believe that by joining forces, we can accomplish more than either of us could alone. The months ahead will bring changes in processes, systems, and eventually in our brand identity. But what won’t change is our purpose: transforming lives, restoring sight, and advancing the science of eye care. Together, we will carry that mission forward with greater impact than ever before.

Watch below to see Ingrid Schunder and Alan Blake, CEOs of each organization, as they took a moment to share some of the possibilities this merger unlocks.

Our core values build upon one another. Uncompromising Integrity is the foundation for everything we do. When we act with integrity, we are able to advocate effectively for others—ensuring our efforts are always guided by the right reasons, not personal interest.

To serve others is the heart of effective leadership. When we serve well, we are able to lead with purpose, creating environments where everyone can thrive. Strong leadership also requires us to collaborate—building partnerships and relationships that make us stronger individually and collectively. None of us can achieve our mission alone.

When we embrace integrity, advocacy, service, leadership, and collaboration, we position ourselves to excel—delivering consistent, high-quality results. From there, we are able to innovate, creating solutions that produce lasting, meaningful impact.

Through living these values, we aim to make a difference in three areas: empowering our staff to be their best, preventing avoidable blindness, and serving those who rely on us most. Our core values are the framework that enables this impact and guides everything we do.

We strive to make a difference in three areas: empowering our staff to become the best version of themselves, preventing avoidable blindness, and serving those who need us most. Our core values are the framework that makes this impact possible.

Below are the six core values of our new organization. Under each value, you will find the service areas that most clearly exemplify that value through their work.

For example, under Collaborate Strategically, you will see Business Development, Surgeon Development, and Distribution—service areas whose success depends on intentional and effective collaboration.

While each service area is closely aligned with a specific core value, every staff member is responsible for demonstrating all six values. These alignments illustrate where each value is most prominently and consistently reflected in our day-to-day work.

ADVOCATE WITH EMPATHY

Donor Service Centers Partner Relations Fund Development / Family Services / Community Outreach

SERVE WITH INTENTION

Human Resources Administration / Facilities

LEAD WITH SOLUTIONS

Information Technology Accounting Marketing & Communications

COLLABORATE STRATEGICALLY

Surgeon Development Business Development Distribution

EXCEL IN QUALITY

Recovery Processing / Tissue Evaluation / Lab Ops Regulatory Affairs QA / QI / QC Donor Eligibility Determination

INNOVATE WITH IMPACT

Precision Ocular Biobank Cellular Therapies

When will this change take place?

We will officially become a new organization on January 1, 2026.

Is one organization taking precedence over the other? Is this an acquisition more than a merger?

This is a true merger of equals. Neither organization is being absorbed or taken over — we are joining together as partners with a shared purpose and complementary strengths. Both Advancing Sight Network and Miracles in Sight bring deep expertise, strong relationships, and a legacy of impact that will continue to shape who we are as one organization. Every decision in this process is being made collaboratively, with respect for the people, programs, and history of both teams. Our goal isn’t to diminish one identity in favor of the other, but to build something stronger and more sustainable together — an organization that honors where we’ve been while expanding what’s possible for the future of sight restoration and eye care.

Will anyone lose their job because of the merger?

No. There will be no staff cuts due to the merger. This new organization will be built on growth and partnership, not reduction. By coming together, we’re expanding our capacity, deepening our expertise, and creating new opportunities for collaboration and professional development. Every team member plays a vital role in our shared mission to restore sight and advance the science of eye care. As we align systems and processes, our goal is to strengthen—not shrink—the foundation that makes our work possible.

Will my role or responsibilities change?

Both leadership teams are in the process of evaluating all roles across the two organizations and making plans for how they work together. Because of the many parallels between our two organizations, certain roles and responsibilities will shift, but they will not be cut or reduced. All staff will also be given the opportunity to voice and submit their preferences for how their careers advance. More detail is coming on this front, but know you are secure at this organization.

Who will I report to after the merger?

As part of the forthcoming role and organizational structure evaluation process, certain reporting structures may shift. We don’t know those specific changes today, but we will communicate them as soon as possible.

