AMP Kinase Discovery in Photoreceptor Dysfunction by Tim Lee and Apte Lab

Catalytic isoforms of AMP-activated protein kinase differentially regulate IMPDH activity and photoreceptor neuron function

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 […]

AMD Breakthrough: Uncovering Therapeutic Targets

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 […]

Congratulations Viviana Barquet, MD!

Viviana Barquet

Viviana Barquet, MD selected for The TGF (sponsored by Patricia Hill) / RPB Fellowship in Glaucoma In a collaboration, The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF) and Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) have joined forces to champion diversity and innovation in the field of glaucoma research. This strategic partnership has selected Viviana Barquet, MD, as one of the […]

Catalyst Award for Innovative Research Approaches for AMD

Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD

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 […]

Are You a Candidate for LASIK? Find Out Now! 

Are You a Candidate for LASIK in St. Louis

Are you tired of constantly reaching for your glasses or fumbling with contact lenses? Do you dream of waking up with clear vision and bidding farewell to vision correction devices? LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, may be the answer you’re looking for. But how do you know if you’re a suitable candidate for this […]

Congratulations Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD

Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD

Recently, Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD had the honor of being invited as international faculty to speak at the prestigious Vitreoretina Society of India. His expertise and insights into retina captivated the audience, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field. Dr. Apte’s influence extends globally, as evidenced by his role as a visiting […]

2023 VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation Research Award Recipient!

Mary-Grace Reeves Shares Advice on Choosing a Fellowship

In a momentous stride towards advancing our understanding of macular and retinal diseases, Dr. Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA, has recently been honored as a recipient of the prestigious 2023 VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation Research Award. This recognition not only underscores her dedication to the field but also highlights the significance of her groundbreaking work in the […]

LASIK for Patients with Diabetes: Is It Safe? 

Diabetes

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, is a popular and effective vision correction procedure that has transformed the lives of millions of people by providing freedom from glasses and contact lenses. However, for individuals with diabetes, the decision to undergo LASIK surgery requires careful consideration. Addressing Concerns for Diabetic Individuals LASIK is a […]

Digital Eye Strain: Tips for a Healthier Screen Time

Digital Eye Strain

Understanding and Managing Digital Eye Strain In today’s digital age, it’s become almost impossible to avoid screens. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers, we rely on digital devices for work, communication, and entertainment. However, this increasing screen time has brought with it a concerning side effect – digital eye strain. This condition, […]

Congratulations Carla Siegfried, MD

Carla Siegfried, MD, Jacquelyn E. and Allan E. Kolker, MD, Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Professionalism, was the Keynote Speaker at the Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology’s 2023 Fall Symposium at The Trade Hotel on September 30th, 2023. She was also a Visiting Professor at the University of […]

K08 Award Grant Recipient!

James Walsh, MD, PhD Receives RPB Career Development Award

James Walsh, MD, PhD has received a K08 federal award for the grant titled ‘Antigen presentation to the adaptive immune system in the choroid contributes to ocular autoimmune disease’. Uveitis is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, and while much work has gone into evaluating the effects of T cell-derived cytokines, there is […]

Highlights from AAO 2023

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 […]

Apte Carl Marshall & Mildred Almen Reeves Foundation Award Recipient

Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD

Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD, Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences received an award from the Carl Marshall & Mildred Almen Reeves Foundation entitled ‘Cross-tissue Receptor Ligand Interactions to Identify Novel Targets in Neovascular AMD’. This grant will be used to fund studies that help us identify novel therapeutic targets in age-related macular […]

NIH RO1 Sub Award Grant Recipient!

Congratulations Dr. Ferguson! Dr. Ferguson recently received a sub award from a R01 that Dr. Vladimir Kefalov at the university of California, Irvine received entitled “Modulation of cone photoreceptor function by autophagy”. Autophagy is an intracellular process that supports cell survival through the recycling of macromolecular complexes by the removal of nonfunctional and potentially toxic […]

Innovative Research Unveils Potential Breakthrough in Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

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 […]

WashU LASIK Continuing Education Event Fall 2023

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 […]

NIH RO1 Grant Recipient!

Congratulations Dr. Siegfried! Carla Siegfried, MD, Jacquelyn E. and Allan E. Kolker, MD, Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences received a new NIH RO1 Grant entitled ‘Racial disparities of open-angle glaucoma: A study of mitochondria and oxidative stress in human trabecular meshwork’.  Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide and frequent cause of visual […]

STL VisionWalk 2023

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 […]

Congratulations Arsham Sheybani, MD

Dr. Arsham Sheybani Expert Insights on Cataract Surgery and Glaucoma

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.