Dean Mcgee Eye Institute

What Dean Mcgee Eye Institute does

Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) is a nonprofit academic eye institute founded in 1975 in Oklahoma City and operating as the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. It is Oklahoma's largest and most comprehensive eye care practice, delivering more than 210,000 patient visits annually across a flagship OU Health Sciences Center campus, three Oklahoma City metro satellite clinics (Edmond, Northwest OKC, and Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health), and a Lawton regional site, serving patients from all 77 Oklahoma counties. The institute is staffed by fellowship-trained specialists covering every ophthalmology subspecialty (cornea, glaucoma, retina, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery, uveitis) and runs nationally ranked residency and fellowship programs.

Its service portfolio spans routine primary eye care, cataract surgery (including premium IOLs), LASIK vision correction, glaucoma laser and surgical treatments, retinal and vitreous surgery, dry eye therapies (IPL, LipiFlow), cosmetic and oculoplastic procedures, ocular prosthetics, low vision rehabilitation, and cancer care. The institute is also a designated administration site for LUXTURNA gene therapy and operates active clinical trials, basic and clinical vision research across 21 laboratories (funded by a $2.9M P30 Vision Core grant from the National Eye Institute), the KTEF Center for Pediatric Vision Research (backed by a $4M endowment), and a Global Ophthalmology Program with outreach in China and Africa.

Revenue is generated through three principal streams: clinical patient care services across its subspecialty practice, research grants and philanthropic funding (NEI, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inasmuch Foundation, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation), and academic medical center operations tied to residency and fellowship training. The institute is undergoing acquisition by OU Health, with a Letter of Intent signed December 2025 and closing expected January 1, 2026, under which OU Health will acquire DMEI's clinical operations while the Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation retains ownership of the buildings and real estate and continues its charitable mission.

Name

Dean Mcgee Eye Institute

Legal name

Dean McGee Eye Institute

Website

https://dmei.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Dean McGee Eye Institute is Oklahoma's largest nonprofit academic eye institute, providing comprehensive subspecialty eye care, vision research, and ophthalmology residency and fellowship training across five locations to patients in all 77 Oklahoma counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ophthalmology and Academic Eye Care

NAICS

Offices of Physicians (62111), Optical Goods Retailers (456130)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Ophthalmology Clinics (Medical & Surgical Eye Care) (HLAKAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comprehensive Eye Exams & Vision Care (HLAKAKAA), Retina & Vitreous Specialists (HLAKAKAE), Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery (LASIK/PRK) (HLAKAKAF), Ocular Imaging & Diagnostic Testing Centers (HLAKAKAN), Ophthalmology Surgery Centers (HLAFAIAF)

Keywords

• Ophthalmology services
• Eye care specialties
• Vision research programs
• Medical residency training
• Clinical eye trials

Headquarters

HQ city

Oklahoma City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Clinical Patient Care Services: Revenue from comprehensive eye care services including routine exams, surgical procedures, diagnostic testing, and specialized treatments across multiple eye conditions and subspecialties.
2. Research Grants and Funding: Federal and foundation grants supporting vision research, training programs, and specialized equipment acquisition. Includes National Eye Institute P30 Vision Core grants, Knights Templar Eye Foundation endowments, and foundation grants from Inas Much Foundation and Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.
3. Academic Medical Center Operations: Revenue from residency and fellowship training programs, medical education, and integration with OU Health academic health system.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Dean McGee Eye Institute provides comprehensive ophthalmology care spanning routine eye exams, cataract and LASIK surgery, and subspecialty services in cornea, glaucoma, retina, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics, and uveitis, delivered by fellowship-trained specialists at multiple Oklahoma clinic locations. The institute pairs clinical care with academic medical education through residency and fellowship programs and operates a vision research enterprise including a P30 Vision Core grant–funded program, clinical trials, and the KTEF Center for Pediatric Vision Research.

