A message from the Chairman

Thank you for taking time to visit our web site. As you no doubt have discovered, our Department is a leading center of ophthalmologic care, research and education.
For more than 150 years, our physicians and scientists have used the most innovative methods available to diagnose, treat and eliminate vision loss and blindness. From the formation of one of the first glaucoma clinics in 1937 to today's basic science investigations of the molecular and biochemical processes that cause eye disease, our faculty continue to break new ground in treating the most serious and complicated eye conditions.

Over 55,000 patients a year visit our Comprehensive Eye Service and subspecialty services in the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary and at our satellite office, the Millennium Park Eye Center. Every year, we make an impressive showing on the highly selective lists of America's Best Doctors® and Top Doctors in America®.
Our research scientists are identifying the underlying causes of every major eye disease - from the retinopathy of prematurity (a potentially blinding eye disorder that affects premature infants) to age-related macular degeneration. Their research also reveals new insight into the workings of healthy vision, the key to our ability to treat blinding eye diseases and restore the gift of sight.

We have the privilege of teaching the best and the brightest young doctors to become first rate ophthalmologists. Our residency program is among the most selective in the nation, sought after because of the superstar faculty who work with residents in the clinics, operating room and offer learning opportunities through a variety of lectures and workshops as well as Grand Rounds and subspecialty rounds.

The need to prevent blindness confronts countless patients, physicians and scientists around the world and is felt acutely, every day, in our clinical services. We are committed to treating the most serious and complicated eye diseases and serving the cause of curing blindness.

Dr. Dimitri Azar is now the Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and I have accepted the appointment as Interim Head of the Department of Ophthalmology during the search for a new Department Head. I look forward to continuing the growth and vitality that have become the hallmark of our Department during Dr. Azar's leadership.

Joel Sugar, M.D
Interim Department Head
Joel Sugar, M.D. Endowed Professor of Ophthalmology