Educational Funds

Ophthalmology Resident Equipment Fund Supports the purchase of instructional equipment, which will be given to ophthalmology residents for use in the Ophthalmology Residency.

Ophthalmology Education and Research Fund Supports ophthalmology education and research.

Dr. James Andrew Ophthalmology Surgical Skills Lab Fund Supports the practice lab named in honor of Dr. Andrew, providing surgical training to residents, fellows and research staff.

Andrew Dr. Andrew was an OSU Ophthalmology community faculty member and benefactor for over 30 years. His family is proud to support the naming including his son Mark, who lives in Granville, son Blair, who lives in Baltimore, Maryland, son Craig and daughter Peggy Bellows, who both live in Columbus.

Dr. Andrew graduated from Dartmouth and received his medical degree at the Long Island School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit and afterwards, was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In 1951, he arrived in Columbus and took over a practice on State Street and worked with OSU residents often. He had many partners over the years including OSU alumni Bob O’Dair, Sandy Farber, and Jack Dingle.   

“I remember Jim as a long-time ophthalmologist, resident teacher, and outdoorsman,” said Dr. Davidorf, a former student and colleague. “But most of all, I remember him as an innovative surgeon which makes naming the surgical skills lab in his honor so appropriate.”

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Dr. Henry Croci and Suzanne Croci Resident Education Fund in Ophthalmology Support the education and training of medical residents in the Department of Ophthalmology.

According to Dr. Henry Croci, “the educational experience as an ophthalmology resident shaped our lives in such a positive way, we wanted to be able to help future residents experience the same thing.” That motivated Dr. Croci and wife Suzanne to create the The Henry G. Croci and Suzanne D. Croci Resident Education Fund in Ophthalmology, also established in December 2007. He continued, “The example by Dr. Havener and other faculty and staff and mentors influenced the way we interact with patients and people in general throughout our lives. We want to continue to encourage young ophthalmology residents to foster the same spirit of kind, compassionate help to others.” The annual distribution of this fund shall be used to support the education and training of residents in the Department of Ophthalmology.

After Dr. Croci completed his residency internship and two years in the Air Force as a Flight Surgeon, the Crocis settled in Athens in 1971, where he practiced for more than 31 years. Dr. Croci and Suzanne relocated to Savannah, Georgia after his retirement. They enjoy the nature in Coastal Georgia as well as warmer winters. Dr. Croci continues to volunteer in ophthalmology, helping with the Lions Lighthouse Foundation at St. Mary Community Center. As a licensed volunteer in medicine in Georgia he examines and treats uninsured and underserved patients two full days a month.

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Dr. Alfred Nicely Resident Education Fund in Ophthalmology Supports the education and training of medical residents in the Department of Ophthalmology.

The Alfred L. Nicely M.D. Resident Education Fund in Ophthalmology has been created with a $25,000 gift from Akron resident Alfred L. Nicely M.D., who received both his bachelor’s and medical degrees from Ohio State. The Ohio State University Board of Trustees formally approved the endowment at the September 2006 board meeting. Dr. Nicely, who is currently retired, received his bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences in 1957 and his Medical Degree in 1961. He served his residency in ophthalmology at Ohio State from 1962 – 1965. He later set up his practice in general ophthalmology in the Akron area and practiced for 39 years.

Funds from the Nicely endowment will be used to support the education and training of the 15 full-time medical residents in the Department of Ophthalmology during their three-year residency training at Ohio State. Dr. Nicely and his wife, Judge Judith Bowers Nicely, have five children and seven grandchildren. According to Dr. Nicely, he created the endowment in appreciation for the education and training he received from the Ohio State Ophthalmology faculty and staff. “The fund is also to acknowledge all the dedicated teaching I received from Dr. William Havener,” Nicely said. Dr. Havener served as residency director during Nicely’s ophthalmology residency in the mid-1960’s.

“This gift from Dr. Nicely is a wonderful example of the significant impact our faculty and physicians have had over many years in training our residents,” said Dr. Thomas Mauger, chair of the department. “We are grateful to Dr. Nicely for his generosity in creating a new resource to enhance and strengthen our residency training program. Private support truly advances our mission in teaching and patient care."

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Dr. Robert Magnuson Ophthalmology Education Fund Supports projects and activities in the department that lead to significant improvement and excellence in its education and research programs.

James Magnuson, son of Dr. Robert Magnuson, recently shared, “My father believed deeply in education and loved to attend Ophthalmology Grand Rounds. He even continued to attend long after he retired”. Dr. Magnuson created the Robert H. Magnuson Ophthalmology Education Fund at the Havener Eye Institute before his death. He recognized the need for a meeting room within the department and established the Magnuson Conference Room, which is used for Grand Rounds, resident and medical student education, research conferences, and other departmental activities.

Dr. Magnuson’s wife, Elizabeth Tighe Magnuson, passed away on January 11, 2007. Friends of the Magnuson family have contributed over $5,000 in memory of Mrs. Magnuson in addition to a family contribution of $33,000.

We appreciate the generosity and foresight of the Magnuson family and friends as the conference room is utilized daily for diverse ophthalmology activities.

