When we opened our doors in 1991 with the Casey family's generous support, we were a regional eye center with big ambitions. Today, we are internationally recognized for our clinical care, research, education, and outreach. Our trainees regularly take prestigious positions around the country, and faculty have gone on to lead institutions like the National Eye Institute. Our explosive growth in the past 35 years reflects countless people working hard to honor the Casey family’s investment and the vision for an institute of innovation and excellence. 

I’m also happy to report that despite the past year’s challenges, our clinical productivity in 2025 was higher than ever before. In addition, we received nearly 700 applications for five residency positions, and faculty earned prestigious national awards.  

As we celebrate our first 35 years, we look forward to what's next. Through expanded telehealth services, advanced imaging, and supporting vision health navigators working directly in Oregon communities, we remain committed to our mission of providing high-quality eye care far beyond the Portland area. But as we continue to improve and rely on new technologies like artificial intelligence, we're committed to remaining focused on a humanistic approach. Technology is an important clinical and research aid, but it will never replace caring for patients as we would care for our family and friends. 

Casey’s success is built on an incredible foundation. Kenneth C. Swan, M.D., created our region's first academic eye department in 1945. Frederick T. Fraunfelder, M.D., persevered to move it into a freestanding institute in 1991. Joseph E. Robertson, Jr., M.D., MBA, whom we lost in September, had a vision of national prominence and empowered us to make bold leaps forward. David J. Wilson, M.D., invested in gene therapy, imaging and mobile outreach that put Casey on the international map. The legacies of these leaders continue to inspire us every day to push the boundaries of eye care forward for the next 35 years. 

We're grateful to the donors who make our programs possible. Casey's strength has always been our collaborative spirit, encompassing clinicians, researchers, nurses, technicians, and administrative staff who all work together to provide the best eye care to every patient. 

Thirty-five years in, we’re just getting started. We invite you to read Innovations 2026, which captures recent innovations that make Casey special. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Warmly, 

Andreas K. Lauer, M.D. 
Director, Casey Eye Institute 
Chair & Professor, Department of Ophthalmology 
Margaret Thiele-Petti and August Petti Endowed Chair 

David Huang, M.D., Ph.D. 
Associate Director, Casey Eye Institute 
Professor of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering 
Wold Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmic Imaging