What is the Dean McGee Eye Institute?

The Dean McGee Eye Institute is a nationally recognized freestanding eye institute, offering comprehensive eye care services and training future ophthalmologists through residency and fellowship programs.

When will the acquisition of DMEI by OU Health be finalized?

The acquisition is expected to be finalized by January 1, 2026.

What will the Department of Ophthalmology be renamed?

The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine will be renamed the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology.

What services will be integrated into OU Health?

OU Health will acquire DMEI's clinical operations, including its flagship campus location and satellite clinics, ensuring ongoing patient care.

What impact will the integration have on eye care in Oklahoma?

The integration is expected to foster innovation, improve access to specialized care, and enhance the overall quality of eye care services for Oklahomans.

January 1, 2026

OU Health to Acquire Dean McGee Eye Institute

News Summary

OU Health has announced plans to acquire the Dean McGee Eye Institute, enhancing eye care in Oklahoma. This merger aims to combine clinical excellence and educational opportunities, preparing future ophthalmologists while helping local residents access specialized eye care. The integration is set for completion by January 2026, establishing the OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute and renaming DMEI’s Department of Ophthalmology to reinforce its commitment to academic medicine and innovation in vision health.

Oklahoma city, OK – In a significant move to enhance healthcare in the region, OU Health has announced its intent to acquire the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI), one of the nation’s premier standalone eye institutions. This acquisition is set to be finalized by January 1, 2026, leading to the establishment of the OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute. This strategic integration not only underscores the longstanding partnership between OU Health and DMEI but also aims to elevate the quality of eye care, advance research, and foster medical education in Oklahoma.

The merger is anticipated to create a unified framework that amplifies the missions of both entities by enhancing clinical excellence and educational opportunities for students and residents at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. As part of the integration, DMEI’s existing and highly respected Department of Ophthalmology will be renamed the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to academic medicine.

A Legacy of Excellence in Eye Care

The Dean McGee Eye Institute has been a cornerstone of ophthalmic care and research since its founding in 1975. Renowned for its comprehensive services, DMEI offers specialized treatments including LASIK, refractive surgeries, low vision rehabilitation, and pediatric ophthalmology. The institute also provides advanced training through its residency and fellowship programs, preparing the next generation of ophthalmologists and contributing to the overall advancement of vision health.

Community Impact and Enhanced Access

With the acquisition, OU Health aims to bring DMEI into its robust academic health system, strengthening access to specialty eye care for Oklahoma residents. This consolidation of services promises to improve the quality of care provided while maintaining seamless operations across existing DMEI locations—including its flagship center in Oklahoma City and three satellite clinics in the metro area. By integrating these facilities, patients will benefit from a coherent and comprehensive network of eye care providers.

Innovation through Collaboration

The partnership between OU Health and DMEI signifies a mutual commitment to foster innovation in eye care. The two organizations plan to enhance research efforts and clinical trials that focus on cutting-edge advancements in ophthalmology. DMEI providers are already integral to multidisciplinary care initiatives within OU Health’s trauma, diabetes, cancer, and pediatric programs, showcasing the synergistic benefits of this integration.

Commitment to Education and Research

A primary focus of the merger will be the continued emphasis on educating healthcare professionals. The Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology is set to maintain its rigorous training programs, ensuring that residents and fellows receive high-quality instruction and hands-on experience. This dedication to academic rigor aligns with OU Health’s vision of delivering exceptional patient care and advancing medical knowledge.

Future Directions for Eye Care in Oklahoma

The integration of DMEI into OU Health marks a pivotal moment for the future of eye care in Oklahoma. By pooling resources, expertise, and innovative practices, the organizations aim to set new standards in vision health service delivery. This collaboration not only intends to enhance patient outcomes but also strives to make specialized eye care more accessible to all Oklahomans, ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of medical advancements in this field.

Conclusion

The acquisition of the Dean McGee Eye Institute by OU Health highlights a collective dedication to improving health outcomes and fostering innovation within Oklahoma’s healthcare ecosystem. As the transition unfolds, both organizations remain focused on ensuring that the highest standards of care continue to be delivered. This partnership is poised to benefit not only the institutions involved but also the wider community—leading to a brighter future for eye care in Oklahoma.

FAQ

What is the Dean McGee Eye Institute?: The Dean McGee Eye Institute is a nationally recognized freestanding eye institute, offering comprehensive eye care services and training future ophthalmologists through residency and fellowship programs.
When will the acquisition of DMEI by OU Health be finalized?: The acquisition is expected to be finalized by January 1, 2026.
What will the Department of Ophthalmology be renamed?: The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine will be renamed the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology.
What services will be integrated into OU Health?: OU Health will acquire DMEI’s clinical operations, including its flagship campus location and satellite clinics, ensuring ongoing patient care.
What impact will the integration have on eye care in Oklahoma?: The integration is expected to foster innovation, improve access to specialized care, and enhance the overall quality of eye care services for Oklahomans.