Ophthalmology Lectureships

Inaugurated in 1973, the F. Bruce Fralick Lecture was established to honor the then immediate past chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, who had served in that role for 35 years. Dr. Fralick was a leader in American ophthalmology and a pioneer in the development of modern cataract surgery. He was a dedicated teacher and conducted one of the country’s foremost residency training programs. This lectureship in his name bears honor to his outstanding contributions to the University of Michigan and its Department of Ophthalmology. Although Dr. Fralick died in 1983, this lectureship continues as a tribute to his high standards of excellence.

The Roger Meyer, MD, Lectureship strengthens the department’s ability to welcome exceptional teachers and innovators whose work inspires the next generation of ophthalmologists. It honors a career spanning more than three decades, defined by excellence in corneal surgery, dedicated teaching, and impactful clinical research.

Dr. Meyer earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and his medical degree at The Ohio State University. He returned to U-M for his ophthalmology residency before completing fellowships in corneal transplantation immunology and corneal transplantation at the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Florida. He also served his country as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force and as director of aeromedical services at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan.

Throughout his career, Dr. Meyer was deeply committed to advancing patient care and education. His clinical research helped develop corneal transplantation techniques aimed at improving outcomes, and his dedication to residents, fellows, and patients left a lasting mark on the department.

This lectureship reflects the high regard in which Dr. Meyer is held and ensures that visiting experts are welcomed into a tradition of excellence—one where having Roger Meyer’s name associated with their teaching is considered a meaningful distinction.

The Meyer Lectureship was inaugurated during Fall Reunion Day at the Kellogg Eye Center on September 23, 2011.

Qais Farjo, MD, PhD, was a tireless physician, surgeon, researcher, mentor, and friend whose life and career embodied the spirit of the University of Michigan. A true “Michigan Man,” he entered U-M through the Inteflex program, completed his residency and fellowship training here, and later joined the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences as a faculty member.

Dr. Farjo restored sight for countless patients and served as medical director of the Michigan Eye-Bank, while also making lasting contributions to basic science. His groundbreaking work characterizing the NRL gene helped establish its role as a master transcription factor governing photoreceptor cell fate during development. Equally impactful was his influence on those around him—he shaped careers through his generosity, patience, humor, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

A gifted surgeon known for tackling the most complex cases with perseverance and compassion, Dr. Farjo faced his own courageous battle with cancer before his passing in February 2014. His loss was felt deeply across the department and beyond.

This endowed lectureship honors one of the department’s most accomplished alumni and is made possible through the generosity of those touched by his life. Reflecting Dr. Farjo’s wide-ranging interests in research, clinical care, and education, the lectureship enables the department to host distinguished speakers who share advances in collaborative care, innovative surgical techniques, and translational research.

The Lectureship will be featured at our Fall Reunion each year.