The Dean’s Impact Awards recognize faculty members whose work reflects meaningful, lasting engagement with the community. WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is proud to announce that Steven M. Couch, MD, FACS, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Dean’s Impact Award. Couch is a highly respected […]
A clinical trial led by Margaret Reynolds, MD, MSCI, from WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MDDepartment of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences explored whether vision correction surgery could make a meaningful difference, not just in eyesight, but also in behavior and daily life. The trial included 267 children with ASD or ASD-like behaviors and vision problems […]
Department members earn leadership grants, keynote honors, and abstract awards at neuro-ophthalmology annual meeting. The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences was well-represented at the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS) 2026 Annual Meeting, with a contingent of nine faculty members, residents, and medical students contributing to the scientific program. […]
Stephen A. Wexler, MD, a professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, recently published a study regarding advancements in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The article, titled “Myopic and Astigmatic Laser in situ Keratomileusis Using a Ray Tracing−Based Treatment Algorithm with a Personalized […]
The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is proud to share that Julia Pulliam, OD, FAAO, recently presented at the Envision Summit in Puerto Rico. Her presentation focused on “Collaborating (OD/MD) in Uveitis Patients,” highlighting the power of interdisciplinary care in managing complex inflammatory eye disease. Uveitis often requires […]
The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences has received a notice of award for a new clinical trial focused on advancing treatment options for patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study, titled “Efficacy of Dapagliflozin in Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: […]
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition affecting the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older. Understanding the condition, recognizing early changes, and knowing what support is available can help patients maintain both vision and quality of […]
Stephen Wexler, MD, explains LASIK prescription limits and when other vision correction options may be a better fit for patients with high myopia. Many patients with strong glasses or contact lens prescriptions wonder whether laser vision correction is an option for them. In a recent video, Stephen Wexler, MD, refractive surgeon with the WashU Medicine […]
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 […]
This spotlight series highlights the individuals behind the white coats, their journeys, passions, and the impact they’re making in the field of medicine. Today, we highlight Sharon Sabapathypillai, MD, MS. Incoming Glaucoma Fellow: Sharon Sabapathypillai, MD, MS Where are you from? Cape Girardeau, MO Where did you attend Medical School? University of Missouri-Kansas City Why […]
St. Louis, MO — May 23, 2025—WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is proud to announce that Andrew Lee, MD, Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Director of Medical Student Education for Ophthalmology, graduated from the first cohort of WashU Medicine’s Pivotal Leaders Program for Division Chiefs and Section Heads. This […]
ST. LOUIS, MO – April 25, 2025 —WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences proudly announces that Sharon Sabapathypillai, MD, MS has been selected as one of the 2025 – 2026 Heed Ophthalmic Fellows. Dr. Sabapathypillai, currently a resident physician at WashU Medicine and incoming glaucoma fellow in the Department […]
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 […]
Glaucoma Awareness Month shines a light on this “silent thief of sight,” a condition that often progresses without symptoms but can lead to irreversible vision loss. Below, we address the top five questions patients frequently ask about glaucoma, with insights from leading researchers and clinicians at WashU Medicine. 1. What is glaucoma, and how does […]
We are honored to share inspiring stories from our patients who experience life-changing care. Claire, a remarkable young woman, shares her journey from being born legally blind to discovering a new world of possibilities after PRK surgery performed by Dr. Lawrence Tychsen, WashU Medicine pediatric ophthalmologist, at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Claire’s Story “Hi, I’m […]
The American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting, Academy 2024, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, showcased groundbreaking research and cutting-edge advancements in the field of optometry and vision sciences. Among the distinguished contributors, WashU Medicine faculty members and researchers stood out, bringing innovative ideas to the forefront. One notable session was co-presented by Julia Pulliam, OD, FAAO, […]
November is Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a condition that remains a significant cause of blindness among adults. Affecting millions of people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. At WashU Medicine, researchers are leading […]
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.