Department

The University of Illinois Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is dedicated to combating vision loss and blindness by providing the most advanced and compassionate patient care, conducting exemplary research, and offering the best possible physician education programs.

The Eye Center and its satellite clinics see more than 50,000 patients each year, offering general eye care and services in 11 subspecialties. The department is consistently ranked among the best hospitals for eyes by U.S. News & World Report , and physicians in our department are named among the Best Doctors in America™every year.

Department faculty conduct a wide range of laboratory-based and patient-based research studies in ophthalmology. NIH recently ranked the department 10 th nationally in overall research funding to ophthalmology departments. More than a dozen clinical studies and trials are regularly underway in the department as well, including six NEI-funded study centers.

Medical students, residents and clinical fellows receive training in the department under the direction of 30 full-time clinical and research faculty, many of whom are recognized as leaders in their area of specialization. The department's residency program is among the most sought after in the country, with 600 applications for the six positions available in 2004.

The Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, founded in 1858 and now known as the University of Illinois Eye Center, is the oldest unit within the University of Illinois at Chicago. As it approaches its 150th year, the department carries forward its internationally renowned tradition of excellence as a leader in ophthalmic care, physician training and vision science.

For more information about the department, please see our recent Annual Report.