Dr. Clark receives grant for Regulation of Retinal Development by RNA Molecules

Dr. Brian Clark Awarded Prestigious R01 Grant for Groundbreaking Research on Retinal Development St. Louis, MO – September 11th, 2024 – Washington University School of Medicine is proud to announce that Dr. Brian Clark, PhD, has been awarded his first R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his pioneering research titled “Regulation […]

New Research Faculty Member: Qian Wang, PhD

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Qian Wang, PhD, as Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine. Research Focus Dr. Wang’s research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms that govern eye development, with the goal of translating this knowledge into innovative therapies […]

Recap: 7th Annual David C. Beebe Lectureship in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

7th Annual David C. Beebe Lectureship

On Thursday, September 7th, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University hosted the 7th Annual David C. Beebe Lectureship, celebrating a major milestone in vision science research. This year’s distinguished speaker, Vladimir Kefalov, PhD, a leading professor of ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine, captivated the audience with his presentation, “From […]

Recap of the 4th Annual DOVS Research Retreat

4th annual dovs research retreat Shiming Chen, PhD

On Friday, September 6th, 2024, the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences (DOVS) hosted its 4th Annual Research Retreat, bringing together researchers, trainees, and faculty for a day of inspiring presentations and artistic innovation. Research Poster Session The retreat kicked off with the Research Poster Session, where 22 groundbreaking projects were showcased. Attendees had the […]

WashU awarded up to $20M to create portable device to scan for eye diseases (Links to an external site)

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.

New Research Uncovers the Role of Cholesterol Accumulation in Retinal Degeneration

Cholesterol Accumulation Promotes Photoreceptor Senescence and Retinal Degeneration

We’re excited to highlight a significant publication from two of our esteemed colleagues: Dr. Ryo Terao, a former postdoctoral researcher now on the faculty at the University of Tokyo, and Dr. Mitsu Yoshida, an ASAP fellow in Anesthesiology currently working in the Apte Lab. Along with their co-authors, they have just published research titled “Cholesterol […]

Alcon Research Institute Awards Young Investigator Grant to Dr. Yoshimatsu

$75,000 Young Investigator Grant Supports Early Career Development in Vision Research and Ophthalmology St. Louis, MO – August 16th, 2024 – Takeshi Yoshimatsu,PhD, an Assistant Professor in the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WashU Medicine) has been awarded a $75,000 Young […]

James Walsh, MD, PhD Receives RPB Career Development Award

We are thrilled to announce that James Walsh, MD, PhD has been awarded the prestigious Career Development Award from Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB). This award, which provides $350,000 in funding over four years, is designed to support promising junior ophthalmology faculty in their journey toward becoming independent researchers. Research Focus Dr. Walsh’s research centers […]

Installation Ceremony for Steven Bassnett, PhD

Todd Margolis, MD, PhD; Steven Bassnett, PhD; David H. Perlmutter, MD

On July 24, 2024, the Washington University School of Medicine celebrated the installation of Steven Bassnett, PhD, as the Grace Nelson Lacy Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology. The event brought together esteemed colleagues, friends, and family to honor Dr. Bassnett’s remarkable contributions to the field of vision research. This was a wonderful honor for me personally […]

WashU at FASEB Retinal Neurobiology & Visual Processing SRC

Takeshi Yoshimatsu

WashU Ophthalmology had a great representation at this year’s Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Retinal Neurobiology & Visual Processing Science Research Conference (SRC). Where leading researchers gathered to share the latest findings and advancements in retinal neurobiology and visual processing. FASEB Retinal Neurobiology & Visual Processing SRC 2024 This year the conference […]

Vision Science Journal Club: Severe Eye Degeneration

Isabella Gomes, a medical student at Washington University, recently presented at the Vision Science Journal Club. Her presentation focused on severe eye degeneration in a 68-year-old man. Presenter: Isabella Gomes WashU Medical Student – MD Candidate ’25 Email: i.gomes@wustl.edu The study Isabella Gomes presented found a new genetic change (CNV) in the RHO gene that […]

New Grant Award: Exploring Primary Cilia’s Role in Retina Function

We would like to congratulate Philip Williams, PhD on receiving a grant for his groundbreaking research on the neuromodulatory potential of primary cilia. This grant, funded by The McDonnell Center for Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, recognizes the innovative nature of Dr. Williams’ work, which aims to unravel the complex signaling mechanisms within primary cilia and […]

Science in Focus: Art Beyond the Microscope

We are thrilled to announce Science in Focus: Art Beyond the Microscope, a science as art competition! We invite all vision science researchers to participate in this unique competition, where science and art intersect to reveal the beauty within scientific research. Purpose and Goals Our goal is to celebrate the beauty of science and engage […]

Sean McCracken honored with 2024 NIH Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award

Sean McCracken

Sean McCracken, a Neuroscience PhD candidate in the William’s Lab, has been selected as an award recipient for the 2024 NIH Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award Program (OSNAP). This prestigious honor recognizes Sean’s exceptional research and scientific training, highlighting him as a rising star in the neuroscience community. About the OSNAP Award The Outstanding Scholars […]

Dr. Tychsen: Leading the Way in Refractive Surgery for Special Needs Children

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 […]

Repurposed drug may help stabilize vision in rare disease (Links to an external site)

Ophthalmologist Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, (right), of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, examines patient Patricia Collins (left) while medical student Wilson Wang observes. Collins is a participant in a clinical trial that tests the safety and efficacy of an FDA-approved drug in stabilizing vision in patients with RVCL-S, a rare genetic […]

WashU Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Receives Prestigious RPB Grant for Eye Research

We are delighted to announce that the Washington University Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences has been awarded a prestigious Unrestricted Grant from Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB). This grant, amounting to $115,000 annually, will significantly bolster the department’s ongoing eye research efforts. Recognition of Excellence The Unrestricted Grant from RPB is a testament to […]

2nd Annual Winston Fellow Competition Winners

We are thrilled to announce the winners of Washington University John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) 2nd Annual Winston Fellow Competition. This event showcased DOVS students and postdocs presenting their cutting-edge research, competing for the esteemed Winston Fellow Awards in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. About the Winston Fellow Awards The […]

Yoshimatsu Receives Seed Grant from Brain Research Foundation

Takeshi Yoshimatsu, PhD

Dr. Takeshi Yoshimatsu Receives Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant for Groundbreaking Zebrafish Study on Visual Attention St. Louis, MO — June 6, 2024 — Takeshi Yoshimatsu,PhD, an Assistant Professor in the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WashU Medicine) has been awarded […]