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Thank you for visiting the homepage of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

We are a group of dedicated Eye Care professionals committed to providing excellent health care to our patients, training the next generation of ophthalmologists, and conducting cutting-edge research to help prevent blindness.

We believe that we provide the best ophthalmologic care in the Southwest region. We are proud to practice in an island environment where our patients are also our guests.

We look forward to seeing you soon. 

Galveston, TX, San Luis Salute! Mardi Gras Ball 2008
Benefits the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)

The Mardi Gras spirit was evident in Galveston when Bernard Godley, M.D., chair of UTMB’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Michael Boulton, Ph.D., director of the Age-Related Macular Degeneration Center, and Erik van Kuijk, M.D., Ph.D., vice chair and medical director, were honored at one of Galveston’s most opulent Mardi Gras celebrations.  

The event, hosted by Tilman and Paige Fertitta, has raised money for a different UTMB department each year since its 1997 inception. A mainstay on Galveston Island during carnival season, the ball is not only known as the pinnacle of Mardi Gras festivities but also as a dedicated fundraising event for UTMB, having provided more than $350,000 to the institution thus far.

The 2008 event highlighted UTMB’s multidisciplinary, internationally recognized team of researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences who are leading the way toward breakthroughs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration. With leading research scientists and the region’s most advanced diagnostic equipment for early detection of AMD as part of its basic and clinical research facilities, these researchers envision for the future what would once have been thought impossible: the translation of basic laboratory research into effective therapies that prevent or even reverse the progression of this debilitating disease which affects over 1.7 million Americans.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/society/5519867.html

Welcome Dr. Praveena Gupta, O.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Praveena Gupta has recently joined our faculty as a tenure track assistant professor. Dr. Gupta received her Ph.D. degree in India for studying the role of “lipofuscin” in ageing mice. After moving to US, she worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. Her research activities included investigating lysosomal storage disorders leading to neurodegeneration in mouse models of “Batten Disease”. She then went to school to attain her Doctor of Optometry degree from New England College, Boston. She is board certified in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease by the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry. She is also licensed as Optomertric Glaucoma specialist by Texas Board of Optometry. She also specializes in fitting both soft and hard contact lenses. She is interested in continuing research in areas of macular degeneration and neurodegeneration in Batten disease. She is a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Honor Society, American Optometric Association and American Academy of Optometry.

Outgoing Residents Continue their Journeys

The UTMB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is proud to graduate a distinguished class of residents this spring. These four physicians have excelled academically, clinically and in the research arenas, and will continue their medical pursuits at highly respected academic institutions. (read more)

Administrator ’s View: Growing an Enhanced Patient-Centered
Culture at the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

By Ron Dearinger
Administrator
Webster’s Dictionary defines accountability as “subject to having to report, explain, or justify: being answerable, responsible.” The Oz Principle redefines accountability as, “a personal choice to rise above one’s circumstances and demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving desired results.” Additionally, the Oz Principle espouses the idea that accountability is most effective when people in an organization share ownership of circumstances and results. This is an aspect the customary definition of accountability fails to take into account as it assigns sole responsibility to the individual without acknowledging the shared accountability that typifies organizational behavior. (read more)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindnessin U.S. citizens over the age of 70. There are currently 1.75 million Americans living with the condition. As the population ages, the number of people who develop AMD will also go up proportionally. It is estimated that by the year 2020, there could be 2.5 million adults with this disabling condition. (read more)

The UTMB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences would like to extend a warm welcome to its incoming freshmen class of residents. We have worked hard this past year to improve the quality of our residency program, initiating additional rotations in the both the clinical and research arenas. Under the leadership of Residency Program Director, Dr. Brian Wong, we sought the strongest medical students who wish to make their mark in the art and science of ophthalmology. We are happy to say that we have found such candidates. Please welcome the class of 2010. (read more)

Sight for Sore Eyes

Grand Rounds
Tuesday
7:30am - 8:30am
Wednesday
CME Accredited
7:30am - 8:30am

Patient Feedback 

Dr. Godley,

I have been seen in several university clinic sites, but never has entire process from registration, examination by a specialist, and processing after the doctor's visit been more pleasant and done so smoothly.

Margaret......

Just wanted to let you know that I just called your dept to make an appointment for a pt ……... The person with whom I spoke …..was extremely nice and helpful. Was the most + experience....

Sharon ………MD

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