50 Years Ago
July 20, 1969: It was a day of achievement and proving that the sky is the limit. The Apollo 11 made a crewed mission to the moon, for the very first time in history. As the world below watched in amazement, three astronauts took the first steps of mankind on this unexplored corner of the galaxy. The lunar landing is a monumental day in history that has been carried in the minds and hearts of mankind for generations and will continue to be celebrated for many more to come. Although we handle all things laser vision correction at Kugler Vision, there is a tie between this spectacular mission to the moon and the LASIK technology that we offer.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Photography has played a lead role in each landing on the moon. More than 100,000 photos were captured during the moon landings preparing for the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969. Between 1969 and 1972, six trips to the moon were successfully completed, with 33,000 images captured that are still resonating today, all thanks to the technology of ZEISS.
The importance of having a camera specific to space was realized after an astronaut brought along a store-bought camera. This prompted a collaboration between NASA and ZEISS to develop a photography system that could withstand the extreme conditions of outer space, one that could operate despite intense climate fluctuations and, most importantly, handle zero gravity.
After trial and error with different cameras, the images coming back from space were spectacular and helpful to the NASA team. The photographs were crisp and clear, unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. It was groundbreaking for history, as we could finally see the world and space from a different perspective and clarity.
What Do the First Lunar Landings and Today’s Modern LASIK Have in Common?
ZEISS! The same maker of that revolutionary camera is responsible for one of today’s most spectacular modern laser systems: the ZEISS VisuMax laser used for our SMILE procedures. We could not be more proud to use this amazing Zeiss technology to help our patients achieve crisp, clear vision.
ZEISS and Kugler Vision
From the moon to Kugler Vision in Omaha, Nebraska, ZEISS is a leader in technology and we are lucky to partner with a company that has such an impactful and historical background.
Thinking about SMILE or any of our other laser vision correction procedures? We are here to answer any questions. Call us at 402-558-2211 or reserve your consultation online.
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.