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Dr. Alan Letson and Susan Letson Retina and Ophthalmology Fund Established December 6, 2007 with gifts from Dr. Holton C. Letson of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Supporting the education of ophthalmology residents, acquisition of equipment for research, clinical and patient care, projects in retina disease and emerging priorities or initiatives related to retina disease in the Department of Ophthalmology.

The Alan and Susan Letson Retina and Ophthalmology fund was established in 2007 by an endowment gift from Dr. Holton Charles Letson of Hilton Head South Carolina. Dr. Letson created the fund to recognize the professional contributions of his son Dr. Alan, and daughter-in-law Susan Letson.

“I staffed the OSU Ophthalmology resident clinic for many years.” said Dr. Letson. “Even when no longer staffing a clinic I maintained a close relationship with the department and staff, particularly Dr. William Havener. It was a pleasure and a privilege to provide in a positive manor to the field of Ophthalmology. Now that I can no longer physically take part, I can take pleasure through the establishment of this fund which I hope will continue my efforts, and also the efforts of others.”

The annual distribution from this fund will be use to support the education of ophthalmology residents, acquisition of equipment for research, clinical and patient care, projects in retina disease and emerging priorities or initiatives related to retina disease in the Department of Ophthalmology.

According to Dr. Tom Mauger, Department Chairman, “Private support for our department and programs are critical to our continued growth and expansion. The generosity of Dr. Letson and all our donors is greatly appreciated and truly makes a difference in what we do.” After completing his residency in Ophthalmology in Detroit Dr. Letson moved his family to Zanesville, Ohio where he practiced Ophthalmology from 1954 until his retirement in 1986. He spent more than 15 years staffing the OSU Resident Clinic and made many valuable contributions to the profession, the department and many grateful resident trainees.

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Marc R. Criden MD Opthalmology Leadership Fund Supporting lectureships in ophthalmology for medical professionals, researchers and clinicians on advancements in ophthalmology such as, but not limited to, supplies, travel, publicity, lodging, conference space and honorariums.

Marc Criden, MD, an assistant professor at the Havener Eye Institute, passed away from cancer on July 30, 2013. A neuro-ophthalmology and oculoplastics specialist, Dr. Criden was a caring, knowledgeable physician and a talented surgeon. Dr. Criden completed a dual neuro-ophthalmology and oculoplastics fellowship was completed at the Havener Eye Institute under the direction of Steven Katz, MD. He then went on to the University of Texas at Houston as the Division Director of both Neuro-Ophthalmology and Oculoplastics & Reconstructive Surgery only to return to Columbus four years later. Dr. Criden was involved in many mission trips traveling to Haiti after an earthquake to provide medical support.

When his own life was in crisis, Dr. Criden faced his condition bravely. From the time of his diagnosis with cancer in May of 2012 until the day he made the decision to admit himself to hospice, he never complained. Facing his own mortality, he carried himself with tremendous grace and dignity.

Dr. Criden’s legacy will live on within his beautiful wife Natasha and daughter Scarlett, in hearts of his family and friends, in the patients whose lives he touched, and anyone lucky to have known him. The Marc Criden, MD Lectureship Fund is being established in memory of his tireless dedication to education.

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Dr. Frederick Davidorf Ophthalmology Lectureship Endowment Fund Supports the honorarium and expenses for a distinguished lecturer to provide the keynote address at the annual research symposium in the department. If the symposium ceases, then a Frederick H. Davidorf Lectureship will be established.

The Frederick H. Davidorf Lectureship was established in honor of Dr. Davidorf’s many contributions to the Department of and the field of ophthalmology. The fund is used to bring distinguished ophthalmologists to the Havener Eye Institute for lectures to our residents, faculty, and community ophthalmologists.

Dr. Davidorf is a pioneer in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of Uveal Melanoma. He has published over 200 journal articles, authored 2 textbooks and numerous book chapters. He was instrumental in establishing the Melanoma research group which is a multidisciplinary team focused on improving the prognosis for uveal melanoma patients.

Dr. Davidorf received his medical degree from The Ohio State University, served an internship at Los Angeles County General Hospital, and did his residency in the Department of Ophthalmology at Ohio State. His retinal training was at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. He is an outstanding teacher, talented vitro-retinal surgeon, and dedicated researcher.

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Dr. Charles Leone and Ellen Leone Lectureship Fund In Ophthalmology Supports an annual lectureship in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences for medical professionals, researchers, and clinicians on advancements in ophthalmology.

Thomas F. Mauger and L. Carol Laxson Endowment Established September 23, 2005, by Thomas F. Mauger and L. Carol Laxson through The Foundation. Distribution supports research in the Department of Opthalmology. When principal reaches $750,000, the fund will support a professorship.

Dr. Jacob Moses Lectureship Fund Supports a lectureship presented by the Department of Ophthalmology to medical professionals, researchers and clinicians on advancement in the specialty.

