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Purpose This study introduces the Eye Bank Efficiency Index (EBEI), a novel metric designed to assess the operational performance of Eye Banks (EBs). The EBEI is defined as the ratio between the number of corneal tissues distributed over a given timeframe and the net number of usable tissues, calculated by subtracting discarded tissues from those procured.Methods To evaluate the usefulness of the EBEI compared to conventional indicators, data from the Veneto Eye Bank Foundation (Venice, Italy)—the country’s largest EB—were analyzed. Key data points included the total number of corneas retrieved, grafts discarded, and tissues distributed. The analysis was conducted across three distinct time intervals: the full calendar year (January–December), the national lockdown period (March–May), and the post-lockdown period (June–December).Results The EBEI showed a notable annual increase of 3.4% in 2020 compared to 2019 (rising from 0.986 to 1.020), before declining to 0.993 by 2022. During the 2020 lockdown months, the index dropped sharply by 13.8% relative to the same period in the previous year. In contrast, EBEI fluctuations during the post-lockdown months were relatively modest in 2020 and 2021, though the index hit a low of 0.976 in 2022, representing a 7.8% decrease from 2019.Conclusion The Eye Bank Efficiency Index offers a straightforward and robust tool for quantifying Eye Bank performance. Its broader implementation may lead to more precise evaluations of EB operations, supporting decisions in academic research, policy-making, and resource management.