In 1985 a dedicated group of friends and associates formed the Jules and Doris Stein UCLA Support Group as an independent organization charged with managing volunteer activities for the Institute. Endowed by monies from the Steins' estate, all endeavors and assets of the Support Group are directed exclusively to the advancement of the Institute's vision care and research activities. As its inaugural project, the Support Group entered into an agreement with the Regents of the University of California for construction of the Doris Stein Eye Research Center, making a pledge sufficient to cover all construction costs and assuming responsibility for the project.

To facilitate the implementation of the Institute's many interests, the Support Group created the Development Committee in 1987 and the JSEI Affiliates in 1990 as separate entities under its established by-laws. The Development Committee was organized to raise funds and manage major projects. In addition to its first charge, providing the Doris Stein Eye Research Center with needed medical equipment and clinical furnishings, the Development Committee has led several remodeling projects involving public and patient care areas within the Institute.

Recent work of the Development Committee includes the refurbishment of the Glaucoma suite, the construction of the Clinical Research Center, and remodeling of the Westwood Plaza lobby in the Jules Stein Eye Institute building. The Development Committee also managed the multi-million dollar campaign to create the Bradley R. Straatsma, M.D., Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology.