1848
Dewey Includes Medical School at University of Wisconsin
Governor Nelson Dewey includes a medical school in the newly created University of Wisconsin.
Read More1904
Charles Bardeen
With the hiring of Charles Bardeen, the university acknowledges the need to incorporate more human-related studies of anatomy and physiology in the pre-medical biology program.
Read More1905
Genesis of the Wisconsin Idea Attributed to Fromer UW President
The genesis of the Wisconsin Idea is often attributed to former UW President Charles Van Hise
Read More1907
Two-year College of Medicine Created
The two-year College of Medicine, consisting of the departments of anatomy, physiology, physiological chemistry and bacteriology and hygiene, is created.
Read More1910
Bardeen Creates the Department of Clinical Medicine
In response to the typhoid epidemic and to encourage the development of clinical services in Madison, Bardeen creates the Department of Clinical Medicine (Student Health Service). Other small hospitals on campus follow.
Read More1914
Davis Invited to Madison to Join Future Davis and Duehr Eye Clinic
Dr. Frederick Allison Davis (F.A. Davis) is invited to Madison to join the future Davis and Duehr Eye Clinic in Madison, originally started by Dr. Corydon Greenwood Dwight.
Read More1920
Surgical Subspecialities are Instituted at UW
Surgical subspecialties (plastic surgery and orthopedics) are instituted at UW. Ophthalmology lives in the Surgery Department from now until 1970.
Read More1921
1924
Dr. Frederick A. Davis
He led the Department until 1954. During those 29 years as Chair, he also developed a busy clinical practice (Davis, Neff and Duehr), published scientific articles (including his timeless paper on direct ophthalmoscopy), established Ophthalmic Pathology as part of the service, trained his successor and partner Peter A. Duehr (1932), married Edith Swenson, and fathered two daughters and two ophthalmologist sons, Frederick J. (Jeff) and Matthew D. (Dinny) Davis.
Read More1924
School Expands Curriculum to Four-year Program
The school expands its curriculum to a four-year program after Wisconsin General Hospital opens in 1924.
Read More1925
Lions Club Features Helen Keller
Lions Clubs International features Helen Keller as the guest speaker.
Read More1926
Dwight Retires Leaving Clinic to Davis
Dr. Dwight retires, leaving the clinic in Dr. F.A. Davis’s capable hands.
Read More1927
First Graduates of Four-year Program
Nineteen men and six women become the first graduates of the University of Wisconsin Medical School's four-year program.
Read More1928
Service Memorial Institute Opens
Service Memorial Institute, abutting Wisconsin General Hospital, opens, serving as the School’s academic home. Scientific and clinical staff now work together collaboratively.
Read More1930
Mohs Develops Surgical Technique to Remove External Tumors
Frederic Mohs develops a surgical technique to remove external tumors, such as mouth, lip and skin cancers while sparing normal tissue.
Read More1934
Duehr Joins Davis and Neff Clinic
Dr. Peter Duehr completed his two year combined ophthalmology-otolaryngology residency at UW and joined the Davis and Neff Clinic in 1934 as both a part-time clinical faculty member and a practicing ophthalmologist.
Read More1937
Stevens as First EENT Resident to Graduate
Dr. Ralph Stevens is the first EENT resident to graduate from the newly established 3-year program.
Read More1945
Ophthalmology Formally Separates from EENT
Ophthalmology formally separated from EENT at the University of Wisconsin Medical School.
Read More1946
Mings Becomes First 5-year Preceptor
Shortly after WWII, Dr. Dwain Mings became Dr. Neff’s first 5-year preceptor at the Davis and Neff Clinic.
Read More1946
DR. GEORGE KAMBARA
George K. Kambara, MD, completed his residency in ophthalmology here in 1946. Although he graduated from Stanford Medical School in 1941, as an American-born Japanese (Nisei) he was caught up in anti-Japanese sentiment after Pearl Harbor and sent to the Tule Lake Relocation Camp (internment camp) in California.
Read More1948
Corcoran as First graduate of the 3-year program in Ophthalmology
Dr. George Corcoran was the first graduate of the 3-year program in Ophthalmology, followed 6-months later by Dr. Levon Yasugian. Both doctors had active practices throughout their careers.
Read More1949
Duehr Becomes Junior Partner
Dr. Peter Duehr becomes junior partner of Davis and (Neff) Duehr Clinic after Dr. Neff suffers a heart attack.
Read More1950
Davis Joins Father at the Davis and Duehr Eye Clinic
Dr. Frederick J. Davis joins his father at the Davis and Duehr Eye Clinic after completing his residency in New York
Read More1954
Davis Retires, Duehr Becomes the Second Chair
Dr. Frederick A. Davis retires. Dr. Peter A. Duehr, beloved clinician and teacher, becomes the second Chair of the Eye Service.
