The new kid on the block is making a little noise.
For the second consecutive year, the Moran Eye Center’s residency program is ranked in the top-ten by Ophthalmology Times.
The ranking is determined by a poll of ophthalmology department chairpersons across the country. Last year, the University of Utah was ranked ninth, the first time it broke top-ten in the poll.
“Often, schools that make the list for the first time don’t make the list again,” said Dr. Randall Olson, the center’s chairman. “[Our consecutive ranking] is solid confirmation of the most credible kind.”
The center tied with the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary of Harvard University for eighth place, and Olson reveled over his center’s position among the company of more established institutions.
“It indicates we’re getting the attention of people in the country,” Olson said.
The 8-year-old center is a Johnny-come-lately compared to the other programs. Harvard’s infirmary was established 177 years ago, Wills Eye Hospital 169 years ago and Kellogg Eye Center 129 years ago.
“Frankly, I think we’re a lot better,” Olson said jokingly, but added he has numbers to prove his case.
Olson said the center has improved its research staff and teaching program but does not actively pursue rankings, which he considers subjective.
“It depends on department chairs,” Olson said.
Ophthalmology Times published top-ten rankings in three other categories, in which the U did not place. Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University was ranked first among research programs and first in the overall category. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of University of Miami won the patient care category.
Olson said it is difficult to continue expanding U’s program because the center is short on physical space. The program plans to move to a new $35 million, five level Moran Eye Center II in about five years, and Olson is optimistic.
“Our goal is to be recognized as one the prestigious clinical research and teaching programs in the country,” Olson said, “and I think we can do it.”