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.
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 […]
As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy gathering supplies, organizing schedules, and preparing their children for a successful academic year. While shopping for notebooks and new clothes, it’s easy to overlook one critical aspect of your child’s readiness for school: their vision. Good vision is essential for learning and ensuring that your child’s eyes […]
We are excited to highlight Dr. Arsham Sheybani for his recent lecture at the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons on May 10th. Dr. Sheybani presented on the complex and critical topic of “The Cataract Surgery that Caused Glaucoma.” In his lecture, Dr. Sheybani shared his extensive knowledge on how cataract surgery, despite its […]
We are proud to spotlight Dr. Tychsen, a distinguished member of the Washington University Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, for his recent contributions to the field of pediatric ophthalmology. On May 4th, Dr. Tychsen delivered an impactful lecture on “Refractive Surgery for Special Needs Children” at the Texas Ophthalmological Association’s 2024 Annual Meeting. His […]
Washington University Ophthalmologists now offer outpatient corneal collagen crosslinking therapy for adults. Corneal collagen cross-linking is an innovative treatment for keratoconus and certain corneal ectatic disorders. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, leading to vision distortion and impairment. Collagen cross-linking, or CXL, offers hope to individuals affected […]
Congratulations to WashU Ophthalmology Resident, Matt Elitt, MD, PhD and Case Western Reserve’s Tesar Lab colleagues, on the advancement of ION356 to a phase I human clinical trial. Dr. Elitt’s doctoral research published in Nature demonstrated a novel method to pharmacologically target the pathology of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD), representing the first potential treatment option for patients and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]