The Jacob Moses MD Lectureship Fund has been established with gifts made in his memory from his son, James L. Moses, MD of Canal Winchester, Ohio. Dr. Moses was born July 25, 1914 to Phillip and Sarah Moses in Washington, PA. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology at Washington & Jefferson College and his medical degree at Western Reserve Medical School. He completed both his ophthalmology residency and fellowship at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Dr. Moses was practicing ophthalmology from 1945 to 2002, almost until his death on October 15, 2003. He joined the faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology in 1946, holding various positions from instructor to clinical professor. During his tenure, he contributed substantially to the clinical growth of the Department during its early years. He was instrumental in educating and training numerous medical students and residents, including those undertaking clinical rotations at Mount Carmel Hospital, where he held many administrative positions, including Ophthalmology Program Director.

He was a member of the American Medical Association and The American Academy of Ophthalmology. He was a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He received multiple commendations for his contributions in medicine in general and the ophthalmic services in particular. His career spanned seven decades during which time he saw hundreds of thousands of patients and treated an wide variety of eye diseases and disorders, and performed thousands of medical and surgical procedures. He was known as a compassionate, contributing individual and physician whose thoroughness, tenacity, and endurance were unequaled. Dr. Moses was a devoted husband to his wife of 63 years, Florence E. Moses, and father to their six children. He was an avid biologist, an accomplished clarinetist, and devoted to athletic programs, including OSU’s football program.

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Elson Craig, MD and Torrence Makley, MD Research Fund Advances medical knowledge in ophthalmology towards costs of medical research to include (but not limited to) supplies, equipment, personnel and technology.

Craig Elson Craig, MD had plans to make a difference with his life. It wasn’t easy growing up on the East side of Columbus, but he was hardworking and determined. He was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his high school graduating class and they were right.

He received his undergraduate, graduate, and medical degrees at OSU where he also completed his residency. He was named chief resident and asked to remain on faculty. Over the next 40 years, he cared for countless patients, educated residents and medical students, and conducted eye disease research that continues to change the way we care for patients.

He wanted to make sure that his work would go on long after he was gone, so he made a planned gift to the Havener Eye Institute to further pathology research. His plan was to make a difference, and with his planned gift he continues to make a difference.

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Dr. Torrence A. Makley Research Professorship Established November 5, 1982 by alumni, patients and friends of the Department of Ophthalmology. Income and principal, if needed, provide salary and program support for a distinguished scholar in the department.

Dr. Theodore L. Moor Graduate Research Fund Established June 7, 2005 by Mrs. Lois Moor in Dr. Theodore L. Moor's memory through The Foundation. Supports ophthalmic research activities and dissemination of findings of a graduate student in the Department of Ophthalmology.

For Lois Ann Moor and her family, the decision to create an endowment in ophthalmology honoring her late husband was a natural connection based on gratitude. “The idea for the fund was to contribute to ophthalmology because Dr. Havener saved Ted’s sight, which enabled him to continue his teaching career in dentistry at Ohio State for 17 years,” she recalled. Theodore Lyman Moor, (D.D.S.1951), served on the Ohio State College of Dentistry faculty from 1971 to 1988. It was through the care of the late Dr. William Havener, the former Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, that Dr. Moor was able to have his sight restored and sustained, according to Mrs. Moor.

To the Moor family, this gift of vision was a significant milestone and in 2005 they established the Dr. Theodore Lyman Moor Graduate Student Research Fund. The endowment supports research activities and the dissemination of research findings of a graduate student engaged in ophthalmic research in the Department of Ophthalmology. As lifelong Columbus residents who raised three children, Lois and Ted Moor always appreciated their connections to Ohio State. Mrs. Moor obtained a B.S. degree in Business Administration in 1952 and met her late husband shortly after he graduated from Ohio State’s College of Dentistry. She was a member of the Alumni Scholarship House and later served on its board. For years she was a teacher in the Columbus Public Schools.

“I could not have graduated college without the Scholarship House,” she noted, “and Ted and I were both very grateful to Ohio State. It paved the way for our lives and our educational paths.”

Her husband’s appreciation for medical research and teaching can now be carried on through the endowment, according to Mrs. Moor. By supporting promising research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of vision diseases, many more patients and their families will be given a second chance, she said.

“We truly appreciate the foresight and partnership of the Moor family in creating this important fund,” said Dr. Thomas Mauger, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Baldwin Chair. “Supporting the best young researchers and graduate students who are interested in vision diseases will advance care for all of our patients.”

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Dr. Arthur M. Culler Memorial Lecture Fund Funds honoraria and expenses for visiting professors lecturing in the Department of Ophthalmology.

In November of 1945 Arthur M. Culler, MD was named chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology. When Dr. Culler began his 14-year tenure, the department was training only one resident per year, which eventually was expanded to four per year. Under his leadership, the department grew to several subspecialty divisions, numerous community faculty staffing the clinic, and almost 20,000 patients a year. Dr. Culler also established one of the first ophthalmic pathology laboratories in the country under the direction of former chair Dr. Torrence Makley.

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Dr. Theodore Suie Jr. Scholarship Fund Provides scholarships or fellowships to biological sciences majors who have need and show scholastic achievement. Preference is given to orphans.