Richard “Dick” Chenoweth, MD

VisionGift is sad to report the passing of an eye bank founder – Richard “Dick” Chenoweth, MD. Dick was named the head of Devers Eye Institute in 1973. He was many things to many people. But to us, he was one of the reasons we exist. Under his leadership and with his support the Oregon Lions Eye Bank (now Lions VisionGIft) was founded in 1975.

VG Medical Directors Tanne, Burris, and Terry have all shared their deep gratitude and appreciation for Dr. Chenoweth’s vast contributions to their professional lives, the eye bank, and the larger ophthalmologic community. Not only did they share their gratitude, they shared their grief at the loss of a friend and mentor.

“He was instrumental in focusing the eye bank on research. The Northwest owes him a great indebtedness for establishing his forward-looking philosophy and current centers for world class eye care.” – Terry Burris, MD, Medical Director 1986-1991, current Co-Medical Director

“He convinced me to take a chance on Devers Eye Institute and starting out all over again in Oregon. Without his vision, my entire career would have been different…and a lot less meaningful.” Mark Terry, MD, Medical Director 1991-Present

“Dick was a wonderfully unusual person who often was unorthodox but often very visionary in his views on improving and upgrading the world of ophthalmology around him. Dick was a strong supporter of an eye bank.” Emanuel Tanne, MD, Founding Medical Director and current member of the VG Board of Directors