Read More1955
McPherson Graduates as First Female Resident
Alice R. McPherson, MD, graduates the first female resident from the program.
Dr. Matthew D. Davis completes his residency.
Read More1956
Retina Service Specialization Added
Retina service specialization added as the first of several new sub-specialty training programs.
Read More1959
DR. GUILLERMO DE VENECIA
After completing his residency, Dr. de Venecia received additional ophthalmologic pathology training at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and in neuro-ophthalmology and glaucoma in Miami and Boston, respectively.
Read More1960
1961
Duehr Forges an Affiliation with the Veterans Affairs Hospital
Dr. Duehr forges an affiliation with the Veterans Affairs Hospital with Drs. Fred Blum and Donald Peterson who were in private practice in Madison.
Read More1962
Residency Program Grows
The residency program grew from training one resident a year to two. On his own initiative, Dr. William Siebold completes his comprehensive eye residency through the VA Hospital and performed the first intraocular surgery there by a resident.
Read More1967
Residency Program Grows
The residency program grew from training two residents a year to three
Read More1968
Oculoplastics Service Added as a Sub-Specialty Training Program
Oculoplastics service added as a sub-specialty training program and Dr. Richard K. Dortzbach returns to Madison after a fellowship at the Eye Foundation Hospital in Birmingham, AL to head this area with the guidance of Frederick J. Davis.
Read More1969
The Eye Bank of Wisconsin in Madison is Established
The Eye Bank of Wisconsin in Madison is established by Dr. Guillermo de Venecia and Dr. Frederick Brightbill, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Lions and Milwaukee Eye Bank, to provide ocular tissue for transplants to the people of Wisconsin.
Read More1969
DR. MATTHEW DINSDALE DAVIS
Dr. Davis’s major and enduring contributions to ophthalmology are pioneering collaborative multi-centered clinical trials and establishing the first ophthalmic photographic reading center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Read More1970
Davis Succeeds Duehr As Chairman
Dr. Matthew D. Davis succeeds Dr. Peter A. Duehr as full-time Chairman of the Section of Ophthalmology of the Department of Surgery and is instrumental in elevating the Ophthalmology Service to department status.
Read More1970
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY STUDY
Matthew D. Davis led this study because of his experience in evaluating the natural course of the disease.
Read More1970
Department of Ophthalmology is Established as A Standalone Department
The Department of Ophthalmology is established as a standalone department within the UW Medical School.
Read More1971
1972
Corneal and Anterior Segment Services Added
Corneal and anterior segment service added as a sub-specialty training program.
Read More1978
1979
Dr. Guillermo de Venecia Establishes The Free Rural Eye Clinic
Dr. Guillermo de Venecia and his wife, nurse Marta de DeVenecia establishes the Free Rural Eye Clinic (FREC) in the Philippines to provide cataract surgery and other ophthalmologic care to indigent patients.
Read More1980
Kleins Begin Large-Scale Epidemiological Study
Professors Barbara and Ronald Klein begin their large-scale epidemiological study with the cooperation of 452 physicians in southwestern Wisconsin
Read More1984
Kleins' Epidemiological Study Follow Up Phase Begins
The “follow up phase” of the Kleins' epidemiological study begins - they continue to track the duration of diabetes, the frequency of retinopathy and other genetic factors.
Read More1985
University Hospital Introduces First Helicopter
The University Hospital introduces its first helicopter to better serve emergency care patients.
Read More1986
Chandler Becomes Chairman
Dr. John Chandler, a 1965 graduate, becomes the chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology.
Read More1989
Davis Receives the Award of Merit
Dr. Matthew D. Davis receives the Award of Merit from the Retina and Macula Societies to acknowledge his outstanding contribution to national clinical studies of diabetic retinopathy.
Read More1990
Bresnick Assumes Position of Acting Chairman of Ophthalmology
Dr. George Bresnick, a 20-year member of the department’s retina service, assumes the position of acting Chairman of Ophthalmology.
Read More1991
Department Name Changes to The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Dr. Paul Kaufman pushes to change the department’s name to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences to codify its research mission.
Read More1992
Dr. Daniel M. Albert Becomes First Chair Without Previous Ties
Dr. Daniel M. Albert, an internationally recognized ophthalmic pathologist, becomes the first chair without previous ties to Wisconsin or the University.
Read More1993
Dr. Albert Completes the Research Building Initiative
Dr. Albert successfully completes the research building initiative started by Dr. Chandler by opening the Ophthalmology Research Wing of the Clinical Sciences Center.
Read More1995
Department Holds First Vision for The Future Conference
The department holds its first Vision for the Future conference where more than 150 community members discussed the clinical, research and educational initiatives with faculty.
