Opthalmology pioneer, OSU alumnus supports CVM with $2M gift

Opthalmology pioneer, OSU alumnus supports CVM with $2M gift

Friday, September 19, 2025

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | [email protected]

Dr. James Wise just wanted to figure it out. Really, he wants to figure everything out.

Curious defines Wise, a 1957 Oklahoma State University graduate. He doesn't just wonder; he investigates. Throughout his life and trailblazing career as a renowned ophthalmologist, he often invoked Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, who spoke about the pleasure of finding things out.

That mentality led him to a new perspective of treating glaucoma, an eye disease that results from increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. In 1976, he invented laser trabeculoplasty, a procedure which significantly reduced eye pressure over the long term.

His laser procedure, invented almost 50 years ago, revolutionized glaucoma therapy. It is still used today all over the world and has treated far more than 100 million people.

"I have just always tried to understand things, and that takes some creativity," Wise said. "To be creative, you first have to know a whole lot about the problem, and then you look for the weak points. And every so often, I happen to discover stuff that other people haven't found out."

Growing up in Stillwater, Wise enjoyed activities a young boy typically does, like fishing at Theta Pond and riding his bike across town. But even as a child, he boasted an atypical passion for learning.

He first gained an interest in science after his parents bought him an encyclopedia, which he read at age 6. He often walked a couple blocks from his house to OSU's campus, running around the library and chemistry building. At 10, he spent his summer reading through "Elements of Chemistry," sitting in on sophomore level lectures and watching students conduct experiments.

It fostered his love of discovery and helped set him apart before he began studying at OSU.

Wise, 89, credits OSU for making his career possible. He was the university's second alumnus ever to attend Johns Hopkins Medical School, where his excellent OSU education equipped him with the tools to succeed, as he graduated at the top of his class.

Including the invention of laser trabeculoplasty, Wise's discoveries have made a lasting impact on the field of ophthalmology. He has authored 34 publications and given lectures in more than a dozen countries across the globe.

"I've never liked the word proud, but I'm very pleased that some of my discoveries have been so impactful," Wise said.

"Everybody wants to feel that they can make a difference. To some extent, that's one reason I went into medicine. Because a doctor can make a difference, hopefully for good."

Wise's desire to do good isn't limited to medicine. In 2010, he purchased Stillwater Milling Company to prevent it from being bought by a corporate outfit that he felt didn't have the agricultural community's best interests in mind.

As Oklahoma's largest cattle feed mill, the company is incredibly important to the state's agricultural industry. Under Wise's ownership, it has made significant improvements in capacity, efficiency and quality.

Cattle are no stranger to Wise, as he owns a ranch with a herd of more than 1,000. He's always had a soft spot for animals, back to when he caught and raised rabbits and pigeons as a kid. Today, he has three dogs and three cats at home, one of which connected him with the College of Veterinary Medicine.

"This skinny black cat showed up at our front door one day and we took him in," Wise said. "He had started doing better, but all of a sudden, Oliver got very sick."

A vet in Oklahoma City found out Oliver's bladder was blocked. They were able to aspirate it to remove the pressure, but couldn't provide a stable fix. Another animal hospital said they couldn't do anything until the morning.

So Wise took I-35 up toward Stillwater, hurrying to CVM's Medical Teaching Hospital.

"Oliver had been blocked up long enough that his potassium level was just about to kill him. He would not have made it to the morning," Wise said. "But what they did for him at OSU, this was good medicine. They came out in the middle of the night and saved him."

Oliver has since fully recovered and is affectionate, dramatic and impressively punctual. Every day at 4 p.m., he expects his regular serving of Gouda cheese, preferably smoked. And if the Wises forget, they'll definitely hear about it.

Oliver is just like many pets - part of the family. OSU plays a crucial role in making sure they stay healthy, treating countless animals from cats to cattle, from homes to ranches.

When the Wises experienced firsthand the exceptional care CVM can provide, they knew they wanted to support it.

Dr. Wise spent a lifetime treating people, but recognizes that eyes are just as important to animals. To ensure they get the same quality of treatment, he and his wife, Elizabeth, have made a transformational investment in CVM.

The couple made a $2 million gift to establish the James and Elizabeth Wise Endowed Chair of Veterinary Ophthalmology. This donation will help ensure that animals receive top-tier eye care while supporting CVM's innovative research and development of prepared veterinarians.

"The College of Veterinary Medicine serves to improve Oklahoma lives, both animal and human," OSU President Jim Hess said. "Its impact is felt throughout the state and nation, and we are so thankful to the Wises for this generous gift that directly supports OSU's land-grant mission. This donation will enhance our ability to provide top-tier education and innovative research, benefiting countless communities and advancing the field of veterinary medicine."

The contribution will push forward OSU's land-grant mission, as prepared veterinarians are critically needed to serve throughout the state. Not only does CVM care for pets, but it's also incredibly important to Oklahoma's agricultural industry.

"There are not enough words to express our gratitude for this transformational gift," CVM interim dean Jerry Ritchey said. "Their generosity will have an immediate impact for our ophthalmology faculty and students and result in innovative clinical ophthalmologic research in animals, much in the same way as Dr. Wise's pioneering career as an MD ophthalmologist."

The Wises' gift is part of a movement within CVM to advance the future of veterinary education, food security and public health in Oklahoma. In May, OSU received the largest state appropriation in university history to support the construction of a new, state-of-the-art veterinary teaching hospital.

Still, donations like this are needed to ensure that animals can get the care they need, when they need it.

Wise is happy to play his part in that, giving back to the university where it all started.

"If you're fortunate to have some money, there's two ways to enjoy it." Wise said. "One is to spend it on yourself, and the other is to help other people. Helping other people can be just as satisfying and even more so.

"OSU gave me an excellent education that prepared me for medical school and my career. It's just a place worth supporting."

Photos by: Provided

Story by: Grant Ramirez | STATE Magazine