We are thrilled to share that Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, and members of the Apte Lab at WashU Medicine recently presented their latest research at the 129th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society, held April 9–12, 2026, at the Fukuoka International Congress Center and Marine Messe Fukuoka AB. “It was an honor to […]
Author: Brianna
Spring 2025 LASIK CE Dinner Recap: A Night of Education, Connection, and Community
The WashU Medicine Spring 2025 LASIK Optometry Continuing Education Dinner was an outstanding success! Held on April 15, 2025, at Westwood Country Club in St. Louis, brought together a dynamic group of local optometrists for an evening of clinical insight, collegial connection, and of course—great food. Over 60 attendees joined us to earn COPE-approved continuing […]
Pickleball and Eye Protection: Celebrating Sports Eye Safety Month
April is Sports Eye Safety Month, and while we typically think about eye protection in labs or construction zones, there’s another place where our eyes are unexpectedly at risk: the pickleball court. Yes, you read that right—pickleball, the fast-growing sport loved by grandparents, teens, and everyone in between. It’s fun, social, and easy to learn—but […]
Does the Laser in LASIK Burn the Eyes?
If you’ve ever considered LASIK surgery, you may have wondered: Does the laser burn my eyes? It’s a common concern, and according to Dr. Stephen Wexler from the WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center, the answer is no. “One of the things I hear about from patients very often after their LASIK surgery is the smell […]
WashU Medicine Shines at NANOS 2025
St. Louis, MO — March 31, 2025 — WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences had a remarkable showing at the 2025 North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS) Annual Meeting in Tucson, AZ. NANOS, a leading organization dedicated to advancing knowledge, research, and training in neuro-ophthalmology, brings together experts from around […]
WashU Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology Recognized for Clinical Excellence with Dr. Philip Custer’s Prestigious Award
St. Louis, MO – March 21, 2025 – The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology is honored to celebrate Philip Custer, MD, FACS recipient of the 2025 Dr. Neville Grant Award for Clinical Excellence. This prestigious award recognizes an attending physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital who exemplifies superior clinical care, outstanding compassion, respect […]
March is Save Your Vision Month
March is Save Your Vision Month—a perfect time to focus on maintaining and enhancing our eye health. Our eyes are our windows to the world, and keeping them in top shape is essential. Here are some tips to help you preserve your vision: 1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for […]
Dr. Joseph Steska Selected for Prestigious WashU Medicine Pivotal Leaders Program
St. Louis, MO – March 13, 2025 — WashU Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph Steska has been selected to participate in the highly-regarded Pivotal Leaders Program for Division Chiefs and Section Heads. This comprehensive, 9-month program is dedicated to enhancing the leadership and management skills of key medical school leaders. Designed specifically […]
What Should I Expect After Getting LASIK? | St. Louis LASIK Guide
If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery in St. Louis, you’re probably wondering what the recovery process looks like. The good news? It’s quick and relatively painless! Dr. Stephen Wexler from WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center breaks it down: Immediate Post-LASIK Experience Right after the procedure, expect your vision to be foggy and blurry. You may […]
The Risks of Sleeping in Contact Lenses and Why You Should Consider LASIK
For many individuals, contact lenses offering a convenient alternative to glasses, come with significant risks, especially when not used as directed. Sleeping in contact lenses, in particular, can expose you to a variety of eye health risks. There are increased chances of infections, corneal hypoxia, and various other complications associated with this habit. Considering these […]
AMD Awareness Month: Understanding the Impact and How to Support a Loved One
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss among adults over 50, yet many people are unaware of its impact until they or a loved one experience symptoms. AMD Awareness Month is the perfect time to shed light on this condition, how it affects daily life, and the ways we […]
Dr. Cynthia Montana Honored with 2025 Dean’s Impact Award for Dedication to Community Engagement
FEBRUARY 2025 ST. LOUIS, MO — WashU Medicine is proud to announce that Dr. Cynthia Montana has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Dean’s Impact Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to serving the underserved communities of St. Louis and advancing excellence in ophthalmologic care. The Dean’s Impact Awards honor faculty members whose work […]
Kerschensteiner Installed as Bernard Becker Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, esteemed colleagues, students, and distinguished guests gathered to honor Dr. Daniel Kerschensteiner, MD, as he was installed as the Bernard Becker Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. This prestigious professorship recognized Dr. Kerschensteiner’s exceptional contributions to vision science and his dedication to advancing our understanding and treatment of visual disorders. […]
LASIK vs. PRK: Choosing the Best Path to Clear Vision
When considering laser eye surgery, it’s natural to have questions—maybe even concerns—about which procedure is right for you. LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are both highly effective in correcting vision, reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses, and helping people regain the freedom of clear sight. But while LASIK is well-known […]
Honoring Women in Ophthalmology: Celebrating Women Physicians Day
At WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, we take immense pride in honoring the legacy and ongoing contributions of women physicians, both within our institution and across the globe. National Women Physicians Day, celebrated annually on February 3rd, provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women […]
New Comprehensive Review on Neovascular Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy by Joseph Lin
ST. LOUIS, MO – January 23, 2025 —WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is pleased to announce the publication of a new comprehensive review titled “The Landscape of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibition in Retinal Diseases” by Joseph Lin, a dedicated medical student in the Apte Laboratory. The review, published […]
Dr. Carla Siegfried to Speak at Bascom Palmer’s “Next Reality Glaucoma 2025” Symposium
ST. LOUIS, MO – January 23, 2025 — WashU Medicine was proud to announce that Carla Siegfried, MD, the Jacquelyn E. and Allan E. Kolker, MD, Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, was a key speaker and moderator at the prestigious “Next Reality Glaucoma 2025” Symposium. Hosted by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, […]
What is Astigmatism and How Can LASIK Help?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Under normal conditions, the cornea and lens are smooth and uniformly curved, like a ball, allowing light to focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. However, when astigmatism is present, the cornea or lens […]
Glaucoma Awareness Month: Top 5 Questions Answered by Experts
Glaucoma Awareness Month shines a light on this “silent thief of sight,” a condition that often progresses without symptoms but can lead to irreversible vision loss. Below, we address the top five questions patients frequently ask about glaucoma, with insights from leading researchers and clinicians at WashU Medicine. 1. What is glaucoma, and how does […]
Mitsu Yoshida Awarded VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation Research Fellowship for Innovative AMD Study
ST. LOUIS, MO – December 17, 2024 — Mitsu Yoshida, MD, PhD, a researcher at WashU Medicine, has been named the recipient of the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation (VRSF) Research Fellowship. Yoshida’s project, titled “The role of adipokine-regulated lipid mediator in age-related retinal dysfunction and disease“, aims to uncover novel mechanisms linking systemic aging to retinal degeneration, […]