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The Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute will sit at 40th and Leavenworth streets and bring cutting-edge ophthalmology treatment to the UNMC campus. The institute is funded by a gift from legendary UNMC ophthalmologist, Stanley Truhlsen, M.D. |
The gift by Stanley Truhlsen, M.D., to the University of Nebraska Foundation will create the Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
The state-of-the-art institute will feature specialized care, the latest in diagnostic medicine and offer hope to those with retinal diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.
“The eye institute will position UNMC to become a world leader in clinical care, research and education,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “The institute would not be possible without the generosity of Stan Truhlsen, a true leader in the community and widely recognized nationally in ophthalmology. His gift will transform ophthalmology in Nebraska for generations to come.”
The institute will house:
- Outpatient eye exam facilities for all ophthalmic subspecialties;
- A children’s eye care center;
- Clinical research; and
- A regional diagnostic center.
The diagnostic center will offer services such as high resolution laser and ultrasound imaging that are not currently available in the region.
The project goes before the regents Friday. If approved, construction would start in 2011 with completion tentatively set for 2012.
The projects costs $30 million and will be completed in two phases. A 47,000-square-foot-building for clinical services, research, diagnostic and educational facilities would be built first with a surgical wing added later.
The building will sit at 40th and Leavenworth streets.
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Clinical studies at the new eye institute will most likely concentrate initially on glaucoma, cataracts and retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, he said.
“Advanced diagnostic and clinical research facilities in the eye institute will allow us to build on the world-class research currently being conducted in the Truhlsen Eye Research Laboratories at UNMC,” Dr. Hejkal said. “It also will enable us to educate the next generation of eye specialists and provide the means to keep private ophthalmologists .up-to-date on state-of-the-art surgical techniques.”
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This map of the campus shows where the new UNMC eye institute will sit. |
In the past few years, we have developed a very strong eye research program at UNMC. This exciting expansion of eye care and clinical research facilities is critical for translating our research findings on eye disease into successful new treatments for patients in Nebraska and elsewhere.
Carl Camras devoted his life to curing glaucoma, research, teaching and developing the most effective form of treatment for all eye diseases. Omaha has the enviable opportunity to build a state-of-the-art Eye Institute which will attract the best and brightest minds in the country to do the most innovative, effective patient care.
UNMC has really got things rolling. It is a true jewel for our community. This gift will not only improve the lives of those suffering from eye disease but also attract top talent to Omaha. It will be a great addition to Midtown. I salute Dr. Truhlsen for making this wonderful investment in the medical center.
JEI Structural Engineering did the glazing engineering work on this project. We put Ryan Kubr, E.I.T. of University of NE on our project team. He's an excellent engineering graduate.