Eaton-Balyeat Clinical Research Education Fund

Empowering Resident and Fellow Research

Dorothy C. Eaton was a devoted patient and friend of the late Dr. Hal Balyeat, a beloved member of the Dean McGee Eye Institute faculty who served from 1975 to 2003. Through her generosity, Mrs. Eaton established the Eaton-Balyeat Clinical Research Education Fund, creating a lasting legacy that honors Dr. Balyeat’s commitment to education, mentorship, and patient care.

Managed by the DMEI Foundation, distributions from this endowed fund help support residents, fellows, and their supervising faculty within the OU Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology as they design, conduct, present, and publish clinical research. By reducing financial barriers to scholarly activity, the fund enables trainees to develop critical research skills, explore innovative areas of clinical inquiry, and contribute to advances in ophthalmic care.

Such access to dedicated research support is a hallmark of the department’s training program and provides residents and fellows with opportunities that distinguish their educational experience while helping prepare the next generation of leaders in ophthalmology.