ilumin officially opened doors in 2010, but the legacy of the practice – the root of “the ilumin difference” – goes back more than 100 years.
In the late 1800s, Dr. Harold Gifford (1858-1929) – defined by many as “the first true clinician” – came to Omaha, NE and developed one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the Midwest. He was respected not only for his breadth of ophthalmological knowledge, clinical discoveries, and surgical skills; but also the personal relationships he developed with his patients.
Gifford donated generously to Nebraska Methodist Hospital and supported the Omaha community in countless ways. Two of Gifford’s great contributions were his sons Sanford and Harold Jr. (Hal) Gifford who carried on his regional practice.
In 1985, Dr. John Pemberton, Omaha’s first fellowship-trained retina specialist, went into partnership with Dr. Dean Arkfeld. Soon thereafter, Pemberton’s practice merged with Hal Gifford’s, where Dr. Frank Eagle and Dr. Donald Arkfeld (Dean’s brother) were working. Dr. Michael Goldstein joined them in 1990.
Earlier on, in 1951, Dr. Stan Truhlsen went into practice with Dr. William Howard Morrison. Truhlsen, also well-renowned in his field, became the President of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is the namesake of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute. In 1989, Dr. Camilla Parson and Dr. John Ramsell joined Dr. Truhlsen, Dr. Rex Latta and their other partners.
When managed healthcare was coming to the forefront in the 1990s, the decision was made to merge, yet again. It was then that Truhlsen’s practice joined that of Gifford and Pemberton; and Doctors Arkfeld, Parson and Goldstein began working together. They soon became part of the Nebraska Methodist Health System, but, within a few years, returned to being an independent practice along with other ophthalmologists.
Ultimately, Doctors Arkfeld, Parson and Goldstein decided to follow in the footsteps of the remarkable clinicians that preceded them – and guided them in providing quality, patient-focused eye care – to open their own practice.
ilumin is refocusing the eye care experience on you. By taking a genuine interest in patients and discoveries in the field, Dr. Arkfeld, Dr. Parson, Dr. Goldstein, and the full ilumin team, work together to provide quality eye care, encourage breakthroughs, develop relationships, and make sure your eyes are as comfortable as can be. The practice has a rich history and an equally promising future.
