Hero

The History of the Dennis P. Han, MD Advanced Ocular Imaging Program

AOSLO System_Intro Component

The Advanced Ocular Imaging Program (AOIP) was created in 2009.

The Advanced Ocular Imaging Program (AOIP) was created in 2009 to promote the development and use of translational ocular imaging tools to improve detection, diagnosis, and management of eye disease. The founding directors were Joseph Carroll, PhD and Dennis P. Han, MD, and their initial focus was to create a culture of collaboration between our research faculty and physicians. What emerged was a truly unique infrastructure, where the common language was imaging. Expanding the arsenal of imaging equipment in the clinic, bringing the latest ocular imaging technology into the research labs, and establishing processes through which these resources could be shared were some of the biggest investments early on.
Adaptive Optics Table_Image Text Split

In 2011, Dr. Alfredo Dubra was recruited to the AOIP.

Dr. Dubra had collaborated with Dr. Carroll since 2007 on the development and application of ophthalmic adaptive optics technology. The strength in adaptive optics imaging, specifically our commitment to apply the technology with the patient in mind, laid the foundation for the AOIP today.
Researcher with Participant_Image Text Split

The laboratory renovation project

In conjunction with Dr. Dubra’s recruitment, the Department of Ophthalmology made a major investment to renovate the existing laboratory space on the 8th floor of the Eye Institute to house the AOIP. A dedicated waiting area for patients and their families, space for multiple adaptive optics imaging systems, numerous image processing workstations, dedicated rooms for additional clinical imaging equipment and eye exams, and a separate research and development lab comprise the AOIP facilities. In addition, there continues to be investment in the most valuable resource of the AOIP – people. The AOIP currently consists of over 40 faculty, staff, and students. In January of 2013, Dr. Dubra replaced Dr. Han and co-directed the program with Dr. Carroll until October of 2016 when he left for Stanford University.
Dennis P. Han, MD

Honoring a legacy of work

For more than 30 years Dr. Han has helped shape the national reputation of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences with his commitment to excellence and dedication to MCW’s mission of delivering compassionate, research-based patient care.  As a leader and mentor, his influence on generations of medical students, residents and fellows has been incalculable.

 

In 2020, a grateful donor established an endowment that honors the legacy of Dr. Dennis P. Han, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. It renamed the Advanced Ocular Imaging Program at MCW as the “Dennis P. Han, MD Advanced Ocular Imaging Program”. The endowment is a lasting recognition of Dr. Han’s contributions to the advancement of medicine through developing a culture of collaboration between research faculty, physicians and students. Every patient and every research volunteer seen in the AOIP brings discovery and innovation to build on for the benefit of our fellow human beings—an ideal for which Dr. Han has strived throughout his career.