VISION RESEARCH FOUNDATION
BOARD of DIRECTORS/ OFFICERS

Betty M. Drees
Dean, UMKC School of Medicine

"The mission of the UMKC School of Medicine is to improve the health of the community it serves through education, research, and translation of new biomedical discoveries into improved health care. Our vision is to be a leader in academic health sciences through vibrant community partnerships. The new Vision Research Center is a prime example of the type of partnerships that the School of Medicine is engaging in to meet the mission and vision of the school. Through collaboration with the Vision Research Foundation, Truman Medical Centers, Sabates Eye Centers, and other UMKC Health Science Schools, the UMKC Department of Ophthalmology is engaged in building a Vision Research Center that will add to the growing Life Science initiatives in Kansas City, but more importantly, lead to discoveries and applications that prevent blindness and improve vision. Our institutions on Hospital Hill have a long standing commitment to the urban core of Kansas City, and to education of medical students and resident physicians. This new Vision Research Center will extend the impact of the ophthalmology programs nationally and internationally."

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