Retina and uveitis specialists Quan Dong Nguyen, M.D., and his wife, Diana Do, M.D., are poised to build translational research and clinical trials as the Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute holds its grand opening this week.
“We want patients from all over the world to know about the institute and to be referred here for their eye care,” Dr. Nguyen said. “Our goal is to provide new and innovative treatments for eye diseases and bring hope to patients through this institute.”
Together, they fill the shoes of the late Carl Camras, M.D., former chairman of ophthalmology and visual sciences. Dr. Camras elevated UNMC’s ophthalmology department to national prominence through research and clinical care with his discovery of the most effective drug for treating glaucoma.
The Carl Camras Center for Innovative Clinical Trials in Ophthalmology at the Truhlsen Institute was named in his honor.
“We knew of Dr. Camras’ great research and contributions to medicine,” Dr. Nguyen said. “He had such a big influence at UNMC and around the world; we want to continue that tradition.”
Dr. Nguyen is chairman of the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences, director of the Truhlsen Eye Institute and the McGaw Memorial Endowed Chair.
Dr. Do is associate professor of ophthalmology, vice chairwoman for education, director of the residency-training program and director of the Carl Camras Center. They come to Omaha by way of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Together, they will import a team of eight international clinician-scientists in June to jump-start the clinical trials center. The team consists of researchers and physicians from Pakistan, Spain, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Korea and the U.S., who sought Drs. Nguyen and Do as mentors.
Drs. Nguyen and Do are:
- Known for their innovative evaluation of novel therapeutic agents;
- Principal investigators on clinical trials sponsored by $8 million in grants from the National Eye Institute, non-profit organizations and industry for diabetic macular edema, age-related macular degeneration, and ocular inflammatory and uveitic diseases; and
- Innovators in the field of ocular imaging, which helps diagnose and manage a variety of retinal diseases.
“The Truhlsen Eye Institute will offer the latest technology in imaging to diagnose and treat eye diseases,” Dr. Do said. “In addition, we have the Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center that also will enable us to be at the forefront of clinical research, serving as the coordinating and reading centers for national and international clinical trials.”