OVERVIEW • DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS • EYE CARE LINKS

An Overview of the UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

For nearly 75 years, the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has been recognized nationally and internationally as a national leader in eye care.

Over 30 ophthalmologists with expertise in the full range of primary and subspecialty eye care as well as clinical optometrists, nurses and technical staff are available to patients of all ages. These professionals are backed by a talented core of basic scientists dedicated to finding the cures for blinding disease.

Patient Care  | Research | Education | International | Outreach

 Patient Care

The UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences offers patients easy access to quality eye care through the various UW Eye Clinics located throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. UW Health Eye Clinics at University Station in Madison, Wisconsin provides the main setting for the department's clinical ophthalmologists and optometrists, who combined see over 35,000 patients a year.

Some of the latest developments in eye care that are being used at the UW Health Eye Clinics include:

• digital fluorescein angiography that allows UW retina specialists to diagnose and treat retinal diseases more efficiently often eliminating multiple trips to the clinics by patients
• nerve head analysis that provides greater insight into the development of glaucoma and provides a valuable tool that may help in early detection and treatment of this common disease.
• visual evoked potential analysis is a cutting edge technology that allows doctors to gather information on visual acuity from infants as well as disabled and mentally challenged patients who can not otherwise comply with traditional testing.

With a commitment to providing community based care, the faculty of the UW Department of Ophthalmology also provides outreach clinics in nine locations throughout the region. In all cases, UW doctors work closely with local eye care professionals. This dynamic blending of talents offers patients expanded access to eye care right in their own community.

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Research

The UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences strives not only to help those already suffering from visual impairment, but also to understand the basic causes of eye disease. By finding out how and why eye disorders develop, UW researchers are seeking enhanced methods to prevent and treat a variety of eye conditions.

With the expertise of the eye researchers, combined with cutting-edge technology and modern laboratories, the UW has become one of the nation's top recipients of grants for visual research from the National Eye Institute. In 1993, the Department constructed a brand new, state of the art research facility at UW Hospital with the generous support of the Wisconsin Lions and Lioness as well as individuals and organizations from throughout the country.

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Education

As a leading academic program, the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is active in training medical students as well as new residents and fellows interested in specializing in ophthalmology. The UW residency program also partners with the University of New Mexico to offer residents a broader experience and teaching environment.

Other resources, such as the World wide web and video teleconferencing are now allowing the Department to effectively reach colleagues and patients from around the world.

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International Outreach

The contributions of the UW ophthalmologists extend beyond the borders of Wisconsin and even the United States. In addition to providing training and educational opportunities for students and ophthalmologists from other countries, many of the UW faculty have organized and continue to lead foundations and initiatives that target the eye care needs of developing countries.

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UW Health Outreach Eye Clinics

• Freeport, IL
• Janesville, WI
• Mauston, WI
• Menasha, WI
• Reedsburg, WI
• Rockford, IL

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