Fifty years ago, a visionary dream took shape in Oklahoma City — a dream that transformed ophthalmology and created a pivotal center for eye care, education and research. The Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, reflecting on a legacy of pioneering advancements and a commitment to the future.
“Since its opening in December 1975, DMEI has had tremendous growth and has developed into one of America’s largest and most respected centers for medical and surgical eye care,” said CEO R. Michael Siatkowski, MD, MBA. “We started with six doctors and no Ph.D. vision researchers, utilizing just 20,000 square feet of space. Today, we have over 35 providers and six Ph.D. vision research principal investigators, utilizing 148,000 square feet of space while also operating our own ambulatory surgical center, the McGee Eye Surgery Center.”
A Unique Vision
From its early days, DMEI was envisioned as an independent nonprofit dedicated to world-class patient care, groundbreaking vision research and training future ophthalmologists. Spearheaded by Dean McGee, Stanton Young, Dr. Tom Acers, Jim Tolbert III and others, the Institute emerged from McGee’s personal experience with a detached retina. Established in partnership with the University of Oklahoma, it seamlessly blends private practice and academic medicine.
“Our mission statement says that we are dedicated to both excellence and leadership in clinical and surgical care, medical education and vision research, and that we aspire to improve the lives not only of all Oklahomans but also of the global community,” Siatkowski said.
Excellence That Inspires
Today, DMEI stands as a world-class institution, renowned for cutting-edge facilities, innovative research and compassionate patient care. Under Siatkowski’s leadership, it continues to attract top talent and improve lives through groundbreaking treatments.
“Ophthalmology has changed tremendously since DMEI first opened its doors,” Siatkowski said. “At one time, people were in the hospital for 3-5 days for cataract surgery and had to wear thick glasses afterward. Now they have a 15-minute surgery, go home the same day and can elect to have advanced lens implants so they don’t need glasses at all anymore. At one time, there was no treatment for diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration; now we have multiple medicines that can be injected into the eye that preserve and improve vision.”
Looking Ahead
As DMEI celebrates its golden anniversary, the Institute reflects on the contributions of those who built its foundation. Its founders’ and leaders’ creative ideas, dedication and generosity have set the standard for excellence that guides the Institute today.
“DMEI is proud of our Oklahoma roots, and we have a strong desire to give back to our city and state,” Siatkowski said. “We participate in a wide variety of activities in this regard. Some examples include participation in many charity clinics throughout OKC, performing vision screening evaluations at local schools and lecturing about vision problems to the public.”
According to Siatkowski, DMEI provides four unique contributions to OKC and the state:
- “We provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical eye care, and have by far the state’s largest group of eye specialists, equipment and technology.”
- “We turn no one away and treat everyone regardless of insurance status to ability to pay.”
- “We are the only institution in the state that has an ophthalmology residency or fellowship training programs.”
- “We have the state’s largest collection of vision researchers under one roof. DMEI is active and successful in laboratory, clinical, educational and public health research as it affects vision and the eyes.”
As DMEI marks this milestone, it stands as a testament to the power of shared vision and enduring commitment. Here’s to another 50 years of transformative care.
Interested in learning more about long-standing businesses in Oklahoma City? Check out our story about Oklahoma non-profit, i2E’s celebration of 25 years.
