Gillian & Donald Clause: Support for Vision Research

In 2004, Gillian and Donald Clause became members of UCLA's First Century Society by including the Jules Stein Eye Institute (JSEI) in their estate plans. That year also marked their 50th wedding anniversary. Gillian and Donald met in Southern Africa, where she had opened a practice as a speech consultant. Donald was in the British Royal Air Force, which entailed working visits to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Together, they immigrated to the United States. Gillian used her theatre and music degrees to teach at the university level, as well as to direct and act in various productions. They both became involved in international trade, which led Donald to become department head of a university business school. He later applied his extensive global business experience to teaching classes in international trade through UCLA's Extension Program.

With the passage of time, however, the Clauses needed professional eye care. They both had surgery, provided by Joseph Caprioli, MD, chief of the Glaucoma Division at JSEI, who has been the Clauses' doctor for more than a decade. They describe the results as "incredible," which is just one of the inspirations behind their philanthropy. "We have been deeply touched by the quality of care, always so graciously provided in a timely manner," say Gillian and Donald. "As a result, we felt compelled to help ensure there are positive treatments for future generations."