Understanding LASIK: The Life-Changing Eye Surgery

Understanding LASIK The Life-Changing Eye Surgery

For millions of people, the need for glasses or contact lenses can be a daily hassle. Whether it’s misplacing your glasses or the discomfort of wearing contacts all day, vision problems can significantly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, modern advancements in eye care, like LASIK surgery, offer a permanent solution to common vision issues, […]

Dr. Andrew JW Huang and Dr. Qin Liu Receive NIH/NEI Grant to Investigate Neural Mechanisms of Corneal Injuries Caused by Ammonia Exposure

Dr. Andrew JW Huang and Dr. Qin Liu Receive NIH/NEI Grant

ST. LOUIS, MO – October 4, 2024 – Andrew JW Huang, MD, MPH, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Qin Liu, PhD, Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, have been awarded a four-year R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Eye […]

Understanding the Leading Causes of Blindness 

Understanding the Leading Causes of Blindness

October is Blindness Awareness Month. Across the world millions of people live with some form of vision loss. While total blindness affects a small percentage, many individuals experience low vision or visual impairment that significantly impacts their daily lives. Understanding the leading causes of blindness can help promote early detection and treatment, which is essential […]

Post-LASIK Tips for Fall: Enjoying Clear Vision Through the Season

Post-LASIK Tips for Fall

You’ve made the decision to undergo LASIK, and now you’re looking forward to clear, sharp vision just in time for fall. While the recovery process is usually quick and easy, there are some specific steps you can take during the fall season to ensure you get the most out of your LASIK results. Here are […]

St. Louis Vision Walk 2024

St. Louis Vision Walk 2024

The Foundation Fighting Blindness — St. Louis hosted its 18th Annual VisionWalk on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Our team, the WashU Visionaries, raised over $3000 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 million […]

Vision Science Journal Club: Gene Editing Discovery in Retinal Cell

Vision Science Journal Club: Gene Editing Discovery in Retinal Cell

Sean McCracken, a Neuroscience PhD candidate in the Williams’ Lab, gave his presentation at the Vision Science Journal Club on Retrograde AAV-mediated gene modulation revealing chloride intracellular channel proteins as potent regulators of retinal ganglion cell death. Sean explained that Tapia et al used a special method to label and track viruses in retinal ganglion cells […]

Healthy Aging Month and LASIK: Is It Ever Too Late for Clear Vision?

Healthy Aging Month and LASIK: Is It Ever Too Late for Clear Vision?

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the positive aspects of growing older and focusing on the lifestyle choices that can lead to a healthier, more vibrant life as we age. Vision plays a crucial role in how we experience the world, and maintaining clear, healthy eyesight is key to enjoying an […]

2024 Appreciation Party & Awards

2024 Appreciation Party & Awards

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Washington University Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences came together for a night of celebration, camaraderie, and gratitude at the annual Appreciation Party & Awards. Held at 9 Mile Garden in Affton, MO, the evening was filled with delicious food, family-friendly activities, and moments honoring the dedication of the […]

Open House for New Multidisciplinary Surgical Simulation Lab

Open House for New Multidisciplinary Surgical Simulation Lab

The highly anticipated open house of the new shared multidisciplinary surgical simulation lab took place on September 18th, 2024, offering an exclusive first look at the future of surgical innovation. “The recently launched Multidisciplinary Surgical Simulation Lab is enhancing our training capabilities significantly. Serving ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and neurosurgery, this facility is equipped with advanced technology […]

Recap: 19th Annual Ophthalmic Personnel Update

Recap: 19th Annual Ophthalmic Personnel Update

On Saturday, September 14, 2024, the 19th Annual Ophthalmic Personnel Update took place at the COH Conference Room in St. Louis, bringing together a dedicated group of ophthalmic professionals for a day filled with education, networking, and advancement in the field. This year’s event, approved for 6 JCAHPO continuing education credits, exceeded expectations, providing invaluable […]

National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2024

National Postdoc Appreciation Week

Celebrating National Postdoc Appreciation Week 2024 We would like to recognize and express gratitude to our postdoctoral appointees at Washington University. This week is National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW). It is a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Washington University’s more than 950 postdoctoral appointees. Their hard work in research, teaching, and […]

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

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

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

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

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 […]

Blue Light and Longer Nights: Eye Health Tips for Fall’s Shorter Days

Blue Light and Longer Nights: Eye Health Tips for Fall's Shorter Days

As the days grow shorter and nights lengthen during the fall, many of us spend more time indoors, often in front of screens. Increased screen time exposes our eyes to more blue light, which can lead to digital eye strain and discomfort. Here’s how you can protect your eye health this fall, while separating fact […]

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

WashU awarded up to $20M to create portable device to scan for eye diseases

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.

Washington University Experts Presenting at ACADEMY 2024 Indianapolis

Washington University Experts Presenting at ACADEMY 2024 Indianapolis

Several distinguished doctors from the Washington University Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences will be presenting at ACADEMY 2024 in Indianapolis, November 6-9. These experts will share their groundbreaking research and clinical insights, contributing to the advancement of optometry and vision science. Be sure to check out the speaker list below to see who will […]

New Research Uncovers the Role of Cholesterol Accumulation in Retinal Degeneration

New Research Uncovers the Role of Cholesterol Accumulation in 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 […]

Is LASIK Right for College Students? A Back-to-School Vision Guide

Is LASIK Right for College Students? A Back-to-School Vision Guide

Heading to college is a major life milestone, marking the beginning of new experiences, challenges, and responsibilities. For many students, this transition also brings a shift in how they approach their health and lifestyle choices, including vision care. If you’re tired of dealing with the hassle of glasses or contact lenses, you may be wondering […]