Dr. Weigel: New low vision center to improve lives

A center of hope Chuck Hassebrook, chairman of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, applauds UNMC for meeting the needs of Nebraskans through innovative programs and facilities such as the Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation. (0:52) UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. is joined by UNMC faculty, university leaders, donors and patients to cut the ribbon for the new Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation. (0:18) Dr. John Shepherd, who heads the new low vision center, says thanks to donors, the center has new equipment that can help patients with macular degeneration better use the vision they have. (3:00) Ophthalmologist Dr. Gerald Christensen says Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation can help patients struggling with vision problems. (2:51) Low vision patient Frank Velinksy discusses living in a 20/20 world and how UNMC’s new Center for Visual Rehabilitation will provide critical help for patients suffering from vision disorders. (2:31)

Harry Weigel, M.D., knows all too well the problems low vision can cause.

In comments the 1958 College of Medicine graduate made Tuesday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for UNMC’s new Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation, Dr. Weigel mentioned a long list of family members who had suffered from vision problems.

The list included his wife, daughter and Dr. Weigel himself, who has glaucoma.

The new center, which bears his name, brings hope to those who struggle with low vision, Dr. Weigel said.

“This facility will help many people lead happier more content lives,” Dr. Weigel said moments before he helped cut ribbons on the only comprehensive low vision center in the region.

The $1.2 million center at 38th Avenue and Jones Street will provide comprehensive visual rehabilitation for adults and children with low vision.

Optometrists, ophthalmologists, occupational therapists and nurses are members of the team of providers of low vision services at the facility.

Aside from being the only such center in the region, the Weigel Williamson Center also is the nation’s only low vision center situated on a university campus and this makes it a true boon for UNMC, said Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D.

“This center is truly a wonderful resource to have on the UNMC campus,” Dr. Maurer said.

The new center will help those with impaired vision better navigate through daily life, said Frank Velinsky, a UNMC Low Vision Services patient and CEO of Caretech, Inc.

“This center will help those of us with low vision adjust to living in a 20/20 world,” Velinsky said.

As an ophthalmologist, Gerald Christiansen, M.D., said he has seen low vision patients learn skills and techniques in clinics that they don’t use once they go home.

UNMC’s new center gives patients with low vision a safe place to practice and hone such skills, said Dr. Christiansen, an adjunct professor in the UNMC Department of Ophthalmology.

“Learning to live with low vision is a training process and this center will accommodate such training,” he said.

Click here to watch the Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation
Dedication Ceremony.

For more information on the Low Vision House go to www.unmc.edu/lowvision.