KU Eye plans centennial events

Mike Sherry – The Hale Center for Journalism

The Ophthalmology Department at the University of Kansas Medical Center is marking its centennial this year through several public events aimed at raising awareness and promoting vision care.

The department, also known as KU Eye, has its main office in Prairie Village, Kan. It is the only ophthalmology department in the state, and according to a news release, its alumni make up nearly 20 percent of all licensed ophthalmologists in Kansas.

As part of the celebration, organizers kicked off the Century of Caring Lecture Series Thursday with a talk held in conjunction with National Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 years and older. Retina specialist Ajay Singh discussed the symptoms and signs of AMD, its causes and treatment options at the KU Eye Center, 7400 State Line Road in Prairie Village. The lecture series is free and open to the public.

Other planned events include:

• Opening of the KU Eye Surgery and Laser Center in late April. This ambulatory surgery center is intended to serve patients who need less-invasive surgeries, such as for cataracts and some glaucoma and retinal conditions, as well as LASIK and cosmetic procedures.

• Awareness walk with sight buddies to promote World Sight Day in October. The route will end at booths where participants can experience everyday tasks as someone with impaired or no vision. The department plans to announce a specific date later this year.

Major Funding for Health coverage on KCPT provided by Assurant Employee Benefits and the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.