John A. Moran remembered for passion for eye care

SALT LAKE CITY — The Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah announced Thursday that John A. Moran died last Saturday at the age of 91.

A statement sent to KSL said that Moran, a University of Utah graduate, had a passion for ensuring all people had good vision. He donated much of his success from a finance career to nonprofit organizations.

At the University of Utah, that included the creation of the John A. Moran Eye Center.

He wanted the Center to make breakthroughs in research that would improve the treatment of blinding eye diseases, according to the statement. At the same time, Moran wanted the Center to provide compassionate care for patients.

“It is my hope that the research and the work that’s being done here will prevent diseases of the eye that cause blindness,” Moran said in a press conference when the eye center opened. “And God willing, restore sight to people who have lost their vision.”

The University of Utah reports that the John A. Moran Eye Center is currently ranked among the top 10 in the nation for its eye care and research.

“John’s death leaves a huge hole in our hearts,” said Moran Eye Center CEO Randall J. Olson, MD in a news release. “He was a true friend with a desire to help others. And his dedication to our vision to provide hope, understanding, and treatment deeply motivated me and everyone at Moran to strive for excellence.”

Moran was born on March 22, 1932, in Los Angeles. His family moved to Salt Lake City in 1941. 

Read more:

• Jon Huntsman Sr., philanthropist and world businessman, dies at 80
• Donation leads to name change for University of Utah medical school

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