The city of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and the broader medical community are mourning the loss of a remarkable individual, Dr. Thomas Falkenberg, who passed away in February 2025. A visionary in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Falkenberg was not only the esteemed founder and Medical Director of SIEHT but also a pioneering force in advancing eye care and surgical techniques in the region. His death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and the thousands of patients he treated throughout his illustrious career.

A Lifelong Commitment to Excellence in Ophthalmology

Dr. Falkenberg’s journey into medicine was driven by an innate passion for helping others see the world with clarity and hope. Born with an insatiable curiosity and love for science, he excelled in academics from an early age. He pursued higher education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. His exceptional academic performance set the stage for what would become a lifelong dedication to medical excellence.

In 1987, Dr. Falkenberg earned his Doctorate in Medicine from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, where he graduated cum laude. This was a testament to his diligence, discipline, and commitment to mastering the complexities of medical science. He further honed his expertise through his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey, where he distinguished himself as a leader in his field and served as Chief Resident.

A Distinguished Career Marked by Innovation and Compassion

Throughout his career, Dr. Falkenberg remained unwavering in his mission to enhance the field of ophthalmology. His extensive knowledge and surgical expertise earned him board certification in ophthalmology, solidifying his reputation as a leading eye care specialist. He was a highly respected member of numerous prestigious medical organizations, including:

• The American College of Physicians
• The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
• The American Board of Ophthalmology, where he was a diplomat

His contributions to the field were widely recognized, earning him accolades such as:

• Being named one of America’s Top Ophthalmologists in Cataract & Refractive Surgery by the Consumer Research Council of America in 2004-2005.
• Voted the 2017 Reader’s Choice “Favorite Ophthalmologist” in the Fredericksburg region.
• Recognized by Northern Virginia Magazine as a Top Doctor from 2016 to 2022, and once again in 2024.

A Legacy of Advancements in Refractive Surgery

Dr. Falkenberg’s impact on the field of refractive surgery was profound. With over two decades of experience, he specialized in advanced vision correction procedures, including:

• All-laser LASIK
• Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
• Astigmatic Keratotomy
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

His groundbreaking work did not stop at traditional methods; he was the first physician in Fredericksburg to use ORA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis) technology during cataract surgery. This revolutionary approach dramatically improved surgical outcomes, allowing real-time measurements to guide intraocular lens placement with unparalleled precision.

Additionally, Dr. Falkenberg was at the forefront of implementing advanced intraocular lens technology, utilizing:

• PanOptix lenses
• Vivity multifocal lenses
• Toric astigmatism-correcting lenses

Through these innovations, he significantly enhanced the vision and quality of life for thousands of patients, many of whom now enjoy a level of visual clarity they once thought impossible.

A Mentor and a Friend: His Impact on Colleagues and Future Generations

Beyond his surgical skills and academic achievements, Dr. Falkenberg was revered as a mentor and teacher. He was deeply committed to training young ophthalmologists, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of eye care professionals. His mentorship extended beyond technical expertise—he instilled in his students the importance of empathy, integrity, and patient-centered care.

Many of his colleagues have spoken about his generosity in sharing his insights, his ability to inspire confidence in his trainees, and his unwavering belief that the field of ophthalmology could transform lives. His influence on aspiring doctors will continue to shape the field for years to come.

A Life Beyond Medicine: Family, Faith, and Passion

While Dr. Falkenberg’s professional accomplishments were extraordinary, his personal life was equally inspiring. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend, known for his warmth, kindness, and unwavering support for those he loved. Despite the demands of his career, he always prioritized family time, cherishing moments spent with his loved ones.

A man of deep faith, Dr. Falkenberg’s spirituality played a significant role in his life. He believed that his work as a physician was not only a career but a calling—one that allowed him to serve others with compassion and humility. His strong moral compass and unwavering ethics guided him in both his professional and personal endeavors.

Dr. Falkenberg was also an avid supporter of community initiatives. Whether sponsoring local vision care programs, volunteering for charitable organizations, or simply offering free consultations to those in need, he embodied the principles of generosity and selflessness. His impact extended beyond the walls of his practice, reaching countless individuals who benefitted from his kindness.

A Community Mourns: Honoring His Legacy

The passing of Dr. Falkenberg has left an immense void in Fredericksburg and beyond. His patients, colleagues, friends, and family are mourning a loss that is deeply felt but are also coming together to celebrate the extraordinary life he lived. In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from all corners of the medical field and the broader community:

• Former patients have shared heartfelt stories about how Dr. Falkenberg restored their vision and changed their lives.
• Colleagues have spoken of his mentorship, leadership, and relentless pursuit of medical excellence.
• Friends and family remember him as a kind-hearted, gentle soul who always had a smile and a word of encouragement for everyone he met.

As a testament to his enduring legacy, the Fredericksburg Eye Institute is planning to establish a scholarship fund in his honor, aimed at supporting aspiring ophthalmologists who share his passion for vision care and medical innovation. His impact will continue to shape the field he loved so dearly.

Final Farewell: Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

To honor Dr. Falkenberg’s memory, funeral services will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Details of the service include:

• Visitation and Wake:
  • Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
  • Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: Lassahn Funeral Home, Inc., 7401 Belair Road, Overlea, VA
• Funeral Service:
  • Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
  • Time: 11:30 AM
  • Location: Lassahn Funeral Home, Inc.
  • Burial to follow at Parkwood Cemetery

In honor of Dr. Falkenberg’s love for his profession and dedication to his patients, attendees are encouraged to wear blue or white, colors symbolizing vision and clarity, as a tribute to his life’s work.

A Lasting Legacy

Though Dr. Thomas Falkenberg is no longer physically present, his legacy remains deeply ingrained in the lives he touched. His contributions to ophthalmology, his mentorship, and his kindness will continue to inspire generations to come.

As his loved ones, colleagues, and patients mourn this tremendous loss, they also celebrate the profound impact he had, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the countless lives he changed for the better. Rest in peace, Dr. Falkenberg—your vision, both literal and figurative, will continue to illuminate the world.