The Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation (DMEI Foundation) supports the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Its mission is to advance vision research and ophthalmic education, strengthening the future of eye care, research, and education in Oklahoma. Through donor support, the Foundation funds research infrastructure, equipment, and laboratory experimentation to help scientists pursue treatments and cures for eye diseases. It also supports the education and training of residents, fellows, and medical students through programs, educational equipment, and other learning initiatives.

The Foundation sponsors endowed lectureships that encourage clinical excellence and academic exchange, and administers the Eaton-Balyeat Clinical Research Education Fund, which assists residents, fellows, and supervising faculty. Its Acers Society Fund supports the continuing education and well-being of residents and fellows, honoring Dr. Thomas E. Acers, the department’s first full-time chair and the institute’s founding president. In addition, donor-funded endowed chairs and professorships support clinicians and scientists in their academic, educational, research, and service work.