Graduates of the UW-Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences residency and fellowship programs are in academic medical centers and private practices throughout the world. Let’s celebrate all the things that make our alumni great! Join us to connect and give back to support the next generation of alumni. Once a Badger, always a Badger!
honor
Distinguished Alumni Award
Each year the UW Ophthalmology Alumni Association recognizes an alum for outstanding service and commitment with the Distinguished Alumni Award, presented at the annual Alumni+Friends Reception during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting. Nominations are now open for the 2022 award.
Criteria include
1. Graduate of the residency, fellowship or orthoptics program or a basic science alum.
2. Distinguished career as an ophthalmologist, orthoptist or basic science researcher in ophthalmology in nominee’s community and/or academic institution.
3. Outstanding accomplishment in community service, volunteerism either professionally and/or civic, local or national, or participation in local medical associations
4. Preference is given to individuals who are not currently members of the DOVS.
5. Please provide a letter of nomination addressing the criteria above.
Need some inspiration? Here is a list of past recipients:
2005: Steve W. Weber, MD, Residency 1975
2006: Earl G. Gloeckner, MD, Residency 1980, Fellowship-Pediatrics 1981
2007: C. Thomas Dow, MD, Residency 1978
2008: Richard Lewis, MD, Residency 1998
2010: Michael P. Vrabec, MD, Residency 1987
2012: Gregg Heatley, MD, Residency 1991, Fellowship-Glaucoma 1992
2013: Elmer Y Tu, MD, Residency 1992
2014: Francis Charles Sutula, MD, Fellowship-Oculoplastics 1979
2015: Richard E. Appen, MD, Residency 1972
2016: Karla J. Johns, MD, Residency 1984
2017: Devin A. Harrison, MD, Residency 1993
2018: Gregory L. Skuta, MD, Residency 1985
2019: W. Andrew Harris, MD, Residency 1974
2020: Mary V. Pratt, MD, Residency, 1965, Fellowship-Medical Retina, 1966
Connect
Stay Engaged
There are many ways to stay connected to your fellow alumni and the department:
- Attend the annual Alumni+Friends Reunion held each fall at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting. Save October 1, 2022 for this year’s event. Watch our events page for the latest information.
- Stay connected via the alumni Facebook page. Ask to join the group and stay in touch with your alumni colleagues. Or send us a note to let us know what’s new.
- Join the alumni board of directors. We meet two times per year to hear department updates and discuss ways to improve engagement and support current learners. Reach out to learn more.
Coming Soon!
We’re updating the printed alumni directory. If you have moved since 2017, make sure we have your current contact information. Drop us a line today.
Give Back
Extend our vision
Gifts help the department continue to conduct high-quality research and to provide state-of-the-art clinical care and world-class training for tomorrow’s leaders in eye care and vision research. This support—from patients, families, alumni, faculty and other friends—provides the extra margin essential for excellence.
Alumni News

DOVS Fellowship Alum Catherine Macaraig, ’94, Brings Hope to Philippines Patients
Apr 06 2022
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic – a time when very few people were voluntarily seeking surgical consults – patients from across the Philippines were still lining up to see Catherine Macaraig, MD.…
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Global Ophthalmology Updates – January 2022
Jan 19 2022
Residents Take Part in Global Simulation Wet Lab On Saturday, January 8, our three senior residents joined UW ophthalmologist Jennifer Larson, MD, for a global surgical simulation wet lab training at the VA Hospital in…
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Mary Pratt, MD, Honored as Distinguished Alumni in 2020
Dec 08 2021
Mary Van Horn Pratt, MD’61 (Residency ’65, Retina Fellowship ’66) was selected as the UW Ophthalmology Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni in October 2020. Mary was the driving force behind the campaign to update the James…
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UW DOVS @ 2020 Virtual AAO Meeting
Nov 10 2020
Though the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting has moved to a new format due to the pandemic, our University of Wisconsin - Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences' colleagues will be busy presenting, attending and teaching courses.
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New President of the UW Ophthalmology Alumni Association
Feb 20 2020
GREETINGS FELLOW ALUMNI! I’m excited to write to you as the new president of the UW Ophthalmology Alumni Association. 2020 is sure to be a special year for ophthalmology in general and the UW Department of…
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Alumni Donations Make Allen Eye Library and Learning Lab Refresh Possible
Jan 23 2020
The 2020 Experience, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences as an independent department, commenced with a rededication of the James C. Allen Eye Library and Learning Lab…
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