Poonam Naik, PhD, a researcher in the Apte Lab within the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, has received a research grant through a collaborative funding initiative through the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation to study novel immune-based therapies for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), a leading cause of vision loss. […]
Presentation at international meeting shows how specialized scleral lenses can dramatically improve vision in complex cases A complex contact lens case from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences was recently featured at the Global Specialty Lens Symposium, where Jordan Jones, OD, FAAO, presented on advanced scleral lens fitting […]
New optometrist brings strong background in ocular disease and a passion for patient education The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is pleased to welcome John Szewczyk, OD, to the clinical team. Szewczyk brings extensive experience in ocular disease and a strong commitment to patient-centered care. Training and Background […]
Carla Siegfried, MD, explains why glaucoma often goes unnoticed and how early screening can protect vision January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to highlight a leading cause of irreversible vision loss that often progresses without warning. Glaucoma affects the optic nerve—the structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain—and damage to […]
WashU Medicine physicians describe a rare cause of secondary glaucoma tied to amyloid protein deposits inside the eye Physicians from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences recently published a new case report describing a rare cause of glaucoma that was difficult to diagnose using standard clinical exams. The […]
Stephen Wexler, MD, discusses evolving refractive surgery trends and emerging laser technologies The landscape of corneal refractive surgery continues to evolve rapidly in 2025, driven by advancements in laser technology, expanded treatment options, and shifting procedure volumes. In a recent presentation, Stephen Wexler, MD, refractive surgeon with the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department […]
Hands-on LASIK training prepares the next generation of refractive surgeons At the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, refractive surgery education is built into the core of cornea fellowship training. Through direct supervision and structured surgical experience, fellows at the WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center gain valuable, hands-on exposure […]
New Stellest lenses offer an FDA-approved option to help manage childhood nearsightedness The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized marketing of the Essilor Stellest eyeglass lenses—the first spectacle lenses in the United States approved to slow the progression of myopia in children ages 6–12. The decision marks an important milestone for families seeking […]
Stephen Wexler, MD, explains limits of laser vision correction and when alternative options may be recommended Patients often ask how high a prescription can be safely treated with LASIK or PRK. In this video, Stephen Wexler, MD, refractive surgeon with the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, explains the […]
Honor recognizes his lifetime contributions to vision science and advances in retinal disease and surgery Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor in the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, was awarded the Gold Medal by the Saudi Ophthalmology Society for his lifetime contributions to vision […]
Is there a more intriguingly named part of our body than the Zonule of Zinn? This network of tiny, translucent fibers sits behind the iris, bridging the gap between the lens and the inner wall of the eye. Acting like the springs of a trampoline, these fibers enable the lens to adjust its shape to […]
November Spotlights Breakthroughs in Diabetic Retinopathy Research Each November, Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness Month calls attention to one of the leading causes of preventable blindness. At the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, researchers are taking the conversation a step further shifting the focus from awareness to innovation, discovery, and […]
At the John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology, co-managed care between our optometrists and ophthalmologists highlights the strength of true clinical collaboration. This patient-centered approach ensures individuals receive comprehensive, efficient, and personalized care for all their eye health needs. What Is Co-Managed Care? Co-managed care brings together the unique expertise of both optometrists and […]
WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences welcomes Sanjana Shashidhar, OD, to the pediatric optometry team. Shashidhar brings a rich background, diverse clinical interests, and a wealth of experience and dedication to patient care. Shashidhar’s areas of clinical interest include: For Shashidhar, the most rewarding aspect of working with patients is […]
WashU Medicine’s student-run mobile eye clinic joined community partners to offer free vision screenings at an event attended by more than 800 people Volunteers from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences’ Free Eye Service participated in the Fifth Annual First Ladies of St. Louis Health Empowerment Event last […]
Funding supports study using optical coherence tomography angiography to predict risk for preeclampsia Wilson Wang, MD and Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, of the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, have received a $139,150 grant from the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. This grant is in support of their project […]
Faculty and ophthalmic personnel represented WashU Medicine at the AAO and ACE meetings in Orlando, sharing insights and advancing clinical education Faculty, trainees and allied health professionals from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences attended the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Allied Health/ACE conferences in Orlando, Florida, […]
Nearly 1,000 attendees enjoyed creative costumes, candy and community at this year’s event The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences joined other departments at the St. Louis Children’s Specialized Care Center (CSCC) this past weekend for a successful Trunk or Treat event! Despite strong winds, the turnout was outstanding […]
WashU Medicine Ophthalmology residents shared clinical case studies highlighting innovation in vision care and patient outcomes Two optometry residents from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences presented research posters at the 2025 American Academy of Optometry annual meeting, showcasing their clinical expertise and contributions to advancing patient care. […]
In partnership with MindsEye, WashU Medicine Ophthalmology promotes inclusion and awareness through accessible sports The John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences partnered with MindsEye to host its annual Beep Ball game on Saturday, October 11, 2025 in Forest Park, bringing together faculty, trainees, staff and patients for a day of friendly […]