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  • Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye

    Introducing theWorld to the Science of Sight 

    We’re on the home stretch of our $12 million fundraising goal to build a free, public museum and education center at Academy headquarters in San Francisco. The Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye will be a vibrant, state-of-the-art experience for everyone who has ever wondered about the fascinating mechanics of how their eyes actually work. It will also stand as a permanent tribute to the field of ophthalmology. We’re about to introduce the world to the science of sight — and to the people dedicated to protecting it.

    From virtual reality headsets to interactive screens, the museum is creating an experience that compels and connects visitors to the science of sight.

    Building a Legacy

    Stanley M. Truhlsen, MD

    A $4 million donation by Stanley M. Truhlsen, MD, paved the way for the Museum of the Eye.

    Dr. Truhlsen is legendary in his hometown of Omaha and a luminary in the world of ophthalmology, with a career spanning more than 40 years as a private practitioner and as a professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He served as Academy president in 1983 — during his tenure, he helped launch the EyeCare America public service program — and has led many other professional and civic organizations, from the American College of Surgeons to the National Society to Prevent Blindness. He’s the recipient of a long list of awards in medicine, among them the prestigious Lucien Howe Medal for ophthalmic service.

    Over the years, Dr. Truhlsen’s charitable support has consistently elevated and enhanced Academy programs, helping to bring the best of ophthalmology to the world. Through the Museum of the Eye, his generosity will now bring the world to ophthalmology.

    “The museum is the vehicle by which our heritage remains both relevant and inspiring, promoting continued discovery and advancement,” said Dr. Truhlsen.

    Michael F. Marmor, MD

    A $2.5 million donation by Michael F. Marmor, MD, made the vision for the Museum of the Eye a reality.

    Dr. Marmor is a standard-bearer for education in ophthalmology. In his teaching, research and writing — including several books about the role of eye disease in the work of famous artists — he has been passionate about finding fresh, compelling insights to bring ophthalmology’s history and impact to life.

    Dr. Marmor is a professor and former chair of ophthalmology at Stanford University, a favorite lecturer at the Academy’s annual meeting, and the namesake of the Michael F. Marmor Lecture in Ophthalmology and the Arts. His long record of charitable support to the Academy has enriched education and sparked inspiration for its members. His lead donation
    to the Museum of the Eye extends this legacy to the public.

    “The Museum of the Eye provides a unique opportunity to show people that science is fun, and that there is an historical basis for the fascinating field of ophthalmology,” said Dr. Marmor. “I am honored to be a champion of this exciting endeavor.”

    Opening 2020

    The Museum of the Eye will celebrate its grand opening in 2020 — a crowning event for the Academy’s 2020: Year of the Eye campaign, and a new must-see for the millions of tourists who travel to San Francisco each year. It will be the city’s only museum dedicated to medicine, and the most comprehensive, public collection of ophthalmic artifacts in the world. For generations to come, the museum will:

    • Explore the fascinating science of sight with immersive, cutting-edge technology
    • Honor ophthalmology’s history and achievements through 38,000 artifacts and rotating exhibits
    • Inspire future ophthalmologists with talks and lecture series
    • Anchor us in the community with outside events and volunteer docent opportunities

    Your Museum, Your Passion

    What first drew you to ophthalmology: Was it the intricate science? The reputation of the field? The impact that saving someone’s vision can have on their life?

    By helping to build the Museum of the Eye, you’ll give your passion for ophthalmology a physical home. You’ll give the ideas and stories that first inspired you the chance to inspire countless others.

    In 2020, we will welcome the world to this stunning scientific and cultural center, dedicated to our life’s work as ophthalmologists. Be part of this landmark achievement. Join us in building the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye.

     

     

    Doctors Truhlsen and Marmor were honored for their generosity at the 2018 Orbital Gala in Chicago, along with other museum champions.

    Make a donation today at aao.org/museumcampaign.

    Learn more about the Museum of the Eye at aao.org/museum.