Halloween is the time of year when people go all out to transform themselves into their favorite ghouls, superheroes, or creatures of the night. From elaborate costumes to face paint, it’s all about having fun and getting into the spirit of the holiday. Many people opt to complete their spooky looks with colored contact lenses, […]
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 […]
Three researchers from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences have been selected to participate in the Center for Regenerative Medicine Distinguished Postdoctoral Scholars Program. Ismael Hernández-Núñez, PhD, Hunter Aliff, PhD and Alexis Crockett, PhD were awarded spots in the program, which supports professional development and career advancement in […]
Researchers at the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences are developing an innovative approach to visual acuity testing with modified eyeglasses designed to improve exam efficiency, stability and accuracy. Developed by ophthalmology residents Glory Mgboji, MD and John Wilson, MD the device offers a hands-free alternative to traditional eye […]
Faculty, trainees and alumni from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences gathered at the 2026 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting in New Orleans to share research, contribute to discussions shaping the field of ophthalmology and reconnect with colleagues. Department members participated in presentations throughout the meeting, […]
Carla Siegfried, MD, of the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, delivered a keynote presentation at the University of North Texas Eye Research Institute (NTERI) annual Whole Eye Research Symposium in Fort Worth, Texas. Titled “From Bedside to Bench: The Story of Oxygen and Insights into Glaucoma and Cataract,” […]
The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences welcomes Shahriyar Majidi, MD, PhD, a glaucoma specialist whose roots in St. Louis and passion for combining scientific discovery with compassionate patient care have shaped his career. With advanced training in glaucoma and a commitment to research, surgical education and patient relationships, […]
Daniel Kerschensteiner, MD, of the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, recently received a four-year renewal of federal grant R01EY034001 to investigate how the retina helps the brain maintain stable vision and coordinate perception with action. The renewed project, titled “Multiplexed retinal coding to align perception and action with […]
Members of the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences recently participated in the American Academy of Optometry meeting, presenting their work and connecting with colleagues from across the vision science community. The meeting provided an opportunity for members of the department to share their research and engage with other […]
Wilson Wang, MD, a resident in the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, gained a broader perspective on the many career paths available in academic ophthalmology during the Heed Resident Retreat. The retreat brought together ophthalmology residents and leaders in the field, providing opportunities to learn about careers spanning […]
Gregg Lueder, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Professor of Pediatrics at WashU Medicine, was invited to serve as the Carl J. Troia, MD Memorial Lecturer at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). As part of the Distinguished Lecture Series, Lueder presented several talks covering pediatric ocular oncology, rare forms of strabismus […]
The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences celebrated the creativity, collaboration and scientific discovery of its research community during the 2026 Vision Science Research Retreat on Friday, September 25. The annual retreat brought together faculty, trainees and staff for a morning poster session showcasing vision science research from across […]
Michael Paley, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and ophthalmology and visual sciences at WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, has received his first R01 grant from the National Eye Institute (NEI) to investigate the connection between intestinal inflammation and uveitis, a group of inflammatory eye diseases that can […]
New collaborative project will examine whether retinal imaging can identify biomarkers of brain aging and dementia in African populations The retina may provide researchers with a unique window into brain health. As an extension of the brain, the retina shares developmental origins, neuronal structures and microvascular characteristics with the brain. Because the retina can be […]
The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences team joined families and community members at the 2026 St. Louis VisionWalk at Creve Coeur Park, helping raise funds and awareness for inherited retinal dystrophies. Together, the WashU team raised $3,510 as part of an event that raised a total of $92,700 […]
WashU Medicine Faculty to Present at the 2026 American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting Faculty from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences will share their expertise at the 2026 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting, taking place October 9–12 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The annual meeting brings […]
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, members of the local chapters of the Knights Templar visited the labs at McDonnell Sciences at WashU Medicine to meet with Wei Li, PhD, and Qian Wang, PhD, and learn more about their vision research. The visit comes following a recent grant awarded to Li by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, […]
WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences faculty member Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD was selected to deliver the APVRS International Award Lecture 2026 during the 19th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society (APVRS), held August 28–30, 2026. For his award lecture, “From Mechanisms to Medicine: Translating Scientific Discoveries into Patient Care,” Apte […]
The WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center has been named the Laser Eye Treatment Winner in St. Louis Magazine’s A-List, recognizing the center as a leading destination for laser vision correction in the St. Louis region. The recognition highlights the center’s commitment to personalized care, advanced technology and exceptional patient outcomes. At the WashU Medicine LASIK […]
WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences welcomes Sharon Sabapathypillai, MD, MSc, to the glaucoma team. Sabapathypillai brings a strong background in clinical research, comprehensive ophthalmology and glaucoma care, along with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and resident education. Sabapathypillai grew up in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and completed the […]