Join us in honoring the legacies of Dr. Andrew Huang and Dr. Anthony J. Lubniewski, whose contributions will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come. Cheers to their extraordinary careers and the profound impact they have had on our institution and the field of ophthalmology. Congratulations Dr. Huang! After an incredible journey […]
The residents enjoyed a wonderful Breakfast With The Chair on Tuesday, March 26, 2024! Dr. Margolis offered valuable guidance for their professional journeys. From navigating the intricacies of clinical practice to charting a successful career path. His expertise extended to scientific research, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in driving innovation forward. A valuable experience that […]
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of two esteemed physicians to directorship positions within Washington University Ophthalmology. These appointments mark a significant step forward in our commitment to excellence in medical education and surgical training. Meet Our New Directors: James Liu, MD – Director of Surgical Training & Skills Lab Dr. Liu brings a […]
Apply Now for the Winston Fellow Award for Postdoctoral Fellows The Winston Fellow Award Program recognizes outstanding contributions to vision science. The ITVS Pathway overcomes boundaries between disciplines to develop a unique set of basic science, translational and professional skills that will position students to produce transformative breakthroughs in vision science. Students enrolled in the […]
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Witnessing a solar […]
As we celebrate National Women Physicians Day, we are honored to shine a spotlight on the remarkable Erin Sieck, MD a Washington University Glaucoma Specialist. Her journey in medicine has been marked by dedication and a commitment to advancing surgical outcomes for her patients. Education Inspiration and Career Calling Driven by a passion for making […]
Graduate student Tim Lee from the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences (DBBS), working in collaboration with the Apte Lab, has published a new paper revealing a significant discovery in the realm of photoreceptor dysfunction. The research, titled “Identification of IMPDH as a Therapeutically Modifiable Target of AMP Kinase in Rod Photoreceptors,” sheds light on […]
Congratulations to MSTP Student Joseph Lin on Collaborative Breakthrough Publication in Cell Reports Medicine: Targeting cell-type-specific, choroid-peripheral immune signaling to treat age-related macular degeneration The Apte Lab is proud to announce the groundbreaking collaborative research publication by MSTP student Joseph Lin and the Ruzycki Lab. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, addresses age-related macular […]
Research led by Apte is the focus of a $15 million pledge from philanthropist Jeffrey T. Fort, to accelerate research and develop new treatments for diseases that cause vision loss.
We are thrilled to announce that Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD has recently been awarded a $300,000 Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB)/American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) Catalyst Award for Innovative Research Approaches for AMD. This prestigious award serves as a testament to Dr. Apte’s commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of ophthalmology, particularly in the […]
Over the weekend, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Conference unfolded in the bustling city of San Francisco, attracting a multitude of dedicated staff members eager to immerse themselves in the latest advancements in the field. The conference was a hub of learning, featuring an array of seminars, workshops, and keynote addresses delivered by leading […]
Diabetic retinopathy, a major concern for individuals with diabetes, has long been associated with the risk of vision loss and blindness. This condition, driven in part by the actions of retinal immune cells known as microglia, takes a significant toll on those it affects. In a groundbreaking publication, Charles Pfeifer, PhD, from the laboratory of […]
A Night of Learning: Highlights from Our LASIK Continuing Education Event On October 17, 2023, our WashU LASIK team had the pleasure of hosting a continuing education dinner for local optometrists. It was a night filled with engaging discussions, informative presentations, and delicious food. We were thrilled to see so many optometrists in attendance, eager […]
The Foundation Fighting Blindness — St. Louis hosted its 17th Annual VisionWalk on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Our team, the WashU Visionaries, raised $3,000+ in support. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is committed to finding treatments and cures for people affected by blinding retinal diseases. Since its inception in the Spring of 2006, VisionWalk has raised over $66 […]
Dr. Sheybani was selected as the Arthur Light, MD, Memorial Lecturer at Loyola University Chicago’s 6th Annual Glaucoma Cataract Surgical Summit on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
We are thrilled to announce the winners of our Inaugural DOVS Employee Appreciation Awards! Congratulations to our amazing team members who have gone above and beyond in their roles and truly embody the spirit of our company. Let’s give them a round of applause for their hard work and dedication! We are grateful for their […]
Thank you for everything that you do! We would like to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and impressive accomplishments of our postdoctoral appointees at Washington University. The contributions of our postdocs are an integral part of the world-class education and research at Washington University. Their energy and talent are vital to our thriving and […]
Congratulations to Charles Pfeifer on successfully defending your thesis! You have worked hard to achieve this significant milestone in your academic career.
