Research

A doctor looking through a microscope

Funding Breakthroughs in Ophthalmology

While clinical care is highly visible to the public, the foundation of tomorrow’s ophthalmology lies behind the scenes in vision research. The Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation (DMEIF) serves as the dedicated philanthropic vehicle that funds this critical work. We provide the financial resources necessary for the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology to seek, test, and refine the latest treatments for a broad spectrum of vision-related illnesses.

Empowering Outstanding Faculty

For more than 25 years, the Department has been a recognized leader in the field of vision science. DMEIF provides vital support to world-class, NIH-funded researchers, ensuring they have the resources needed to remain on the cutting edge of investigating the underlying causes of blinding diseases and developing promising new treatments.

Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Scientific advancement thrives on the open exchange of data, analysis, and discovery. To fuel this collaborative spirit, the Foundation proudly supports multi-disciplinary initiatives across the OU Health campus. We also help fund lectures, workshops, and seminars that bring leading vision scientists to Oklahoma to share their groundbreaking work.

For Aspiring Researchers

If you have an interest in pursuing research directly alongside the department’s investigators, we encourage you to explore the following academic and professional resources:

Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS) at OU Health

Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (SURP) at OU Health

Open positions in the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology research labs

A researcher looks through a microscope
A researcher looks through a microscope
A researcher using a tool to place a specimen inside a beaker

Fueling the Next Breakthrough

Transforming the future of eye care requires a shared commitment to excellence. Through dedicated philanthropic support, the Foundation ensures that world-class researchers have the advanced tools and long-term stability needed to pioneer the next generation of vision-saving treatments.