Honoring the Legacy of Morton E. Smith, MD

Morton E. Smith Professorship

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine invites you to join us in celebrating the extraordinary career and enduring impact of Morton E. Smith, MD. Dr. Smith, Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and Associate Dean Emeritus, has dedicated his life to advancing the field of vision science. As a beloved […]

Treatment Strategies for Vision Loss Due to Thygeson Superficial Punctate Keratitis

Treatment Strategies for Vision Loss Due to Thygeson Superficial Punctate Keratitis

Surgeons Discuss Treatment Recommendations for Thygeson Superficial Punctate Keratitis A 20-year-old patient presents with a history of light sensitivity, decreased best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and challenges with night driving, attributed to Thygeson Superficial Punctate Keratitis (SPK). Despite a 5-year treatment regimen that included corticosteroids and various therapies like refractive lenses and cyclosporine, her symptoms remain […]

Understanding the Leading Causes of Blindness 

Understanding the Leading Causes of Blindness

October is Blindness Awareness Month. Across the world millions of people live with some form of vision loss. While total blindness affects a small percentage, many individuals experience low vision or visual impairment that significantly impacts their daily lives. Understanding the leading causes of blindness can help promote early detection and treatment, which is essential […]

New Research Faculty Member: Qian Wang, PhD

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Qian Wang, PhD, as Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine. Research Focus Dr. Wang’s research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms that govern eye development, with the goal of translating this knowledge into innovative therapies […]

WashU awarded up to $20M to create portable device to scan for eye diseases (Links to an external site)

In the United States, more than one-fourth of adults over age 40 have an eye disease, including glaucoma, cataracts or age-related macular degeneration, or a chronic health condition that affects the eyes, such as diabetic retinopathy. These conditions are a strain on an individual’s health as well as on the health care system, yet early diagnosis and management can help to prevent more than 90% of severe vision loss.

AAO 2024 WashU Speakers

AAO 2024 WashU Speakers

Selected faculty of WashU Ophthalmology will be featured at the 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting, taking place from October 18-21 in Chicago, IL. This prestigious event gathers leading experts from around the world to share their knowledge and advancements in the field of ophthalmology. WashU’s faculty will contribute their expertise across a […]

James Walsh, MD, PhD Receives RPB Career Development Award

We are thrilled to announce that James Walsh, MD, PhD has been awarded the prestigious Career Development Award from Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB). This award, which provides $350,000 in funding over four years, is designed to support promising junior ophthalmology faculty in their journey toward becoming independent researchers. Research Focus Dr. Walsh’s research centers […]

2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctors

We are proud to announce that 24 of our highly skilled ophthalmologists have been recognized as Top Doctors in St. Louis by the 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctors list. This honor reflects our commitment to providing exceptional patient care, pioneering innovative treatments, and advancing the field of ophthalmology. At WashU Ophthalmology, we strive to deliver […]

Installation Ceremony for Steven Bassnett, PhD

Todd Margolis, MD, PhD; Steven Bassnett, PhD; David H. Perlmutter, MD

On July 24, 2024, the Washington University School of Medicine celebrated the installation of Steven Bassnett, PhD, as the Grace Nelson Lacy Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology. The event brought together esteemed colleagues, friends, and family to honor Dr. Bassnett’s remarkable contributions to the field of vision research. This was a wonderful honor for me personally […]

Residents & Fellows Spotlight: Deena Shaath, MD

Deena Shaath

Meet Deena Shaath, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Cornea Fellow 2024-2025 Where are you from? Dodge City, KS Where did you attend Medical School? University of Kansas Where did you complete your residency? Medical College of Wisconsin Why did you choose Ophthalmology and your specialty? Ophthalmology and cornea/external disease offers a mix of […]

Mary-Grace Reeves Shares Advice on Choosing a Fellowship

Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA

Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA, third year ophthalmology resident, recently had an article featured in Ophthalmology Management. In this insightful piece, Dr. Reeves interviews Dr. Carla Siegfried along with several esteemed ophthalmologists from other institutions. They share invaluable advice for those considering an ophthalmology fellowship. Be sure to check it out for expert guidance and tips […]

Science in Focus: Art Beyond the Microscope

We are thrilled to announce Science in Focus: Art Beyond the Microscope, a science as art competition! We invite all vision science researchers to participate in this unique competition, where science and art intersect to reveal the beauty within scientific research. Purpose and Goals Our goal is to celebrate the beauty of science and engage […]

Eyes on Nutrition: Key Foods that Support Your Vision

Did you know that what you eat can significantly impact your eye health? A diet rich in essential nutrients like vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and other eye conditions. While research is still ongoing about the role of […]

DOVS Pride 2024

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) at Washington University in St. Louis proudly celebrated its inaugural DOVS Pride Breakfast, followed by participation in the 2024 Grand Pride Parade. This event was a vibrant testament to our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and support for the LGBTQ+ community within our department and the broader St. […]

Sean McCracken honored with 2024 NIH Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award

Sean McCracken

Sean McCracken, a Neuroscience PhD candidate in the William’s Lab, has been selected as an award recipient for the 2024 NIH Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award Program (OSNAP). This prestigious honor recognizes Sean’s exceptional research and scientific training, highlighting him as a rising star in the neuroscience community. About the OSNAP Award The Outstanding Scholars […]

Welcome Yunshuo “Caroline” Tang, MD, PhD

We are pleased to welcome Yunshuo “Caroline” Tang, MD, PhD, to our team of Neuro-Ophthalmology Faculty. Dr. Tang recently completed her neuro-ophthalmology fellowship with us, and we are excited to add her to our team of expert physicians. Dr. Tang completed her MD and PhD degrees at the University of California, San Francisco, where she […]

Class of 2024 Graduation & Awards Ceremony

Graduation 2024

We recently celebrated the graduation of our outstanding ophthalmology residents and fellows. It was a joyous occasion filled with pride, achievements, and a look back at the hard work and dedication shown by our graduates. A special thanks to all the faculty, staff, and families who supported our graduates throughout their journey. Your dedication and […]

Celebrate Safely: Firework Safety Tips

As we approach the 4th of July, many of us are excited to celebrate with family, friends, and fireworks. While fireworks are a thrilling part of the festivities, they can pose serious risks to our eyes. At Washington University Ophthalmology, we want to ensure your celebrations are not only fun but safe. Here are some […]

In Remembrance of Anjali Bhorade, MD

05/07/1973 – 06/12/2024 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Anjali Bhorade, a distinguished ophthalmologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Her contributions to the field of ophthalmology and her compassionate care for her patients have left an indelible mark on the medical community. Education & Experience […]