Product overview

Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) is Oklahoma's largest and most comprehensive academic eye care practice, operating as part of OU Health. The institute offers a unified portfolio of eye care services spanning general ophthalmology, eleven subspecialties (cornea, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, retina, pediatrics, uveitis, and others), surgical services (cataract, LASIK, cosmetic, reconstructive), diagnostic services, and ocular prosthetics. The institute integrates clinical care with a robust research enterprise including vision research programs, clinical trials, and the KTEF Center for Pediatric Vision Research. Medical education is a core function through residency and fellowship programs in all major ophthalmology subspecialties. The institute also operates an Optical Shop, provides Low Vision Rehabilitation services, and runs international outreach through its Global Ophthalmology Program. DMEI serves all 77 Oklahoma counties with over 210,000 patient visits annually across multiple locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology: The academic department at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine that trains future ophthalmologists through residency and fellowship programs.

Products and services

• Cataract Surgery Surgical removal and replacement of clouded eye lenses, including standard and premium options with advanced lens implants for adult patients with cataracts.
• Premium Cataract Surgery Advanced cataract surgery with premium lens implants that can reduce dependence on glasses or contacts by addressing presbyopia, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
• Contact Lens Services Fitting and management of elective and medically necessary contact lenses including specialty options for astigmatism and corneal conditions.
• Cosmetic Eye & Facial Treatments Aesthetic procedures including BOTOX injections, dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, BBL therapy, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and brow lift procedures.
• Dry Eye Treatment Treatment for dry eye syndrome including Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and LipiFlow thermal pulsation treatment.
• LASIK Vision Correction Laser eye surgery to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
• Ocular Prosthetics Custom prosthetic eye fabrication and fitting services performed by board-certified ocularists for patients who have undergone eye removal surgery.
• Optical Shop On-site optical retail providing prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and lenses.
• Optometry / Primary Eye Care Comprehensive eye exams and primary eye care services including diagnosis and management of refractive error and common ocular conditions.
• Comprehensive Ophthalmology General eye care including routine exams, diagnosis, and treatment of common eye conditions.
• Cornea and External Eye Diseases Medical and surgical treatment of corneal conditions including Fuchs' dystrophy, keratoconus, corneal transplants, DSAEK/DMEK surgery, and corneal cross-linking.
• Glaucoma Services Diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma including eye drops, laser treatments (iridotomy, trabeculoplasty, cyclophotocoagulation), and surgical options including MIGS and trabeculectomy.
• Low Vision Rehabilitation Services to help patients maximize remaining vision through specialized devices, training, and adaptive techniques.
• Neuro-Ophthalmology Diagnosis and treatment of visual problems related to the nervous system including optic nerve disorders, migraines, and adult strabismus.
• Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Surgical treatment of eyelids, orbits, and lacrimal system including tumor removal, reconstruction, ptosis repair, and cosmetic procedures.
• Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Medical and surgical eye care for children including treatment for amblyopia, strabismus, and congenital eye conditions.
• Retina and Vitreous Disease Services Treatment of retinal conditions including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, macular holes, retinitis pigmentosa, with procedures including intraocular injections, laser treatments, vitrectomy, and scleral buckle.
• Uveitis Services Diagnosis and treatment of uveitis (inflammation of the eye) and related inflammatory eye conditions.
• Cancer Care (Eyelid and Ocular Oncology) Diagnosis and surgical treatment of eyelid skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, with Mohs micrographic technique and reconstructive surgery.
• Ophthalmology Residency Program Four-year ophthalmology residency training program with extensive surgical experience, research opportunities, and fellowship preparation.
• Fellowship Programs Advanced subspecialty training programs in cornea/external diseases/refractive surgery, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, and retina.
• Vision Research Program Basic and clinical research advancing eye care science including studies on retinal diseases, ocular infections, and novel treatments.
• Clinical Trials Active clinical trials offering patients access to experimental treatments and therapies, including LUXTURNA gene therapy for inherited retinal disease.
