Gary Cless, The Cless Family Foundation
Northbrook, Illinois
Grateful Patient
Donor Story Heading link
Gerhard Cless first came to know the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences in 1995 when he was referred for treatment for a macular hole. Since then, his foundation has supported research, patient care and education through over $1.75-million in philanthropic giving. The most recent gift from the Foundation provides $500,000 over three years for the Cless Discovery Science in Vision Fund, providing support for basic science investigations, and the Cless Family Foundation Fund for Education in Ophthalmology, which provides funding for a clinical fellowship annually.
“Having had a personal experience with a serious eye disease, it is my pleasure to make gifts that help to advance vision science toward finding better treatments and potentially a cure for retinal and eye diseases,” Mr. Cless stated in a 2009 annual report by the Department.
Mr. Cless, who earned a master’s degree in engineering in his native Germany, is co-founder of Zebra Technologies, a global provider of business improvement and security applications.