LASIK, short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, has long been regarded as a transformative solution for vision correction. Over the years, advancements in technology have continuously refined LASIK procedures, making them more precise, safer, and capable of addressing a wider range of visual impairments. Leading the way in this field is Dr. Stephen Welxer, a […]
Category: Clinical
Highlights from AAO 2023
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 […]
WashU LASIK Continuing Education Event Fall 2023
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 […]
Guide to Refractive Errors
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 […]
6 Common Eye Care Myths
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 […]
Is Marijuana a Treatment for Glaucoma?
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 […]
Welcome Jennifer Enright, MD, PhD
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 […]
Dry eye disease alters how the eye’s cornea heals itself after injury (Links to an external site)
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.
How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Radiation
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 […]
2023 Top Doctors in St. Louis
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.
5 Most Common Vision Problems
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 […]
The Hidden Benefits of LASIK
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 […]
8 Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
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 […]
Welcome Jessica Yang Walia, MD
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 […]
Welcome Ashley Ahlbrand, OD
Please join us in welcoming Ashley Ahlbrand, OD to our team of Adult Optometrists. Areas of clinical interest Education Locations
Welcome Praneetha Thulasi, MD
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 […]
Eye Care Providers: What’s the difference and who do I choose?
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 […]
First Annual Residents VS Faculty Flag Football Game
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
What if you are not a candidate for LASIK?
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 […]
American Glaucoma Society: President Elect (2023); President (2024)
Congratulations! Carla Siegfried, MD, Jacquelyn E. and Allan E. Kolker, MD, Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Professionalism on being named 2023 President Elect and 2024 President of the American Glaucoma Society
American Glaucoma Society: 2023 Bernard Schwartz Memorial Award Recipient!
Congratulations! Sharon Sabapathypillai, MD, MS, First-Year Resident, DOVS has been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Bernard Schwarz Memorial Award by the American Glaucoma Society for her abstract entitled “Evaluating At-Risk Driving Behaviors Using In-Car Telemetry in Older Drivers with Varying Glaucoma Severity“. This prestigious honor from the American Glaucoma Society includes: The Bernard […]
Dr. Couch “Time is Vision” (Links to an external site)
Goniotomy: What Size Is Best?
Congratulations Dr. Erin Sieck on her recent talk entitled “A Millenial’s Approach to the Angle; I prefer partial goniotomy for its ease and efficiency, established efficiency, and lower rate of complications compared to total goniotomy Erin Sieck, MD
16th Annual Vision Walk
VisionWalk is a fun, family-friendly event to bring together the Foundation Fighting Blindness community to raise awareness of our mission to find treatments and cures for blinding diseases. VisionWalk takes place through local events across the country. Our very own Angela Demetrulias, OD, will once again be taking the helm as the medical chair for […]
Back-to-School Eye Exams
Check out Dr. Andrew Lee’s latest video discussion on back-to-school eye exams
2022 Castle Connolly Top Doctors
Congratulations Dr. Polk!
On his recent continuing education course presentation entitled “Managing Ocular Disease on the Post-LASIK Patient” at the St. Louis Optometric Society Meeting on August 9th to a group of 40-50 optometrists
Congratulations! Dr. Rallo
Dr. Mark Rallo, OD, on becoming the new Director of Pediatric Optometry! This a new role for our department and will be a wonderful addition to our leadership team. Dr. Rallo will continue to offer guidance and support for our growing team of Optometrists. His years of service, love of mentorship and clinical expertise made […]
Congratulations Dr. Carla Siegfried
On her following contributions to Ophthalmology: June 8-9- Keynote Speaker at Canadian Resident Ethics Symposium (Halifax, NS) June 10-12-Keynote Speaker at Canadian Ophthalmological Society Meeting (Halifax, NS) June 29-Bettman Ethics Lecture-University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston, TX)
K08 Grant Recipient
Congratulations! Lynn Hassman, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences on receiving a K08 Grant from NEI for her research entitled “Resolution of Ocular Inflammation: The Role of Type 1 Conventional Dendritic Cells.” The K08 is a special award for individuals who have a clinical doctoral degree to provide support and protected time to […]
Congratulations! Kathrine (Kat) Earney
2022 Kelley Mullen Clinical Service Award Recipient Kathrine (Kat) Earney, Clinical Supervisor at the University Eye Center (UES) on receiving the 2022 Kelley Mullen Clinical Service Award . The Kelley Mullen Clinical Service Award recognizes a clinical support staff member who consistently demonstrates ongoing acts of caring that go beyond the normally expected levels of […]
Now Scheduling LASIK Surgery Consultations!