Will there be new opportunities for advancement?

Yes. We are thrilled about the growth opportunities this merger will bring for staff. All staff will be given the opportunity to voice and submit their preferences for how their careers advance. We don’t know the exact details or opportunities today, but we will communicate them as soon as possible.

Are benefits changing? When is Open Enrollment?

Our goal as a new organization will be to offer the best array of benefits possible for our employees. We are currently finalizing the new benefits package. There will be an online benefits meeting with Advancing Sight Network employees, and an online benefits meeting with Miracles in Sight employees. These meetings will give everyone the opportunity to hear about the benefits package for the new organization. Open enrollment will be in November. The benefits meetings will happen before open enrollment begins.

Will my salary change?

No one’s salary will be reduced when the merger takes place.

Will payroll or HR systems change, and if so, when?

Paycom will be the payroll system for the new organization. Advancing Sight Network and Miracles in Sight are currently on the same bi-weekly pay schedule, so the timing for your paychecks will not change.

What will the new organization be called?

Both Advancing Sight Network and Miracles in Sight bring respected identities, strong reputations, and deep legacies of service to the eye banking and eye care space. We are therefore approaching the process of developing a new name and brand with care, taking the time to ensure it reflects our shared mission and future vision. We are committed to honoring where we’ve come from while pointing toward where we’re headed together. We are working on the new organizational name, and will announce it as soon as we are able.

What happens to the old logos, branding, and mission statements?

As we evolve into a single organization, a new visual identity and brand language will emerge — but that doesn’t mean our current brands or missions will be forgotten. They represent decades of impact, generosity, and dedication to restoring sight. We plan to celebrate and preserve that history while developing a unified brand that carries those values forward. You’ll continue to see our existing brand assets in use during this transition until the new brand officially launches in early 2026.

How will our history and legacy be honored?

Both organizations have remarkable stories. The goal is to weave our histories together, not replace one with the other. Our communications team is exploring ways to capture and share these legacies — through storytelling, internal events, and digital archives — so that every team member can take pride in where we’ve been as we look ahead.

Will the organizational culture change? How will differences between the two orgs’ cultures be handled?

Our intent is to blend the best of both cultures, not overwrite them. Each organization brings distinct strengths — whether in process, innovation, or community spirit — and we want to carry those forward into a shared culture built on collaboration, respect, and mission alignment. Over the coming months, we’ll be intentional about listening, learning, and shaping this culture together through open dialogue and staff feedback.

How will leadership ensure fairness and transparency during the transition? How will staff be kept informed throughout the merger?

Open, consistent communication is one of our highest priorities during this transition. Leadership is committed to keeping staff informed at every stage — not just through formal announcements, but through regular updates, team-level conversations, and opportunities for questions and feedback. We know change can bring uncertainty, so we want everyone to have clear access to information and to feel heard along the way. A dedicated communication hub, pulse surveys, and ongoing Q&A channels will help ensure updates are timely, accurate, and transparent. Our goal is to lead this merger in a way that reflects fairness, respect, and trust — the same principles that define our mission and our work together.

Will our processes or systems (IT, HR, finance, reporting) change?

These are great questions, and as we blend our organizations into one new combined staff, there will likely be some changes in at least some of these areas. Leadership work groups are currently developing plans for what these areas and others will look like in our new organization. We will have many opportunities to update you on the specific answers to these questions in the coming weeks.

How will we coordinate between the two former organizations during the transition period?

The coming months will be a time of close collaboration between both teams. Leadership from Advancing Sight Network and Miracles in Sight are working side by side to align systems, processes, and priorities in a way that minimizes disruption and supports staff on both sides. In this early phase, many day-to-day operations will continue as usual while integration plans take shape. As we move forward, cross-organizational teams will help guide the transition, ensuring that communication, training, and workflows are coordinated and clear. Our goal is to make this merger feel as seamless as possible — keeping what already works well in each organization, while building new connections that strengthen how we serve together.

Who can I talk to if I have concerns or questions? How often will updates be shared?

