A replica eye with programmable iris illumination and a method of making the same is provided. The replica eye includes a programmable lighting element having a planar base with electrical pins outward of a centrally disposed light source is electrically coupled via the pins to one or more electrical connections. One end of a transparent cylinder approximately coextensively abuts the light source. The outer portions of the planar base and its electrical connections are folded into a folded assembly that is received into and adhered along an inner circumferential wall of a ring. The electrical connections are further adhered along a rear portion of the ring and planar base. A semi-spherical dome sandwiches an opaque body to an opposing end of the transparent cylinder, thereby defining an illuminable iris and pupil, respectively.