Department of Ophthalmology

Mission Statement

The Ophthalmology Program’s strategy is threefold –

• first, build a credible, academically-centered clinical practice encompassing all aspects of ophthalmology;
  
  
• second, develop the research program around the concept of a Center for Ophthalmic Engineering with emphasis on optics, refractive surgery, intraocular approaches and biomechanics of the eye (Many conditions of the eye including glaucoma, retinal and neurophthalmic diseases as well as tissue engineering and genetic determinants of ocular physiology and pathology can be explored using engineering principles.);
  
  
• and third, develop a competency-based residency program as opposed to the traditional process-based to better meet the needs of the Ophthalmology Trainees and the Kansas general public.

We are working toward a stand-alone department with clinical, surgical, teaching, and research facilities located in close proximity to maximize team-oriented research. John E. Sutphin, Jr., MD, has recently joined KUMC as the new chair, and will lead this strategic effort.