Read More1996
Chandra Receives 1996 Humanitarian Service Award
Suresh R. Chandra, MD, receives the 1996 Humanitarian Service Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Read More1997
Sabb, Lucarelli, Blodi, and Gottlieb Welcomed to the Department
Four new ophthalmologists are welcomed to the department - Patricia C. Sabb, MD (comprehensive ophthalmologist and assistant professor), Mark J. Lucarelli, MD (assistant professor and oculoplastics surgeon, Barbara A. Blodi, MD, and Justin L. Gottlieb, MD (retinal specialists and assistant professors).
Read More1998
The Retina Research Foundation of Houston Establishes Two Chairs
The Retina Research Foundation of Houston, TX (founded by Alice R. McPherson) establishes two chairs in support of basic vitreoretinal research.
Read More1999
UW Health East and West Eye Clinics Open
UW Health East and West Eye Clinics open to provide more access to care to the growing community and better serve patients.
Read More2000
Davis Steps Down As Director of the FPRC
Dr. Matthew D. Davis steps down as Director of the Fundus Photograph Reading Center (FPRC), but continues conducting research. Dr. Ronald P. Danis, a recognized leader in conducting clinical trials at UW, assumes the direction of the FPRC.
Read More2001
First Lady Laurie McCallum Raises Awareness About Glaucoma
Wisconsin’s First Lady, Laurie McCallum, works with the department to raise awareness about glaucoma and discusses her experience with the disease.
Read More2002
Albert Steps Down As Chair
Dr. Albert steps down as Chair in 2002 and Thomas S. Stevens, MD, a Retina specialist who had served as Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs since 1990, becomes Interim Chair - serving in this position until 2004.
Read More2003
First Dedicated Stem Cell Researcher Joins the Department
Dr. David Gamm, the first dedicated stem cell researcher, joins the department, connecting it with other stem cell pioneers at the University of Wisconsin.
Read More2004
Kaufman Becomes Chair After National Search
Dr. Paul L. Kaufman, a Glaucoma specialist, and researcher who joined the Department in 1975 becomes Chair after a national search.
Read More2005
UW-Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
UW-Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Read More2006
Burkat, Nehls, and Potter Join Team of Clinicians
The department welcomes Cat Nguyen Burkat, MD (oculoplastics), Sarah M. Nehls, MD (cornea and refractive surgery specialist) and Heather A.D. Potter, MD (comprehensive) to its growing team of clinicians.
Read More2007
Congress passes the Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act
Congress passes the Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act (H.R. 797), after seven years of tireless work by Dr. Allen and Congressional Representative Tammy Baldwin, to give veterans greater compensation if they lost vision in one eye during their service and later began to lose vision in the other eye.
Read More2008
Allen receives the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. James Allen receives the Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts to better veteran care.
Read More2010
Gamm Receives the Foundation Fighting Blindness Board of Directors Award
Dr. David Gamm receives the Foundation Fighting Blindness Board of Directors Award for retinal degenerative disease research.
Read More2012
Barbara and Ronald Klein are awarded more than $3-million from the National Eye Institute
Drs. Barbara and Ronald Klein are awarded more than $3-million from the National Eye Institute to continue their long-range study of patients with Type 1 Diabetes.
Read More2013
Dr. Daniel M. Albert is presented with Laureate Award
Dr. Daniel M. Albert is presented with the American Academy of Ophthalmology Laureate Award.
Read More2014
Terri L. Young Becomes First Woman to Hold Position As Chair
Terri L. Young, MD, MBA joins the department, from Duke University after a nationwide search.
Read More2016
Dr. Matthew D. Davis honored as the 2016 Academy Laureate
Department recognized as national leader in the output of publications per faculty out of all ophthalmology programs in the US.
Read More2017
Dr. Paul Kaufman Receives the Friedenwald Award
Dr. Paul Kaufman receives the Friedenwald Award at ARVO.
Read More2017
Nickells Appointed Frederick A. Davis Professorship
Robert W. Nickells, PhD is the next recipient on the Fredrick A. Davis Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Professorship.
Read More2018
Domalpally Recognized With Carl Camras Translational Research Award
Dr. Amitha Domalpally, research director for the Fundus Photograph Reading Center, was recognized with the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Foundation Pfizer Ophthalmics Carl Camras Award for translational research at the annual meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Read More2018
McPherson Honored by ARVO
Dr. Alice McPherson, the first female ophthalmology resident at UW–Madison, was honored at ARVO for her leadership as a physician, scholar, philanthropist, and dedication to the study and treatment of retinal diseases.
Read More2018
Kaufman Receives ISER Endre A. Balazs Prize
Paul L. Kaufman, MD, Ernst H. Bárány Professor of Ocular Pharmacology and Chair Emeritus received the Endre A. Balazs Prize from the Council of the International Society for Eye Research (ISER).
Read More