Fearless Vision

Dear Friends,

I continue to be humbled and honored to serve as the chair of the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences during an era of unprecedented growth, innovation and impact. Fearlessness is at the core of everything we do. This theme reflects our researchers’ undeterred efforts to translate discovery into action, so that all can live with functional sight. It highlights the new ways we educate our learners who will care for eyes tomorrow. Our patients personify this theme daily while navigating life with vision challenges with courage, grace and resolve. In this 2018 annual report, you will read compelling stories from our patients, researchers, learners, clinicians, administrators, and educators. These examples illustrate a determination to push beyond what is expected to achieve success in multiple forms.

A partial summary of those triumphs is on this site:

• A wife and husband research team who studied diabetic retinopathy in a novel way by engaging with an entire Wisconsin town. Their life’s work has inspired and informed ophthalmologic treatment strategies for decades
• A Nordic skier from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin who competed in the PyeongChang, South Korea 2018 Paralympic Winter Games
• Improvements in the medical student curriculum to provide additional opportunities to learn about ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
• Providers who have established and expanded their clinics to deliver low vision care and inherited retinal degeneration services, including genetic counseling and gene replacement therapy
• Researchers recognized for pushing the limits of discovery with new ideas and technologies
• Patients caring and paving the way for others with vision impairments through improved access and advocacy

In collaboration with you and with each other, we have forged new channels for discovery, patient care, and education at every turn. Should you have thoughts on how we can better serve our community, please feel free to contact me at any time.

It is with your unwavering support and enthusiasm that we are able to fearlessly accomplish the sightsaving work that we do — thank you!

On, Wisconsin!

Terri L. Young, MD, MBA, FARVO
Chair, UW–Madison Department of Ophthalmology
Peter A. Duehr Endowed Professor of Ophthalmology, Pediatrics and Medical Genetics