Matthew Kapeles, MD, is a refractive surgeon working in collaboration with Lance Kugler, MD, specializing in vision correction procedures for all stages of life.
The United States is currently facing a large-scale shortage of refractive surgeons. This surgeon shortage is made more pronounced by the fact that demand is on the upswing and only a few new refractive surgeons are trained in the U.S. each year. “Exciting technological advancements in recent years have made vision correction an option for more people than ever before,” says Dr. Lance Kugler. “That’s great news because more people can experience the visual freedom of refractive surgery, but it’s imperative that we address the shortage of surgeons equipped to handle this demand. That’s why I’m excited to be able to offer this fellowship program here in the Heartland.”
The popularity of refractive vision correction like LASIK has surged, especially recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People everywhere are facing new daily difficulties with their current, impermanent vision correction methods. Masks make glasses foggy, and contact lenses are not currently recommended by the American Academy for Ophthalmology for use during the pandemic.
Matthew Kapeles, MD is the second fellow to enter the intensive refractive surgery specialization program at Kugler Vision. Previously, , successfully completed the one-year fellowship program in June 2020. “Dr. Kapeles represents the future of vision correction. He’s smart, talented, and motivated, and we are proud to have him as a valued member of the Kugler Vision family,” says Dr. Kugler.
Dr. Kapeles attended Arizona State University for his undergraduate studies. He graduated from ASU summa cum laude with a degree in biomedical engineering and received the Moeur Award, given to those graduates with the highest academic standing. Following his time in Arizona, he pursued his medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. It was there that Dr. Kapeles first became interested in ophthalmology, drawn to the unique combination of clinical patient care and microsurgery that the specialty offers. “I became interested in refractive surgery during my ophthalmology residency. I enjoy the ability to use advanced technology to surgically correct a patient’s vision and improve their quality of life. Seeing how happy each patient is when they can see clearly without visual aids is incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Kapeles.
Kugler Vision is an ophthalmology practice that is highly specialized in refractive surgery. The practice has a reputation for dedication to bringing today’s most advanced technology to the region. This technology,, combined with world-class care, has made Omaha a destination for those seeking their most crisp, clear vision. Kugler Vision holds a position as a center for excellence in continued education and fellowship training. “Through this program, we are doing our part to expand access to refractive surgery,” says Dr. Kugler. “One of the core values we hold most dear at Kugler Vision is the free flow of knowledge and ideas. We have the expertise, technology, and team best suited to train the nation’s next refractive surgeons.”
Dr. Kugler is available to the media to speak further on the growing demand for refractive surgeons and the importance of the fellowship training program.
More About Kugler Vision
Patients have visited Kugler Vision from 48 states and numerous countries. As a patient-centric practice, Kugler Vision specializes in procedures to reduce or eliminate reliance on glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Kugler served as the Director of Refractive Surgery for the University of Nebraska Medical Center from 2010-2019, is a founder and the first President of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, is a TEDx speaker on vision correction and the myopia epidemic, and participates in numerous FDA clinical trials. As a leader in the refractive surgery market, Dr. Kugler has used his knowledge and expertise to educate others and expand this industry. Kugler Vision strives to provide outstanding results and an unmatched patient experience and to help others do the same.
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
