Doris Stein's purposeful, yet richly varied life earned the respect and affection of the many people who benefited from her humanitarianism. Inspiring partner of her husband for more than half a century, Doris Stein shared with him the accomplishments of his philanthropic endeavors and guided his interests in ophthalmology, beginning with a visit to the New York Lighthouse for the Blind in the late 1950s. Deeply moved, Doris Stein urged her husband to "do something!" From that passionate beginning came a broad base of programs that catalyzed eye research.

Doris Stein was a major force in this vision renaissance. She served as an officer and director of Research to Prevent Blindness, personally leading the appeal to establish more resources for investigations into eye diseases. She suggested that Jules Stein assume the principal role in the creation of an eye institute at UCLA and her unflagging enthusiasm nurtured the Institute's development as a unique provider of every facet of vision research and patient care. Serving as Trustee, she focused special attention on Institute initiatives to combat blindness throughout the world. She devoted her last days, until her death in 1984, to the development of an expansion and companion building for eye research. In 1989, dedication ceremonies were held for the Doris Stein Eye Research Center.

With grace, vision and meaningful action, Doris Stein enhanced the lives of all privileged to know her, stimulated a cascade of progress in eye research, co-founded the Institute with its boundless scientific potential, and extended the miracle of sight to untold numbers of people.