Transforming eye care
Never has the need for vision care been so great.
In the next decade, age-related eye diseases are expected to increase by 30 percent as baby boomers age.
Now, thanks to a major gift from a legendary Omaha ophthalmologist, UNMC is excited to move its ophthalmology program to a world-class level.
The eye institute is expected to be completed by 2012, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, and will transform eye care in the region.
“We are excited about this unique opportunity,” said Thomas Hejkal, M.D., Ph.D., professor and interim chairman of UNMC’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. “It will be impressive, one of the best in the country.”
Dr. Hejkal knows. In planning for the eye institute, he toured four of the top eye programs in the country.
The group asked questions on what worked and what didn’t. Then, they assimilated the information and incorporated the best elements into UNMC’s planned eye institute.
The new institute will offer diagnostic services previously not available in the state such as high-resolution laser and ultrasound imaging. It also will include an eye care center for children as well as a clinical research center to allow patients to participate in the latest clinical trials.
With the new facility, UNMC will be able to nearly double the size of its academic clinical faculty. Several new slots for resident physicians and fellows will be created, which should allow UNMC to train more ophthalmologists for the entire state.
“This gift will truly make a difference,” Dr. Hejkal said. “It will allow UNMC to bring research innovations to our patients and give Nebraskans access to the best eye care in the world.”
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