Omaha Woman to Receive Free Lens Exchange Vision Procedure Through National Program for Those Affected by Paralysis
Published by on January 24, 2018
Kugler Vision heads multi-organizational team to provide Refractive Lens Exchange
to improve patient’s quality of life.
OMAHA – When physical limitations affecting the arms and hands are a fact of life, the daily on and off routine of glasses and readers can be challenging– and putting in and taking out contacts can be nearly impossible.
“I wear contacts. It’s easier for me to maneuver my wheelchair because I operate it with my head,” says Amy Koch of Omaha, “The glasses just kind of click and clack and get in the way.” The archaeologist and mother of two is one of the nearly 6 million Americans who live with some form of paralysis.
Contacts aren’t ideal for her, either. She has to rely on others to put them in and take them out every day. “It’s very nerve-wracking for them initially. And for me, too,” she says. “It would be so great to not have to depend on everyone to do that.” Soon, she won’t have to.
On Wednesday February 7th, 2018, Amy will receive Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery at no charge through the Focus on Independence program. She can look forward to a simpler, more independent lifestyle– now, and for the rest of her life.
Everyone experiences near vision changes, usually in their 40s. They are the first symptom of a degenerative vision condition called dysfunctional lens syndrome (DLS). Left untreated, DLS inevitably develops into sight-diminishing cataracts. RLE is a procedure that replaces the dysfunctional lens with a technologically advanced lens. With one transformational procedure, vision is corrected, and cataract development is stopped in its tracks for a lifetime.
Focus on Independence is a nonprofit that seeks to improve the lives of Americans who cannot use their arms or hands to handle glasses and contacts. Participating surgeons have been gifting refractive vision correction to qualified beneficiaries through the program since its inception in 2003. Amy’s upcoming procedure will be a unique milestone for Kugler Vision’s participation in the program – it is the first time the practice has been able to provide RLE.
Amy’s surgery is the result of a cooperative effort by three organizations who share the same vision. Lance Kugler, MD, of Kugler Vision will perform the procedure at the Miracle Hills Surgery Center. Precision Len has donated the lenses at no cost. “My son and daughter are really excited for me, along with my caregivers,” says Amy. “They think it’s really cool this program even exists.”
“This surgery will make Amy’s life easier by simplifying her daily routine,” says Lance Kugler, MD. “She’s such a positive person, and an inspiration to all of us. People like her are the reason we are passionate about this program, which allows us to make a real difference.”
Amy wants others like her to know that there are services out there to help them with their vision. All it takes is a little research. “I would say, ‘Don’t be afraid to investigate it and find out if it’s for you,’” she says. “I really commend Dr. Kugler and the people who work with him. It’s a generous thing to do, to use skill to bring back peoples’ independence.”
As a longtime archaeologist for the state of Nebraska, Amy has seen her fair share of amazing things. She’s looking forward to digging into her work without the hassle of vision prosthetics between her and her subject of study. “I’ve had to deal with that my whole career – to have contacts or glasses to look at artifacts,” she says. Like the artifacts she analyzes, her contacts will soon be just a remnant of the past. “Reading, writing, working with artifacts. Just a lot of aspects of my life will be a lot better. And then plus, not having people poke their fingers in my eyes every morning!”
Dr. Kugler is available to the media to speak further on the benefits of the Focus on Independence program and how laser vision correction can be used to improve the wellbeing of people with paralysis.
More About Kugler Vision
Kugler Vision is a world-class refractive surgery center located in the middle of the country, making Omaha a destination for exceptional vision correction outcomes. As a patient-centric practice, Kugler Vision specializes in procedures to reduce or eliminate reliance on glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Kugler serves as the Director of Refractive Surgery for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, is a founder and first President of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, and participates in numerous FDA clinical trials.
January 24, 2018
Contact: Stephanie Bradley
402-690-3715
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.
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