Ron and Sheri Cole

A hallmark of the UR School of Medicine and Dentistry is teaching students to focus on the entire patient, not just the illness.

For ophthalmologist Ronald Cole ’62M, this approach helped him provide the very best care to his patients. After 22 years in retinal surgery and general ophthalmology, Dr. Cole chose to specialize in vision rehabilitation. “I saw it as an opportunity to focus on how the person functions and not just how the eye functions.”

When Dr. Cole and his wife, Sheri, returned to Rochester for a class reunion, the couple decided to commemorate the milestone by making a gift to the David and Ilene Flaum Eye Institute.

After exploring a number of options, the Coles gifted a vacation home to a charitable remainder unitrust. They received a tax deduction, avoided capital gains tax, and established life income from the University. The Coles’ gift will ultimately establish the Dr. Ronald J. & Charlotte S. Cole Endowed Scholars Fund in support of vision restoration, low vision research, and vision rehabilitation.

“It was a matter of examining our assets and how to make the most of them. Creating a trust fit.”

The Coles are recognized as Founding Members of the Wilson Society.