ABOUT US
We Honour The Gift of Sight
The Cornea Foundation exists because we believe no one should lose their sight when the cure already exists.
Who We Are
Founded by three dedicated ophthalmologists who witnessed too many patients left in preventable darkness, we set out to rewrite their story. Every day, we see treatable conditions become permanent blindness, not from lack of medical expertise, but from lack of available donor tissue.
Recognising that tissue supply limitations were blinding countless South Africans, we took decisive action. In 2025, we established Gauteng’s first specialised corneal tissue bank in Johannesburg, creating a bridge between generous donors and patients awaiting their second chance at sight.
Today, we honour every corneal donation by ensuring it reaches all South Africans in both the public and private healthcare sectors. Our foundation transforms generosity into healing, connecting compassionate families to grateful recipients across the country. We don't just restore vision—we restore futures.
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To restore vision and transform lives by delivering cutting-edge corneal care to all South Africans
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Through our pioneering tissue bank, we provide surgeons nationwide with high-quality corneal tissue while advancing research, education, and early intervention programs.
“To the world you may be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.”
- Dr. Seuss
Our Impact
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Our Johannesburg tissue bank ensures every South African surgeon has reliable access to high-quality corneal tissue. We've eliminated geographical barriers and supply shortages that once left patients waiting in the dark. Today, whether you're in Cape Town or rural Limpopo, sight-saving surgery is available when needed most.
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We bridge the gap between compassionate donors and grateful recipients nationwide. Every donated cornea becomes a life-changing gift, transforming darkness into light for persons with corneal blindness. Our meticulous tissue processing and distribution network ensures that generosity becomes sight and renewed hope to all.
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Through cutting-edge research, comprehensive education programs, and early intervention initiatives, we're working to eliminate corneal disease. We support breakthrough treatments, train healthcare professionals, and raise awareness about the importance of prevention. Our goal is to treat blindness and to ensure future generations never experience preventable vision loss.
Meet Our Team
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Dr Roland Höllhumer
Chairperson
Dr Höllhumer leads The Cornea Foundation as Chairperson and Head of the Corneal Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. He holds qualifications from the University of the Witwatersrand, including a Bachelor of Medicine, Master of Medicine, and MBA, plus Fellowship training at Sydney Eye Hospital, Australia. Having completed his PhD, Dr Höllhumer specialises in complex corneal transplantation, anterior segment reconstruction, and stem cell transplants. His clinical expertise spans multiple Johannesburg hospitals, advancing both patient care and medical innovation in corneal disease treatment. -
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Dr Akiel Asvat
SECRETARY
Dr Asvat serves as Secretary of The Cornea Foundation. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. With specialist training through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa, Dr Asvat specialises in corneal surgery, cataract procedures, glaucoma treatment, and oculoplastic surgery. His clinical expertise and patient-centred approach make him instrumental in expanding access to sight-saving treatments across South Africa. -
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Dr Shelley Biddulph
TREASURER
Dr Biddulph serves as Treasurer of The Cornea Foundation, bringing extensive experience in corneal and paediatric ophthalmology. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and completed specialist ophthalmology training through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. Serving as Head of Ophthalmology at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Nelspruit, Dr Biddulph has demonstrated leadership in public healthcare delivery. Her clinical expertise in corneal disease management and commitment to eliminating preventable blindness strengthen the Foundation's mission nationwide. -
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Marlize de Jager
MANAGER
Marlize de Jager manages The Cornea Foundation. With over twenty years in organ donation and transplantation, this specialised critical care nurse (Cum Laude) has developed innovative referral initiatives and family communication protocols. Her expertise includes academic publications and conference presentations advancing transplant practice. As a key member of multidisciplinary teams, Marlize bridges donor families and recipients, transforming generosity into healing while educating healthcare colleagues on donation processes and compassionate care delivery.
Our Partners in Transforming Lives
Join Our Mission
Your generosity, whether through donation, funding, or volunteering, brings light to those waiting in darkness.