Education

Investing in Top-Rated Ophthalmic Training for the Next Generation

Advancing Clinical and Surgical Excellence

The Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma is recognized among the nation’s leading ophthalmology training programs. With a distinguished faculty, exceptional clinical experience, and a commitment to innovation, the department prepares residents and fellows to become outstanding clinicians, skilled surgeons, and future leaders in eye care.

The DMEI Foundation plays a vital role in supporting this success. Through philanthropic investment, the Foundation funds innovative educational programs and essential equipment that enrich training and help maintain the department’s position as a leader in ophthalmology education.

Residency and Fellowship Support

The DMEI Foundation supports resident and fellow education through several key initiatives.

Foremost among them is the Acers Society, an alumni-established endowment that helps reimburse trainees for educational expenses and unforeseen personal hardships. By easing financial burdens, the Acers Society enables residents and fellows to remain focused on their training while helping the department attract and retain top-tier talent.

Acers Society

The Foundation also supports resident and fellow research through the Eaton-Balyeat Clinical Research Education Fund. This funding provides trainees with opportunities to pursue meaningful clinical research that advances the field of ophthalmology while fostering their professional development. Access to these resources is one of the many advantages that distinguishes the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology.

In addition, the DMEI Foundation invests in equipment, technology, and strategic initiatives that enhance the educational experience. By supporting innovative opportunities and emerging needs, the Foundation helps ensure that residents and fellows receive exceptional training in an evolving field.

Eaton-Balyeat Clinical Research Education Fund

Support for Medical Student Education

Part of the educational mission of the OU Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology is to provide ophthalmic training to students at the OU College of Medicine. This training establishes a foundation of ophthalmic knowledge for future physicians across all specialties while also inspiring and recruiting students who may choose to pursue careers in ophthalmology.

The DMEI Foundation supports this mission by funding programmatic initiatives and student-led research opportunities that enhance the educational experience of medical students.

Exterior of DMEI and OU Medical Center buildings

Celebrating Educational Achievements

Dr. and Mrs. T.E. Acers Resident Honor Award

The Dr. and Mrs. T.E. Acers Resident Honor Award is presented to the resident who is determined to have had the best paper presented during the OU Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology Annual Resident and Alumni Meeting. The award is voted on by faculty and presented during the annual Acers Society Reception.

2026 – Samuel J. Huang, MD, PhD
2025 – Deanna H. Dang, MD
2024 – Adam R. Bleeker, MD
2023 – Austin L. LaGrow, MD
2022 – Austin L. LaGrow, MD
2021 – Farzad Jamshidi, MD, PhD
2020 – David R. Griffin, MD
2019 – Valerie L. Lobodiak, MD
2018 – Christina M. Lippe, MD, and Andrew T. Melson, MD
2017 – Joshua F. Hendrix, MD
2016 – Jeremy F. Tan, MD
2015 – Andrew A. Wilson, MD
2014 – Jared R. Jackson, MD
2013 – Yasser M. Elshatory, MD

2012 – Ronald P. Hobbs, MD
2011 – Paul S. Tlucek, MD
2010 – Kevin A. Kerr, MD
2009 – Daniel R. Brooks, MD, and Annie Moreau, MD
2008 – Allyson D. Schmitt, MD
2007 – Eugene H. Eng, MD
2006 – Tammy L. Yanovitch, MD
2005 – Tammy L. Yanovitch, MD
2004 – Donald U. Stone, MD
2003 – Donald U. Stone, MD
2002 – Lucas Trigler, MD
2001 – Lucas Trigler, MD
2000 – Darin R. Haivala, MD, and Alan A. Norman, MD

1999 – Alan A. Norman, MD
1998 – Scot A. Sullivan, MD
1997 – Joel C. Razook, MD
1996 – Charlotte R. Thompson, MD
1995 – Helga F. Pizio, MD
1994 – Ann Acers-Warn, MD
1993 – P. Lloyd Hildebrand, MD, and Susan R. Wilton, MD
1992 – Jeffrey T. Shaver, MD
1991 – Siv B. Saetre, MD, and Mark H. Scott, MD
1990 – Nelson R. Sabates, MD
1989 – Robert H. Bullington Jr., MD
1988 – Jeffrey W. Grisham, MD
1987 – Stephen R. Fransen, MD

Amalia M. Miranda, MD Award

The Amalia M. Miranda, MD Award honors an individual associated with the OU Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology who, like Dr. Miranda, received their undergraduate, graduate, and/or post-graduate education/training outside of the United States or Canada and who has made important contributions to ophthalmic patient care and/or vision research.