Patient Focus: David
Published by on July 18, 2017
Kugler Vision in Omaha, Nebraska, provided LASIK vision correction to improve the quality of life for David, a local man affected by paralysis, through the national program Focus on Independence. LASIK offers David a more independent lifestyle.
An estimated one in 50 Americans lives with some form of paralysis. For those with physical limitations affecting the arms and hands, contact lenses and glasses add another level of frustrating complexity to the daily routine. There must always be a family member or caregiver nearby to help.
Meet David
David, a 30-year-old Nebraska man, was injured in a car accident 12 years ago. He is now pursuing his degree at the University of Nebraska Omaha in the clinical study of mental health and counseling. In his free time, he enjoys playing cards and watching sports.
David began wearing glasses in fourth grade, and then made the switch to contacts in high school. After the accident, David became affected by paralysis of all four limbs. David said glasses were impossible to keep clean because they were difficult to wash. He tried contacts, but often wore them too long because putting them in was a hassle. He always needed someone to help hold his eye open while he put the contact in.
David first heard about Kugler Vision from a broadcast story on KMTV about Joey Bierman’s LASIK journey at Kugler Vision through a program called “Focus on Independence.”
What Is Focus on Independence?
Focus on Independence is a nonprofit that seeks to improve the lives of people living with disability, who cannot use their arms or hands to handle glasses and contact lenses. The program was founded in 2003 and offers services nationwide. Participating surgeons provide surgical vision correction for these individuals, and with it, a new look at life.
David was pleasantly surprised to hear about Focus on Independence. “It totally makes sense,” he said. “I am so happy that ophthalmologists got together and volunteered their work. I am very appreciative.”
A New View
David was excited to find out that he was a good candidate for LASIK. On July 6, 2017, he received his free LASIK. Lance Kugler, MD, performed the procedure.
Laser vision correction is life-changing. Many people take for granted just being able to see first thing in the morning without glasses or contacts.
David says he is “taking advantage of something that will improve my overall quality of life. Vision correction is something that should seriously be considered if you are a candidate – anyone can have their life improved with LASIK.”
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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