WashU Visionaries participated in the Mindseye Adaptive Athletics BeepBall Tournament on Saturday, September 9th, 2023. BeepBall is a spin on baseball that unites athletes who are blind and sighted on the same playing field. Players are guided by sound, not sight – the sound of the beeping ball, buzzing bases, and cues from the pitcher. […]
Types of refractive errors Is it genetic? Many genetic syndromes put patients at higher risk for developing refractive errors. All types of refractive errors are hereditary and contain a significant genetic component. The traits underlying refractive error such as the length of the eye and the curvature of the cornea are also heritable. Refractive errors […]
Taking care of your eyes is important for maintaining good vision and overall eye health. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding eye care that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful practices. Optometrist, Lindsey Thomas debunks six common eye care myths to help you better understand how to protect your eyes and maintain […]
To properly answer this question, lets first define marijuana and glaucoma. Cannabis sativa is a plant that contains chemical substances called cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most commonly referenced cannabinoids and have effects on certain receptors within the brain and body, including the eye. Marijuana is a portion of the cannabis sativa […]
We are pleased to welcome Jennifer Enright, MD, PhD to our team of Cornea Faculty. Jennifer Enright, MD, PhD recently completed her Cornea and External Disease Fellowship at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Enright completed her medical degree and ophthalmology residency at Washington University Medical School in St. Louis. After her residency […]
Studying mice, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that proteins made by stem cells to help regenerate the cornea may become new targets for treating and preventing injuries to the cornea related to dry eye disease.
Where are you from? Seattle, WA Where did you attend Optometry School? University of California, Berkeley Favorite memory of Optometry School? My favorite memory from optometry school would have to be the annual class Tahoe trips Favorite memory between optometry school and starting residency? I got the chance to travel to Asia with some friends […]
Where are you from? Munster, Indiana Where did you attend Medical School? Indiana University School of Medicine Where did you complete your residency? Here at WashU! Why did you choose Ophthalmology and your specialty? I chose Ophthalmology because it is a unique field that allows you to medically and surgically help patients in one of […]
Where are you from? Pittsburgh, PA Where did you attend Medical School? Baylor College of Medicine Favorite memory of Medical School? Exploring all of Houston’s coffee shops with classmates who have become lifelong friends Favorite memory of your intern residency year? Attending the medicine and ophthalmology holiday parties with the best group of co-residents! Why […]
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation is a form of energy produced by the sun that is invisible to the human eye. It is widely known that excessive UV exposure increases your risk of skin cancer, but it can also damage your eyes. Optometrist, Nathan Tuttle, OD, provides some tips on how you can protect your eyes from […]
We are proud to announce that 21 of our highly skilled ophthalmologists have been recognized as Top Doctors in St. Louis by the prestigious Castle Connolly Top Doctors list. We are honored to have so many of our ophthalmologists recognized for their exceptional patient care, innovative treatments, and commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology.
Congratulations to Aaditya Shah, MD (retina fellow), Georgia Wilke, MD, PhD (PGY-4), Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA (PGY-3) (pictured), Dr. Kumar Rao, Dr. Rajendra Apte, Dr. Rithwick Rajagopal, Dr. Kisha Piggott, and colleagues on their research presentations at the 2023 American Society of Retinal Specialists Annual Scientific Meeting in Seattle!