We are excited to announce that we are now scheduling consultations at Washington University LASIK Surgery Center!
Congratulations! Dr. Lee
Clinical Care–Medical Team Distinguished Service Teaching Award Andrew Lee, MD, has been selected by the Washington University School of Medicine Class of 2022 to receive the “Clinical Care–Medical Team Distinguished Service Teaching Award” for teaching in Academic Year 2020-2021. Dr. Lee along with other selected teaching faculty will be formally recognized by medical school students […]
Congratulations! Mary-Grace Reeves
Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA, incoming DOVS resident on being named Inpatient Intern of the Month, for her work on the VA MICU service This doctor rotated through our ICU here at the VA in January right in the middle of the Omicron surge that both led to short staffed situations and an exceptionally high census […]
Please Welcome Stephen Wexler, MD
We would like to welcome Dr. Wexler to our clinical faculty! Dr. Wexler will be the director of our new LASIK & Refractive Surgery Center opening in spring 2022. Dr. Stephen Wexler has been performing refractive surgery since 1991. He is one of the most experienced surgeons in the country, having performed more than 70,000 […]
When YOU have Uveitis
Check out our very own Dr. Lynn Hassman’s discussion in the Summer 2021 issue of the Washington University’s Physicians Newsletter
2021 Castle Connolly Top Doctors
Welcome Eric Ricker, OD
Eric Ricker, OD recently joined our team of staff optometrists. Dr. Ricker has over four years of clinical experience in optometry. He also serves as a Co-Management chair of the Saint Louis Optometric Society and on the emerging leadership committee with the Missouri Optometric Association.
32nd Annual Ophthalmology Spring Update & 16th Annual Ophthalmic Personnel Seminar
Saturday, April 24, 20218 AM – 3:30 PM Lectures will be held virtually via Zoom. Zoom help guide Virtual Seminar Guidelines Make sure you are muted & your camera is off “RAISE HAND” in case you’d like to be unmuted during the Q&A time (You can do this from the “Participants” tab) Use CHAT for […]
Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study After 20 Years of Follow-up
Congratulations to Michael Kass, MD, Mae Gordon, PhD, and the Ocular Hypertension Study Group on their latest publication discussing their findings after 20 years of follow up! More than 20 years after the launch of a landmark clinical trial, follow-up examinations and analyses found that not all patients with elevated eye pressure need pressure-lowering treatment […]
Dr. Apte appointed Associate Editor to Ophthalmology Science Journal
Congratulations! Dr. Rajendra Apte on being appointed as an Associate Editor to Ophthalmology Science Journal.
Virtual Learning Turning Students into ‘Zoomies’: How to Avoid Eye Damage
Check out our very own Dr. Andrew Lee on KSDK News talking about Virtual Learning turning students into ‘Zoomies’: How to Avoid Eye Damage
Age Related Macular Degeneration What it is, what we do about it, and where we may be going
Check out Dr. P. Kumar Rao’s latest video discussion on age related macular degeneration.
Sourcing Photoreceptor-like Cells for Treating Vision Loss
Congratulations to Dr. Apte on his latest publication!
Cornea appears to resist infection from novel coronavirus (Links to an external site)
Congratulations to Dr. Apte and colleagues on their latest publication!
Vision Loss in Diabetes
Check out Dr. Rithwick Rajagopal’s discussion on vision loss in diabetes
Glaucoma-The Sneak Thief of Sight
Check out our very own Dr. Carla Siegfried discussing glaucoma, the sneak thief of sight.
Virtual Learning Effects on Children’s Eyes
Check out our very own Dr. Mark Rallo discussing the effect of virtual learning on your children’s eyes.
Healthy Vision Month: Lifestyle Choices
This week for Healthy Vision Month, Dr. Joe Steska discusses lifestyle choices to optimize eye health.
Spring Update and Ophthalmic Personnel Seminar Cancellation
Event Cancellation Notice In light of the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) precautions set in place by the University, the Spring Update and Ophthalmic Personnel Seminar scheduled for April 4th, 2020 are canceled. We hope to reschedule this event in the near future, please look for further communication regarding the new event date. If you have paid […]