You’ll have several ways to stay informed and connected throughout the transition. Leaders on your team will be your first point of contact for questions or concerns, and you’ll get regular updates to keep everyone aligned and supported. We’ll communicate openly and often — through frequent organization-wide messages, team meetings, small group meetings, and a central hub where you can find the latest information and submit questions. Our goal is to ensure every staff member feels heard, informed, and confident in the path forward as we move through this process together.

What happens to my email address, business cards, and the printed materials we use in our area?

Email addresses will change to reflect our new organization. You will continue to use your current email address and business cards for the time being. We will get new business cards to you as soon as possible after the merger goes into effect. Continue to use the printed materials in your departments, and we will let you know when it is time to discontinue using those materials. Materials reflecting our new organization’s name and brand will be developed beginning later this year.

Will office phone numbers or mailing addresses change?

The phone system may be different from the one you are currently used to, but your phone number should remain the same. Mailing addresses will remain the same—but will reflect the name of the new organization.

Will any locations be closed or staff required to relocate?

No locations will be closed, and staff are not required to relocate; any interest in changing locations can be indicated on the career interest form.

How many staff does ASN have? MIS?

The current staff sizes are about the same at ASN and MIS—with each having around 100 employees each. Our new organization will have approximately 200 employees, including full-time, part-time, and per diem staff members.

How will success in the first year following the merger be measured?

Success in the first year will be measured by the degree of integration of the two organizations, the unification of processes, and the ability to operate as a single organization, with a focus on quality in all areas, and readiness for innovation.

Will the merger impact the inspections scheduled for 2026? Will we be accredited for 3 years?

EBAA inspections will proceed as scheduled for the spring and fall of 2026, with the Birmingham, MidSouth, and North Carolina offices having inspections in the spring, and a fall inspection in Texas. We hope we will get the three-year accreditation.

Is it possible that research will be expanded to more locations, and will more staff have the opportunity to be involved in research?

There certainly may be expanded opportunities for staff involvement in research across multiple locations. We are expanding research to Southern Eye Bank right now in Metairie, Louisiana, and other locations may follow.

Will we have the opportunity to get to know our colleagues at other offices?

Yes, there will be opportunities to meet your coworkers in other offices. Efforts will be made to facilitate team integration through face-to-face meetings and collaborative activities. Teams will begin forming in December, and you will have opportunities to begin meeting through Teams at that time. We don’t have specific dates planned at this time for staff to travel to other locations to meet in person, but that is something we will begin planning towards.

What strengths and opportunities will come from the merger?

Current Strengths Include: ASN Strengths: ASN contributes expertise in cellular research, biobanking, partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, scientific grants, and advanced tissue processing technologies. MIS Strengths: MIS brings international connections, research triangle partnerships, investments in cellular therapies, and experience in surgeon and business development. Opportunities Include: Fund Development: As a merged organization, we will focus more on fund development, including grants, gifts, and foundation support, to finance innovation and community engagement. Expanded Ocular Focus: The merged entity will address a broader range of ocular diseases beyond corneal blindness, aiming to create the bandwidth for research and treatment of all causes of visual impairment.

How will the Donor Service Center Operate in the Merged Organization?

There will be a gradual integration process, new terminology, and the importance of maintaining our current quality of service during the transition. The donor service center, formerly known as the call center, will undergo a gradual integration, with no immediate changes to operations, ensuring continuity and minimizing disruption for staff and donor families. Staff are encouraged to review new job descriptions and terminology on the portal to understand the evolving roles and responsibilities within the donor service center.

How can staff contribute to the success of the merger?

Staff are encouraged to engage proactively with the merger process by staying informed, asking questions, and embodying the core values, emphasizing the importance of communication, adaptability, and process improvement. It will be beneficial for staff to stay informed through the merger portal and emails from Alan and Ingrid. Staff are encouraged to participate in the career interest process and contribute to organizational improvements by reporting workarounds and suggesting solutions.

Merger Portal

Together,we're greater

Important links

Staff Talking Points

Submit an anonymous question

Learn more about Advancing Sight Network

Learn more about Miracles in Sight

Job Descriptions

Key dates & milestones

All Staff Meeting Assets

Six Pillars

Core Values