Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss among adults over 50, yet many people are unaware of its impact until they or a loved one experience symptoms. AMD Awareness Month is the perfect time to shed light on this condition, how it affects daily life, and the ways we […]
FEBRUARY 2025 ST. LOUIS, MO — WashU Medicine is proud to announce that Dr. Cynthia Montana has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Dean’s Impact Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to serving the underserved communities of St. Louis and advancing excellence in ophthalmologic care. The Dean’s Impact Awards honor faculty members whose work […]
We are excited to welcome the newest members of the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences residency and fellowship programs! Incoming Residents Internal Medicine 2025-2026 & Ophthalmology 2026-2029 Incoming Fellows Cornea Fellowship Retina Fellowship Glaucoma Fellowship Chief of Ophthalmic Trauma We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of […]
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, esteemed colleagues, students, and distinguished guests gathered to honor Dr. Daniel Kerschensteiner, MD, as he was installed as the Bernard Becker Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. This prestigious professorship recognized Dr. Kerschensteiner’s exceptional contributions to vision science and his dedication to advancing our understanding and treatment of visual disorders. […]
When considering laser eye surgery, it’s natural to have questions—maybe even concerns—about which procedure is right for you. LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are both highly effective in correcting vision, reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses, and helping people regain the freedom of clear sight. But while LASIK is well-known […]
ST. LOUIS, MO – January 23, 2025 —WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is pleased to announce the publication of a new comprehensive review titled “The Landscape of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibition in Retinal Diseases” by Joseph Lin, a dedicated medical student in the Apte Laboratory. The review, published […]
ST. LOUIS, MO – January 23, 2025 — WashU Medicine was proud to announce that Carla Siegfried, MD, the Jacquelyn E. and Allan E. Kolker, MD, Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, was a key speaker and moderator at the prestigious “Next Reality Glaucoma 2025” Symposium. Hosted by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, […]
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Under normal conditions, the cornea and lens are smooth and uniformly curved, like a ball, allowing light to focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. However, when astigmatism is present, the cornea or lens […]
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 […]
Philanthropic Gift Fuels Breakthroughs in Restorative Treatments for Hereditary Blindness ST. LOUIS, MO – November, 2024 — WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is proud to announce a generous $5 million investment from a Polish donor, aimed at advancing innovative genetic and stem cell research led by Shiming Chen, PhD, […]
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 […]
ST. LOUIS, MO – December 17, 2024 — Mitsu Yoshida, MD, PhD, a researcher at WashU Medicine, has been named the recipient of the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation (VRSF) Research Fellowship. Yoshida’s project, titled “The role of adipokine-regulated lipid mediator in age-related retinal dysfunction and disease“, aims to uncover novel mechanisms linking systemic aging to retinal degeneration, […]
ST. LOUIS, MO – December 17, 2024 — Taku Yamamoto, MD, PhD, a researcher at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been honored with the Vision Research Scientific Foundation (VRSF) Award for his groundbreaking work on immunosenescence, the aging-related transition of the immune system. Yamamoto’s project focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying […]
Being Asian American by Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD What does it mean to be Asian American? This is a question that many who identify as Asian American often face whether they emigrated to the United States or were natural born citizens. Defined as a model minority, discriminated in academia or the business world as over-represented, […]
Henok Getahun Awarded Prestigious RPB Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship ST. LOUIS, MO – December 4, 2024 — Henok Getahun, WashU Medicine Medical Student, has been honored with the RPB Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship, a distinguished award that supports promising medical students in pursuing innovative research projects in ophthalmology. Getahun’s groundbreaking research focuses on a […]
December is a season of joy, but it’s also a critical time to prioritize safety. With the holidays in full swing and celebrations around the corner, parents and guardians must remain vigilant about protecting children’s eyes and overall well-being. In observance of Safe Toys and Celebrations Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is spreading […]
On November 6, 2024, WashU Medicine hosted the installation ceremony of Shiming Chen, PhD, as the Dr. Bernard and Janet R. Becker Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology. Held in the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center’s Connor Auditorium, the ceremony honored both Dr. Chen’s groundbreaking contributions to the field and the enduring legacy of Dr. Bernard and […]
One of the most common questions people ask about LASIK is, “Does it last forever?” LASIK has given millions of people the freedom to see clearly without glasses or contacts, but understanding the longevity of LASIK results and the role of aging in vision changes can help set realistic expectations. In this blog, we’ll dive […]
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 […]
Carla and Mildred Reeves Foundation Awards $40,000 Grant to Dr. Rajendra S. Apte for Groundbreaking Research in Retinal Neurodegeneration St. Louis, MO – The Carla and Mildred Reeves Foundation has awarded a $40,000 grant to Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, the Paul Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University School of […]