At some point in our lives, many of us will experience vision problems. Whether it’s eye irritation, difficulty reading small print, or struggling to see objects at a distance, these issues can significantly impact our quality of life. To help you better understand these common vision problems, optometrist Julia Pulliam, OD, FAAO, has compiled a […]
LASIK can improve your quality of life by providing clear and lasting vision. Don’t let the initial cost of LASIK deter you from experiencing the hidden savings and benefits that come with this life-changing procedure. There are many benefits to having LASIK surgery, including: Investing in LASIK surgery can be a practical choice for those […]
Where are you from?Farmington, MO Where did you attend Medical School?University of Missouri – Columbia Favorite memory of Medical School?Getting to share Match Day with my family! Favorite memory of your intern residency year?Other than the birth of my first child, becoming such close friends with my ophthalmology co-residents! Why did you choose Ophthalmology?It is […]
Where are you from? Baltimore, Maryland Where did you attend Medical School? Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Favorite memory of Medical School? I have two! 1. Directing and singing in our “Second Look” welcome video for prospective students! It was such a fun way to connect with my extremely talented class and give incoming […]
Where are you from? Pittsburgh, PA Where did you attend Medical School? University of Pittsburgh SOM Where did you complete your residency? Washington University in St. Louis Why did you choose Ophthalmology and your specialty? I always knew I wanted to be a doctor, but no body told me I had to choose a specialty […]
Contact lenses provide effective and safe vision correction to more than 140 million people worldwide. It is estimated nearly 1 in 6 Americans wear contact lenses or nearly 45 million people. Contact lenses sit on the cornea, the clear button of tissue that covers the colored part of your eye. The cornea is like the […]
Where are you from?San Juan, Puerto Rico Where did you attend Medical School?Univeridad Central del Caribe in Puerto Rico Where did you complete your residency?John H Stroger Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, IL Why did you choose Ophthalmology and your specialty?I chose Ophthalmology because it I love having a specialty that is both clinically […]
Where are you from?Seattle, WA Where did you attend Medical School?Tulane University School of Medicine Favorite memory of Medical School?During my research year I was able work on many projects at the same time, some in person and some virtually. One of my projects required me to travel around the country with my best friend […]
We are pleased to welcome Jessica Yang Walia, MD to our team of Cornea Faculty. Dr. Walia recently completed her cornea fellowship with us and we are trilled to add her to our team of expert physicians. I picked ophthalmology because it is an incredibly gratifying field. Vision is such an important part of a […]
We are proud to welcome new Residents, Fellows, & Chief of Ophthalmic Trauma to our ranks as they embark on their medical career. We look forward to working with all of you throughout your training. Chief of Ophthalmic Trauma Residents PGY-2 Optometry Resident Fellows
Clinical Fellowship Graduates Cornea, External Disease, & Refractive Surgery Karina Somohano, MD Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgeon, Florida Vision Institute, West Palm Beach, FL Jessica Yang Walia, MDAssistant Professor, Washington University and John Cochran Veterans Affairs Hospital, St. Louis, MO Anterior Segment & Glaucoma Surgery Brent Bruck, MD, MA Glaucoma Specialist, Midwest Eye Care, Omaha, […]
Please join us in welcoming Ashley Ahlbrand, OD to our team of Adult Optometrists. Areas of clinical interest Education Locations
We are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Praneetha Thulasi to our esteemed faculty at Washington University Ophthalmology. With 7 years of experience at Emory University Eye Center, Dr. Thulasi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. We are confident that her passion for ophthalmology and dedication to patient care will […]
When scheduling an eye exam, it is important to make sure you are seeing the right type of provider to meet your eye care needs. Each team member plays an important role in providing eye care, but sometimes those roles can get confused. The major difference between the types of eye care providers is the […]
Saturday | 06.17.2023 | 10 AM – 2 PM Tower Grove Park Soccer Field #5 Faculty Players AttendingsAugustine HongJames LiuArsham SheybaniRobi MaamariWes GreenMike Stock FellowsMatt SantosRoss Kennamer-ChapmanParth ShahHuy NguyenAriana LevinDoug Snyder Resident Players Incoming PGY1Steven ObiefunaJohn WilsonRaj Mahal PGY1Catherine GilbertEli Pratte PGY2Natalia Morales PGY3Yi-Hsien YehMatt ElittAmritha Kanakamedala PGY4Rachael LyerlaNate BlecherAaditya Shah
Washington University LASIK Surgery Center opened in the Summer of 2022 in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Our LASIK Center’s Medical Director, Stephen Wexler, MD, is one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in the Midwest. Dr. Wexler and the Clinical Director, Eric Polk, OD, FAAO, have worked together for 20 years providing the St. Louis metro area with vision […]
The Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has been granted an Unrestricted Grant by Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) in the amount of $115,000 a year to support eye research conducted by the Department of Ophthalmology. This funding has been awarded based on […]
Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) is pleased to announce that Takeshi Yoshimatsu, PhD, of the Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine has been granted a $350,000 RPB Career Development Award to support eye research. The support is provided over a four-year period. The RPB Career Development Award was established in 1990 to support […]
Congratulations to Sean McCracken, winner of the Inaugural Winston Fellow Competition. Sean McCracken from the Williams Lab presented “Diversity in homeostatic calcium set points predicts retinal ganglion cell survival following optic nerve injury in vivo” In December 2022, David (A&S ‘74) and Deborah Winston made a generous gift to establish the Winston Fellow Award in […]
Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD Presentation “Laser Therapy/Surgery” Jason Colasanti Poster “C0352: MiR-34a promotes choroidal neovascularization through modulating the KLF2/CXCR4 axis” Isabella Gomes Poster “C0448: Phenotypic heterogeneity in a family with a late Cone-Rod Homeobox truncation mutation” Mae Gordon, PhD Presentation “How to minimize bias”Poster “B0166: Prediction model of visual field progression in the Ocular Hypertension […]