Public Relations

Eye Institute - Stanley M. Truhlsen Bio

Stanley M. Truhlsen Stanley M. Truhlsen, M.D., emeritus professor and former chairman of UNMC’s department of ophthalmology, is nationally recognized in the field of ophthalmology. A native of Herman, Neb., Dr. Truhlsen graduated from UNMC in 1944 and received UNMC’s Distinguished Service to Medicine Award in 2003. He completed residencies at Albany Hospital in New York and Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

A private practice physician, he joined UNMC's ophthalmology department in 1951. He served on the UNMC faculty until 1990 and was interim chairman of the department of ophthalmology in 1989-90. Since 1993, he has held the position of emeritus clinical professor of ophthalmology.

Dr. Truhlsen is a past president of the College of Medicine's Alumni Association and served as president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1983 and the American Ophthalmological Society (AOS) in 1996.

In 2001, he received the Lucien Howe Medal from the AOS, the oldest ophthalmic organization in the United States. The Howe Medal is considered one of the most prestigious awards in ophthalmology and is the only award given by the AOS. It is awarded in recognition of "conspicuous services as a researcher or a teacher during long years of devotion" and for contributions to ophthalmology.

Founded in 1864, AOS has approximately 225 members. To become a member, an ophthalmologist must be nominated and seconded by society members and then have a thesis accepted.

This is not the first gift Dr. Truhlsen has made to UNMC. He was among the principal benefactors to the Durham Research Center in 2003, which established the Truhlsen Eye Research Laboratories. Dr. Truhlsen’s gift to the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education in 2008 established the Dr. Stanley M. and Dorothy Truhlsen Campus Events Center.

Dr. Truhlsen has made other major contributions to the Omaha community including:

  • Funding for the Durham Western Heritage Museum lecture hall.
  • Funding for renovations to the church sanctuary at Countryside Community Church and a gymnasium addition.
  • Contribution toward construction of the Holland Performing Arts Center.
  • Donation for the Joslyn Art Museum sculpture garden.