From the Chairman's Desk

Mark J. Mannis, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Welcome to the UC Davis Health System Eye Center, where we strive to combine the very highest quality vision health care services with cutting edge ophthalmic science. Now in its 40th year, the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science continues to serve the northern California and western Nevada regions with state-of-the-art medical and surgical eye care. Our new designation as the eye center speaks to our growing regional presence and nationwide reputation as a resource for both patient care and for the advancement of medical science in ophthalmology.

Our greatest pride is the department faculty, who represent internationally renowned clinicians, scientists, and teachers of the next generation of physicians. I believe that UC Davis Health System provides for every patient an experience that makes receiving care here positive and confidence inspiring. Whether you need comprehensive eye care or are in search of treatment for a more serious eye problem, the eye center supports our community physicians by providing consultative care for the treatment of all forms of medical and surgical eye disease, including glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, corneal disease, dry eye, pediatric eye problems, neurological disease affecting the eye, refractive surgery, and many others. Joined by a team of expert optometrists, the faculty provides the full range of specialized care.

In addition to our service to patients, which always takes first priority, the eye center also encompasses a growing research program that is designed to focus efforts on new treatments and cures for disabling eye disease and a deepened understanding of the miraculous phenomenon that is vision. We participate in over 60 clinical trials, affording patients access to the very newest medical and surgical therapies.

Finally, our department shares a strong commitment to medical education and, as a department in the School of Medicine at UC Davis, one of the exciting aspects of what we do is the training of medical students, residents, and fellows.

The field of ophthalmology is literally exploding with new treatment possibilities almost daily. Many diseases for which there was no hope of treatment or cure only a couple of years ago can now be managed with considerable success. It is an exciting time to be at the eye center, both as patients and care givers.

All of us at the UC Davis Health System Eye Center look forward to serving you.

Mark J. Mannis, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Professor and Chair