Elizabeth Hope Armstrong Johnson’s generous donations transform lives through the gift of sight.
Elizabeth Hope Armstrong Johnson was a visionary in every sense of the word. She believed in a better world and made significant contributions to the John A. Moran Eye Center's Global Outreach Division to bring hope and sight to thousands.
Captivated by photos she saw of doctors curing needlessly blind cataract patients in Nepal, Johnson made her first gift to establish the David Kelby Johnson Hope Fund in 2013. The fund honored her beloved grandson, David, who tragically lost his life at age 8 after being struck by a drunk driver in downtown Salt Lake City. Through her grief, Johnson found purpose—advocating against drunk driving and providing unwavering support for Moran’s outreach work.
The fund provides free eye exams, eyeglasses, and sight-restoring surgeries to underserved communities along the Wasatch Front, on the Navajo Nation, and worldwide.
“I’ve always stood up for what I believe in,” Johnson often said. “And I really believe in Moran.”
Her belief translated into action—and impact, including the eventual formation of the David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation.
Today, the foundation’s board continues Johnson’s legacy by making annual grants that focus on local outreach efforts on the Navajo Nation and in the Salt Lake Valley.
Upon her death in 2014, Johnson’s trust laid the groundwork for the establishment of the David Kelby Johnson Memorial Endowment, which ensures ongoing support for Moran’s Global Outreach Division. The gift is an enduring testament to her values and vision.
“Elizabeth’s incredibly generous gifts were transformative,” said Lynn Ward, executive director of Moran’s External Relations. “They enabled us to expand and grow sustainable eye care solutions around the globe. Today, income from her endowment continues to help us work toward the goal of eye care for all.”
Johnson’s personal gifts, along with those from the foundation and endowment, ensure that David’s memory lives on through restored sight and renewed hope. Thanks to her generosity, the Moran Eye Center continues to reach those in greatest need, offering not just medical care, but dignity, opportunity, and light.
"Elizabeth’s incredibly generous gifts were transformative. They enabled us to expand and grow sustainable eye care solutions around the globe. Today, income from her endowment continues to help us work toward the goal of eye care for all."
