Dr. Wexler Compares LASIK vs. Contact Lenses

Dr. Wexler Compares LASIK vs. Contact Lenses

If you’re tired of the hassle of contact lenses and want the freedom to see clearly from the moment you wake up, you’re not alone. In this video, St. Louis LASIK surgeon Dr. Stephen Wexler explains why LASIK may be a safer, more convenient long-term solution for many patients. Here, he compares LASIK surgery vs. […]

Apte honored for contributions to vision science (Links to an external site)

Apte honored for contributions to vision science

Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor and vice chair of innovation and translation in the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the 2025 Retina Research Foundation’s Gertrude D. Pyron Award. The honor recognizes a vision scientist whose work […]

WashU Medicine Celebrates the Winners of the 2025 Winston Fellow Competition

WashU Medicine Celebrates the Winners of the 2025 Winston Fellow Competition

St. Louis, MO — May 30, 2025 — The John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Winston Fellow Competition. This annual event showcases outstanding research contributions from postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients. Winners […]

2025 Faculty vs. Residents Kickball Showdown

2025 Faculty vs. Residents Kickball Showdown

On Saturday morning, our faculty and residents traded scrubs for sneakers and gathered at Tower Grove Park for the 2025 Faculty vs Residents Kickball Showdown! The annual game brought out the competitive spirit in the best way, as colleagues turned teammates battled it out for bragging rights and the championship title. Faculty & Fellows Line-Up […]

WashU Medical Students Honored with Awards for Vision Research

WashU Medical Students Honored with Awards for Vision Research

The John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (DOVS) at WashU Medicine is proud to announce that two medical students from the Apte Lab have received prestigious awards recognizing their outstanding research in vision science. Wilson Wang, a talented medical student researcher, has been awarded the Max & Evelyn Grand and Robert Carter […]

WashU Medicine at ARVO 2025

From May 4–8, 2025, Salt Lake City, Utah, hosted the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, the premier international forum for the exchange of cutting-edge research and ideas in the field of eye and vision science. This year’s theme, “i3: Imagining Innovation and Intelligence in Vision Science,” emphasized the transformative impact […]

Dr. Todd Margolis Shares Expertise on Ocular Diseases

Dr. Todd Margolis Shares Expertise on Ocular Diseases

In April 2025, Todd P. Margolis, MD, PhD, Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor and Chairman, delivered lectures at two academic medical institutions, sharing his clinical and research insights on ocular diseases, such as, ocular surface disease, viral uveitis, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology – April […]

PRK vs. LASIK: What You Need to Know Before Choosing Vision Correction

PRK vs. LASIK: What You Need to Know Before Choosing Vision Correction

When it comes to laser vision correction, LASIK is often the star of the show. But there’s another safe, effective option you should know about—PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). At WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center, we’re not here to upsell one procedure over another. We’re here to help you choose the safest and most successful option for […]

Spring 2025 LASIK CE Dinner Recap: A Night of Education, Connection, and Community

Spring 2025 LASIK CE Dinner Recap

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

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?

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

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

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

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

What Should I Expect After Getting LASIK?

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

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 

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 […]