A striking microscopic image of the human eye by Pooja Rathaur, PhD of WashU Medicine has been recognized as an Image of Distinction in the 2026 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition.
Pooja Rathaur, PhD—a postdoctoral fellow in the Bassnett Lab
Rathaur’s image, “Zonular fibers bridging the lens and ciliary body of the human eye,” highlights the intricate structures that help the eye focus. Zonular fibers connect the lens to the ciliary body, transmitting forces that allow the lens to change shape and bring objects at different distances into focus.
The recognition builds on an earlier honor for the image, which received an award at the inaugural Vision Research Retreat at WashU Medicine in 2024. Together, these recognitions showcase the scientific and visual significance of capturing the eye’s complex anatomy through microscopy.
I’m honored that my image, “Zonular Fibers Bridging the Lens and Ciliary Body of the Human Eye,” has received an Images of Distinction Award in the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2026, a globally recognized competition that highlights the beauty of the microscopic world and scientific discoveries. For me, microscopy is more than a scientific tool. It is a way to uncover the hidden beauty of intricate biological structures and share the wonders of science with the world.
Pooja Rathaur, PhD
The Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition celebrates the art and science of photography through the microscope, highlighting images that reveal the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world.
View Rathaur’s Image of Distinction in the 2026 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition.