UM Kellogg Eye Center is ranked among top ophthalmology programs

ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center has tied for sixth place for "Best Overall Programs" in a yearly survey that ranks ophthalmology programs across the country. The rankings, released by Ophthalmology Times in its November issue, are the result of a poll of ophthalmology department chairs and directors of residency programs in the United States.

In addition, the Kellogg Eye Center was named among the top ten programs in each of three specific categories, including research and clinical care. Kellogg was ranked ninth for "Best Research Programs," tied for sixth place for "Best Clinical Programs," and tied for seventh place for "Best Residency Programs."

"We appreciate this recognition from our peers, particularly in the very important area of research," said Paul R. Lichter, M.D., Director of the Kellogg Eye Center and Chair of the U-M Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. "As part of one of the largest public research institutions in the country, Kellogg has long attracted funding for state-of the-art research. At any one time, we may be running 15 to 20 research programs in which Kellogg scientists are searching for the next generation of treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases." Research funding for clinical studies and basic research at Kellogg totals over $8 million for fiscal year 2001-02.

The W.K. Kellogg Eye Center is part of the University of Michigan Health System and houses the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. The Kellogg Eye Center provides medical and surgical eye care, including laser eye surgery; professional and public education; and performs advanced ophthalmic research. Kellogg also serves as a regional referral resource, providing specialty vision care that may not be available in other communities.

Contact: Betsy Nisbet, 734.647.5586, bsnisbet@umich.edu.