Stay connected with The Oklahoman: How to subscribe online
Through our website, app, e-edition, newsletters, news alerts, social media and more, The Oklahoman is here for you. Here’s how to stay connected.
OU Health this week announced it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Dean McGee Eye Institute.
The acquisition changes the eye center’s name to OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute, which stakeholders say strengthens a longstanding relationship, advances the institute’s role in the academic health mission and honors its legacy in eye care.
DMEI CEO Dr. Michael Siatkowski, said the merger makes sense from a research and education standpoint, adding that as the institute’s leader, one of his most important jobs is making sure their mission will continue beyond his time there.
Siatkowski, who also serves as the Edward L. Gaylord Professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at OU College of Medicine, said it’s clear the best way to further their mission of leadership and excellence in patient care, research and medical education for Oklahomans and the global community is to team up with a large partner.
DMEI is now part of the only comprehensive academic health system in the state, which formed in 2020 when OU Medicine combined with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
“The obvious partner for us to join is OU Health,” Siatkowski told The Oklahoman earlier this month.
Deal was months in the making
Leaders from OU Health, DMEI and the University of Oklahoma have spent several months discussing and planning the integration, which is expected to be finalized by Jan. 1, 2026, according to a release. Stakeholders say the merger builds on DMEI’s decades-long role as the OU College of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and reinforces a shared commitment to academic medicine.
Once the merger is approved, that department will become the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology.
“By bringing DMEI into the academic health system, OU Health will strengthen the foundation of eye care in Oklahoma and position DMEI, under the support and leadership of OU Health, to drive innovation, expand access and set new standards of excellence in vision health,” the release reads.
Dr. Richard P. Lofgren, president and CEO of OU Health, said the university’s system secures the future of the institute that is celebrating a 50-year legacy, and it also reinforces its leadership in innovation that will benefit generations to come.
“Together, we are expanding our mission to deliver exceptional care, foster groundbreaking discoveries and serve our communities with unwavering excellence,” Lofgren said in a statement.
Part of that service will involve training the next generation of ophthalmologists during a crucial time. The American Academy of Ophthalmology projects the profession to have the second worst rate of workforce adequacy of 38 medical and surgical specialties studied by 2035.
The Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine will continue to train future ophthalmologists through residency and fellowship programs and conduct research and clinical trials that advance the science and innovation of eye care.
As part of the acquisition, the OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute will support these programs, creating a unified, mission-driven structure to enhance quality and outcomes.
“We have to continue developing new treatments that work better, longer and require fewer visits,” Siatkowski said.
Integration efforts have already begun, focusing on provider and staff alignment as team members join OU Health, according to the release. As part of the agreement, OU Health will acquire DMEI’s clinical operations, including its flagship OU Health campus location, three Oklahoma City metro satellite clinics and a Lawton site, ensuring patients continue to receive care from their providers at these locations.
Ownership of the DMEI buildings and real estate will be transferred to the Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation. The OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute and the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology will continue to occupy the buildings, and the Foundation will continue with its charitable mission to support the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology, according to the release.
Dr. Ian Dunn, chief physician executive for OU Health and executive dean for the OU College of Medicine, said the step strengthens OU’s academic health system and enhances their ability “to deliver leading-edge eye care.”
This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.
link
More Stories
The Concierge Experience Redefining Eye Care in 2026
Patients’ Cardiovascular Risk Score May Predict Development of Multiple Eye Diseases, New Study Shows
Rutgers Health experts highlight glaucoma risks, early detection