The University of Florida (UF) Department of Ophthalmology is a leading institution in the field of eye care and vision research. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the department is part of the UF College of Medicine and is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, advancing medical knowledge through research, and educating the next generation of ophthalmologists. With a strong focus on clinical excellence, innovative research, and community service, the UF Department of Ophthalmology has established itself as a premier destination for eye care in the southeastern United States.
History and Milestones
The UF Department of Ophthalmology was established in 1964, with the appointment of Dr. Frederick H. Theodore as the department’s first chairman. Since its inception, the department has experienced significant growth and development, with notable milestones including the establishment of the UF Eye Center in 1985 and the creation of the UF Ophthalmology Residency Program in 1970. Today, the department is recognized as one of the top ophthalmology programs in the country, with a strong reputation for clinical care, research, and education.
Clinical Services and Specialties
The UF Department of Ophthalmology offers a comprehensive range of clinical services, including general ophthalmology, cornea and refractive surgery, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculofacial plastic surgery, pediatric ophthalmology, retina and vitreous surgery, and uveitis. The department’s faculty members are renowned experts in their respective fields, with many holding leadership positions in national and international ophthalmology organizations. Patients have access to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, including advanced imaging modalities, laser treatments, and surgical procedures.
| Clinical Service | Faculty Members |
|---|---|
| Cornea and Refractive Surgery | Dr. Sonal S. Tuli, Dr. Kathryn A. Colby |
| Glaucoma | Dr. William C. Christie, Dr. Anand Mantravadi |
| Neuro-Ophthalmology | Dr. Steven A. Newman, Dr. Jeffrey G. Odel |
Research and Innovation
The UF Department of Ophthalmology is at the forefront of vision research, with a strong focus on translational and basic science investigations. Faculty members and research staff are engaged in a wide range of projects, including studies on age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and ocular surface disease. The department is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the UF Eye Center for Vision Research and the UF Ophthalmology Clinical Trials Unit. By advancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying eye disease and developing innovative treatments, the UF Department of Ophthalmology is helping to improve vision health and quality of life for individuals worldwide.
Education and Training
The UF Department of Ophthalmology is dedicated to educating the next generation of ophthalmologists, with a comprehensive range of educational programs and training opportunities. The department offers a highly competitive ophthalmology residency program, which provides residents with a rigorous and well-rounded education in clinical ophthalmology, as well as opportunities for research and academic development. The department also offers fellowship training programs in cornea and refractive surgery, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculofacial plastic surgery, pediatric ophthalmology, retina and vitreous surgery, and uveitis.
- Ophthalmology Residency Program
- Fellowship Training Programs
- Continuing Medical Education (CME) Courses
What types of clinical services are offered by the UF Department of Ophthalmology?
+The UF Department of Ophthalmology offers a comprehensive range of clinical services, including general ophthalmology, cornea and refractive surgery, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculofacial plastic surgery, pediatric ophthalmology, retina and vitreous surgery, and uveitis.
How can I make an appointment with a UF Department of Ophthalmology faculty member?
+To make an appointment with a UF Department of Ophthalmology faculty member, please call (352) 265-2020 or visit our website at https://ophthalmology.ufl.edu/.
In conclusion, the University of Florida Department of Ophthalmology is a leading institution in the field of eye care and vision research, with a strong focus on clinical excellence, innovative research, and education. By providing exceptional patient care, advancing medical knowledge, and training the next generation of ophthalmologists, the UF Department of Ophthalmology is helping to improve vision health and quality of life for individuals worldwide.
