WashU Medicine Ophthalmology residents shared clinical case studies highlighting innovation in vision care and patient outcomes
Two optometry residents from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences presented research posters at the 2025 American Academy of Optometry annual meeting, showcasing their clinical expertise and contributions to advancing patient care.
Brandon C. Merrill, OD, presented a case study titled “Intraoperative Hypotony Leading to Iatrogenic Irregular Astigmatism and Iris Trauma: Visual Rehabilitation with a Scleral Contact Lens.” In collaboration with Jordan K. Jones, OD, FAAO, Merrill examined a rare surgical complication of cataract extraction in which intraoperative hypotony and iris prolapse resulted in iatrogenic irregular astigmatism. Through the use of a unilateral scleral contact lens, the patient achieved significant visual improvement compared to spectacles alone.
Abigail Kuborn, OD, presented “Arterial Calcification as a Cause of Ocular Ischemia and Iris Neovascularization.” Her case highlighted how retinal ischemia can present as acute vision loss with diffuse middle retinal thickening observable on OCT. Kuborn emphasized the importance of promptly evaluating for occult artery occlusion and giant cell arteritis (GCA) in such cases to ensure timely diagnosis and management.
Their participation at the Academy of Optometry meeting reflects WashU Ophthalmology’s dedication to optometric education, research excellence, and collaboration, preparing residents to become leaders in clinical care and innovation.
About WashU Medicine
WashU Medicine is a global leader in academic medicine, including biomedical research, patient care and educational programs with 2,900 faculty. Its National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding portfolio is the second largest among U.S. medical schools and has grown 56% in the last seven years. Together with institutional investment, WashU Medicine commits well over $1 billion annually to basic and clinical research innovation and training. Its faculty practice is consistently within the top five in the country, with more than 1,900 faculty physicians practicing at 130 locations and who are also the medical staffs of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals of BJC HealthCare. WashU Medicine has a storied history in MD/PhD training, recently dedicated $100 million to scholarships and curriculum renewal for its medical students, and is home to top-notch training programs in every medical subspecialty as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and audiology and communications sciences.