Richland Center, WI (May 11, 2026) – The Richland Hospital Foundation has made a significant investment in local health care by funding new equipment that allows cataract surgery services and routine eye examinations to return to The Richland Hospital and Clinics (TRHC). This contribution ensures patients can once again receive high-quality vision care close to home.

Cataracts, one of the most common age-related vision conditions, can cause cloudy or blurred sight, impacting daily life and independence. Cataract surgery, a safe and highly effective outpatient procedure, restores vision by replacing the eye’s cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.

TRHC has reintroduced cataract surgery services under the care of Douglas Bull, MD, a highly experienced ophthalmologist who has worked for more than 30 years performing cataract evaluations, glaucoma/dry eye care, treating diabetic eye disease, and general medical eye symptoms such as red eye, vision loss, and flashes/floaters.

The return of this service is made possible by the Richland Hospital Foundation’s funding, which is about halfway to meeting their goal. “Our annual golf event, June 11, and a new celebration called “Howl at the Moon” in August at The Willows, we hope will significantly help us meet the funding challenge,” says Foundation Director, Angie Coenen.

“We’re incredibly grateful to The Richland Hospital Foundation for their support in bringing this service back,” said Bruce Roesler, President/CEO at TRHC. “Having access to local vision care, including cataract surgery, is essential for our community. It reduces the burden of travel for patients and helps ensure they receive timely, high-quality care close to home. Restoring these services in Richland Center has been a top priority for us, and it’s making a real difference in people’s lives.”

The eye care team at TRHC continues to grow. Later this summer, optometrist Dr. Darrin Vits will join the organization, further expanding access to comprehensive vision care services for area residents.

Patients experiencing vision changes due to cataracts are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about whether surgery may be right for them and to learn more about receiving care locally at TRHC. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact The Richland Hospital and Clinics at 608.647.6321.

The Richland Hospital and Clinics is a nationally awarded health care facility dedicated to caring, educating, and healing. Providing compassionate care for 100 years to residents of the greater Richland County area, TRHC operates an independent, integrated medical practice group in three locations, including rural health clinics in Spring Green and Muscoda and a critical access hospital at its primary location in Richland Center, WI.