Kansas University’s department of ophthalmology was founded on Jan. 1, 1914. To mark its centennial year, the department — also known as KU Eye — plans several public events to raise awareness and promote vision care.

As the only department of ophthalmology in the state training ophthalmologists, KU Eye boasts 146 alumni, 44 of whom make up the 250 licensed ophthalmologists in Kansas. The Kansas House of Representatives intends to honor this contribution Wednesday with a resolution commemorating KU Eye’s centennial.

“For 100 years, while taking care of Kansans and our neighbors, we’ve been educating residents and medical students for the future,” said John Sutphin, professor and chairman of the KU ophthalmology department.

KU Eye is celebrating the milestone with a yearlong series of events and activities, including the Century of Caring Lecture Series at KU Eye Center in Prairie Village, the KU “Eye-rish” float in the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the opening of the KU Eye Surgery and Laser Center in late April, and the awareness walk with sight buddies to promote World Sight Day in October. To register or for more information, call 913-588-6606 or email kephart@kumc.edu.