• KTEF Center for Pediatric Vision Research Dedicated pediatric vision research center supported by a $4 million endowment from Knights Templar Eye Foundation for studying childhood eye conditions.
• Global Ophthalmology Program International eye care training and outreach programs including China and Africa initiatives, training surgeons in developing regions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 210,000+ patient visits annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• OU HealthflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 December 2025OU Health, Oklahoma's flagship academic health system, acquired DMEI creating OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute. This acquisition strengthens the foundation of eye care in Oklahoma, positions DMEI under OU Health leadership to drive innovation, expand access, and set new standards of excellence in vision health. Integration includes provider and staff alignment, acquisition of clinical operations, and support for residency/fellowship programs.
• Spark TherapeuticscoreTechnology or Integration · 19 March 2024DMEI named one of the newest sites for administering LUXTURNA (voretigene neparvovec), an FDA-approved gene therapy treatment for inherited retinal disease.
• University of Oklahoma College of MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDMEI serves as the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, training future ophthalmologists through residency and fellowship programs.
• Dean McGee Eye Institute FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation owns the DMEI buildings and real estate. The OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute and the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology continue to occupy the buildings, and the Foundation continues with its charitable mission to support the Department of Ophthalmology.
• Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighboring research institution that shares specialized equipment cores with DMEI researchers under the P30 Vision Core grant.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bascom Palmer Eye Institute: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (University of Miami) is a peer academic eye institute consistently ranked #1 in the U.S., operating within an academic health system, conducting NIH-funded vision research, and providing fellowship-trained subspecialty care across all ophthalmology areas—directly comparable to DMEI's model.
• Wills Eye Hospital: Wills Eye Hospital (Philadelphia) is a freestanding academic eye hospital affiliated with Sidney Kimmel Medical College offering comprehensive ophthalmology subspecialties, residency/fellowship training, and clinical research—structurally identical to DMEI as a specialty eye institute.
• Wilmer Eye Institute (Johns Hopkins): Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins is a large academic ophthalmology department with NEI-funded research cores, multi-subspecialty clinical services, and residency/fellowship programs—comparable to DMEI's integrated academic-research-clinical model.
• Massachusetts Eye and Ear (Mass Eye and Ear): Massachusetts Eye and Ear (Harvard Medical School affiliate) is a specialty hospital focused exclusively on ophthalmology and otolaryngology, delivering research-driven subspecialty care with extensive clinical volume—directly comparable as an academic specialty eye hospital.
• Emory Eye Center: Emory Eye Center is an academic ophthalmology department at Emory University providing full subspecialty care, residency/fellowship training, and NIH-funded vision research—similar integrated academic eye center model to DMEI.
• Duke Eye Center: Duke Eye Center is a major academic ophthalmology program within Duke University Health System offering comprehensive subspecialties, research cores, and training programs—comparable to DMEI's academic-clinical-research portfolio.
• Cole Eye Institute (Cleveland Clinic): Cole Eye Institute at Cleveland Clinic is a large academic ophthalmology center providing subspecialty care, research, and education within an integrated health system—highly comparable to DMEI following its OU Health integration.
• Moran Eye Center (University of Utah): John A. Moran Eye Center at University of Utah is a comprehensive academic eye center with research institutes, subspecialty clinics, training programs, and global outreach initiatives—structural match for DMEI including its Global Ophthalmology program.
• Casey Eye Institute (OHSU): Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University is an academic eye institute with subspecialty clinical services, residency/fellowship training, and NEI-funded vision research—direct peer to DMEI as a university-affiliated specialty eye institute.
• Jules Stein Eye Institute (UCLA): Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA is a research-intensive academic ophthalmology department within a major academic health system, providing multi-subspecialty care and extensive training programs—comparable to DMEI's academic-clinical-research profile.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/DMEIDevelopment
• Facebookfacebook.com/DeanMcGeeEyeInstitute
• Instagraminstagram.com/deanmcgeeeyeinstitute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Dean Mcgee Eye Institute