July 31, 2003

The UM Kellogg Eye Center is one of the nation's best vision centers, says U.S. News & World Report

Ann Arbor—The University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center has been named one of the best vision centers in the nation, according to the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings. The annual survey is based on the responses of ophthalmologists who are asked to name hospitals or medical centers they believe to be the best in their specialty, without considering cost or location.

Each year U.S. News compiles a list of best hospitals, with separate listings for each of 17 medical specialties, including ophthalmology. The Kellogg Eye Center was selected 14th in this highly competitive ranking.

"We are pleased to receive this recognition for excellence in patient care," said Paul R. Lichter, M.D., Director of the UM Kellogg Eye Center. "Our patients know that they can count on us whether they need routine eye examinations or very specialized care for a rare or complex eye disease. In each case, we are committed to providing the highest and most advanced standard of care."

The survey asks ophthalmologists to name up to five hospitals or affiliated medical centers that offer "the best care for patients with the most serious or difficult medical problems associated with ophthalmology, regardless of location or expense."

The Kellogg Eye Center serves as the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences for the University of Michigan Health System. The Department was established in 1872, making it the fourth oldest such department in the nation. In addition to its general ophthalmology clinic and its seven subspecialty clinics, the Eye Center has a strong research program aimed at finding treatments and cures for some of the most pressing vision disorders.

For the third consecutive year, the UM Health System was ranked among the top ten "Best Hospitals" in the U.S. News & World Report survey. In addition to ophthalmology, 15 other specialties in the Health System were recognized as being among the nation’s best.

A complete listing of the 2003 "Best Hospitals" appears in the July 28 issue of U.S. News & World Report and online at www.USNews.com. Contact: Betsy Nisbet, 734.647.5586, bsnisbet@umich.edu.