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Alice Williamson |
Williamson, along with her husband, Robert Williamson, and Dr. Harry and Beth Weigel, provided the lead gift to build the Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation on the UNMC campus.
First-hand perspective
Williamson — who died Tuesday at 83 — was passionate about quality treatment for those with low vision as she herself underwent multiple surgeries for corrective vision. She credited the care she received at UNMC from physicians such as Thomas Hejkal, M.D., for helping maintain her vision.
“I know the frustration one feels when faced with low vision,” she said regarding the 2008 opening of the Weigel Williamson Center. “You don’t truly understand until you experience it. It’s wonderful how much this facility will help people.”
Integral support
The Weigel Williamson Center, which helps more than 400 people each year in Omaha, simply would not exist were it not for Williamson, said the center’s director, John Shepherd, M.D.
Earlier this year, the program was expanded to serve patients in greater Nebraska with the opening of a weekly low vision clinic in Hastings.
“Those with low vision couldn’t have asked for a better advocate than Alice Williamson,” Dr. Shepherd said. “She was incredibly passionate about their care and treatment. Alice was an amazing person and will be missed greatly.”
The family suggests memorials be made to the University of Nebraska Foundation.
Ophthalmology is truly grateful to Alice and Bob for all they have done for our Department. Alice was willing to stand up for what she felt was the right thing to do. She had a wonderful sense of humor and I loved to hear her lifes stories.