UNMC faculty and staff are encouraged to stop by the Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute and check out the “The Gift of Sight,” a roughly 13’ x 21’ mural designed to recognize vision-saving efforts throughout the world.
The mural, which features images donated from award-winning photojournalists and other organizations, was made possible by the UNMC Prevention of Global Blindness Division. It was unveiled on Dec. 2 at the Truhlsen Eye Institute, 40th and Leavenworth streets, and will be on display at the Truhlsen for an indefinite period of time.
"The 'Gift of Sight' was developed to showcase the gratitude we and our partners receive for the work we do," said Jessica Feilmeier, development director for the institute. "Giving the gift of sight is humbling when the response is so overwhelming, and we merely tried to capture that in the images selected for this piece."
The mural also may provide a direct benefit for patients seeking the gift of sight, said Michael Feilmeier, M.D., international division medical director.
"We hope 'The Gift of Sight' shows the Nebraskan community the joy our work brings to those who receive it and perhaps inspires a few to consider giving the gift of sight this holiday season," he said.
A donation of $20 will cover the cost of one sight-restoring surgery in developing nations served by UNMC's Global Blindness Prevention Division. Donations can be made by going to this website.
"We are excited about the international development taking place at the Truhlsen Eye Institute and are honored to be a part of it," said Geoffrey Tabin, M.D., chairman of the Himalayan Cataract Project and international division director of the Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah and one of many international partners of the UNMC Prevention of Global Blindness Division.
The Prevention of Global Blindness Division seeks to be a leader among ophthalmic institutions working to eradicate preventable and curable blindness in the developing world, as well as serve as a catalyst for increased international exposure experiences for medical students, ophthalmology residents, fellows, graduate students, researchers and faculty.