Elizabeth Olmsted Ross: inspired vision

Elizabeth Olmsted Ross, a noted ophthalmologist and 1939 alumna of the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, dreamed of a unique center that would combine research and eye care. UB’s new Ira G. Ross Eye Institute – named in honor of Dr. Ross’s late husband – is slated to open in spring 2007.

Dr. Ross, who died September 6, 2007, was the motivating force. She donated $3 million to the initiative on the condition that it be matched with another $3 million. Her premise enticed other individuals and foundations to support the center, including well-known local foundations like the John R. Oishei Foundation and the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, along with nationally prominent organizations such as Research to Prevent Blindness.

However, Dr. Ross didn’t stop there. Having helped raise two-thirds of the $9 million goal, now she issued another challenge – a million-dollar match. The Carlos and Elizabeth Heath Foundation has pledged $100,000 and governmental agencies are expressing interest as well. 

The Ira G. Ross Eye Institute will diagnose and treat eye diseases, as well as provide prevention and rehabilitation services. Additionally, it will run education programs for both physicians and members of the Western New York community.