Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Though the last few years have been unpredictable, Casey Eye Institute is determined to be resolute in our mission to eliminate preventable blindness. The public health crisis of COVID-19 underscored what we already knew: that many in our communities still lack access to appropriate screening and treatments for eye diseases.
While this is a challenge, it is also a tremendous opportunity to leverage new imaging technologies and artificial intelligence to serve more people in our region. We are closer than ever to reaching our goal.
In the past, taking eye care to the entire state – much of it rural – seemed like a dream for the future. Now, in 2023, we have community sites, trained community health workers, and new mobile screening technology. Three years ago, we may have wondered when we would make progress. The answer is: now.
We thank David J. Wilson, M.D., for his vision and leadership in the opening of the new Elks Children’s Eye Clinic. This 60,000 square-foot building has enabled the expansion for nearly all of Casey Eye Institute’s comprehensive and subspecialty programs. In the last two years, we have added new faculty who will become our next generation of leaders in clinical care, teaching, research and outreach. We remain focused on fostering innovative research and maintaining a rich scholarly environment.
As we navigate ahead, we are deeply grateful to the faculty, staff, trainees, colleagues and supporters who stand behind the exciting programs detailed in this report. It is an honor for us to be at the helm of Casey Eye Institute, and it will take all of us to reach our destination.
Sincerely,
Andreas K. Lauer, M.D.
Director, Casey Eye Institute
Chair & Professor, Department of Ophthalmology
Margaret Thiele-Petti and August Petti Endowed Chair
David Huang, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Director, Casey Eye Institute
Professor of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering
Wold Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmic Imaging