The Chair’s Perspective

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This past year has certainly been unlike any other in Kellogg’s recent history. While COVID-19 presented many challenges, it also spurred us to achieve in new ways. Our response to the pandemic sped up the implementation of several elements of our strategic plan, including new models of care, reducing health-care disparities, and using data sciences to personalize care. It challenged us to re-think many aspects of our operations, from research to clinical care, which will improve the lives of our patients long beyond the pandemic. In this year’s Annual Report, we are proud to share with you some of the 2020 accomplishments of our Kellogg faculty, learners, staff and alumni.

To ensure the health of our patients, clinicians, learners and research teams, Kellogg drew upon our longstanding commitment to a culture of safety, adopting enhanced protocols and procedures. We quickly designed and implemented new safety equipment, developed hybrid virtual care based on existing e-health programs, and used risk profiling to guide deferral of care.

Kellogg team members volunteered to care for COVID-19 patients in inpatient settings at the University of Michigan Hospital and the VA, as well as at a planned field hospital (which was fortunately not needed). In addition, our faculty and staff continued to emphasize efforts to care for those who find it difficult to access eye care in Michigan. These actions exemplify the ideals of Kellogg, and I’m proud to work with such inspiring individuals.

2020 was a remarkable year for innovation in other ways, with several major grants awarded to Kellogg faculty. Grants included many new NIH Research Project Grants (R01) and major awards from JDRF and Prevent Blindness. We also launched the Multidisciplinary Facial Nerve Clinic and the Multidisciplinary Ophthalmic Genetics Clinic—two important programs that will further our ability to provide patients with the most comprehensive vision care possible.

Thank you for reading this year's Annual Report, which showcases the ingenuity and tenacity of our faculty, staff, trainees and alumni, the dedication and generosity of our donor partners, and the perseverance of our valued patients. We are grateful to every member of the Kellogg family for a remarkable year. Imagine what we will do together in 2021!

Paul P. Lee, MD, JD

F. Bruce Fralick Professor and Chair, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Director, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center