Dr. Truhlsen … in his own words









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Stanley Truhlsen, M.D., recently made a gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation that will allow UNMC to construct a state-of-the-art eye institute on campus.
Stanley Truhlsen, M.D., emeritus professor and former chairman of UNMC’s department of ophthalmology, made a gift through the University of Nebraska Foundation that allows UNMC to build a state-of-the-art eye institute.

Dr. Truhlsen — a 1944 College of Medicine graduate — is a nationally recognized leader in the field of ophthalmology who has served on the UNMC faculty since 1951.

In 2003, he received UNMC’s Distinguished Service to Medicine Award and in 2001 he received the Lucien Howe Medal from the American Ophthalmology Society, one of the most prestigious awards in ophthalmology.












Philanthropic record



Dr. Truhlsen’s gift for the eye institute continues his long support of UNMC. Previously he has:

  • Been a principal benefactor in the establishment of the Durham Research Center, which houses the Truhlsen Eye Research Laboratories; and
  • Donated funds to the construction of the Sorrell Center. His support established the Dr. Stanley M. and Dorothy Truhlsen Campus Events Center.

He also has made major contributions to the Omaha community; including funds for:

  • The Durham Museum lecture hall;
  • Countryside Community Church;
  • The Holland Performing Arts Center; and
  • The Joslyn Art Museum sculpture garden.




Below Dr. Truhlsen reflects on ophthalmology advances, the need for such an eye institute at UNMC and the importance of giving back.

On the advances in ophthalmology at UNMC

“We have taken steps to bring it in line with the growth of the medical center to achieve an institute that will become important for teaching, for clinical research and for all the things that we strive for in the advancement of ophthalmology.”

On the new eye institute

“The eye institute is going to be built based on trips to first-class eye institutes around the country. It will incorporate these center’s better points and also find out what they would choose to do differently.”

On giving back to the university

“I grew up in a small town, Herman, Neb., where my father had a business. He taught me that you should repay your town if you can for what it’s done for you. In that spirit, I’ve attempted to repay the state of Nebraska for what it’s done for me.”

3 comments

  1. John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., dean, UNMC College of Medicine says:

    Thanks to Dr. Truhlsen’s gift UNMC will be able to nearly double the number of ophthalmology faculty, increase our residency and fellow slots and add another full-time researcher, ultimately increasing the number of eye care providers in Nebraska.

  2. Dan B. Jones, M.D., Sid W. Richardson Professor and Margarett Root Brown Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine says:

    Dr. Stanley Truhlsen’s philanthropy is a crucial part of creating, maintaining and advancing any department in a medical school. His vision and generosity creates a legacy that many people will benefit from for years to come.

  3. Paul R. Lichter, M.D., F. Bruce Fralick Professor and Chair Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Director, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan says:

    Stan Truhlsen continues to make his mark on American ophthalmology through this wonderful gift to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Truhlsen has spent his professional life in devotion to helping patients preserve their sight – in his own medical practice, in teaching medical students, ophthalmology trainees and his colleagues, and in significant national responsibilities. Dr. Truhlsen has been recognized by his colleagues as a leader in American ophthalmology. He is generous to a fault and I'm proud to be among his many personal and professional friends.

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