Is there a more intriguingly named part of our body than the Zonule of Zinn? This network of tiny, translucent fibers sits behind the iris, bridging the gap between the lens and the inner wall of the eye. Acting like the springs of a trampoline, these fibers enable the lens to adjust its shape to […]
November Spotlights Breakthroughs in Diabetic Retinopathy Research Each November, Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness Month calls attention to one of the leading causes of preventable blindness. At the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, researchers are taking the conversation a step further shifting the focus from awareness to innovation, discovery, and […]
This Research Insight covers a publication from the Bassnett Lab. Here, we highlight how findings by Pooja Rathaur, PhD and colleagues have contributed to our understanding of how the fibrous molecules that comprise the zonular fibers of the eye support vision. In their paper published in Cells, scientists in the lab of Steven Bassnett, PhD—professor […]
At the John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology, co-managed care between our optometrists and ophthalmologists highlights the strength of true clinical collaboration. This patient-centered approach ensures individuals receive comprehensive, efficient, and personalized care for all their eye health needs. What Is Co-Managed Care? Co-managed care brings together the unique expertise of both optometrists and […]
WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences welcomes Sanjana Shashidhar, OD, to the pediatric optometry team. Shashidhar brings a rich background, diverse clinical interests, and a wealth of experience and dedication to patient care. Shashidhar’s areas of clinical interest include: For Shashidhar, the most rewarding aspect of working with patients is […]
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of vision problems caused by diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people living with diabetes face a higher risk of developing serious eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. However, recent studies show that awareness of […]
WashU Medicine’s student-run mobile eye clinic joined community partners to offer free vision screenings at an event attended by more than 800 people Volunteers from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences’ Free Eye Service participated in the Fifth Annual First Ladies of St. Louis Health Empowerment Event last […]
This Research Insight covers a study from the Kerschensteiner Lab. Here, we highlight how Florentina Soto, PhD and colleagues characterized the functional properties of the output cells of the retina to understand how information is coded in the human retina. This study from the Kerschensteiner Lab, published in Neuron, marks the first functional characterization of […]
Funding supports study using optical coherence tomography angiography to predict risk for preeclampsia Wilson Wang, MD and Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, of the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, have received a $139,150 grant from the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. This grant is in support of their project […]
Faculty and ophthalmic personnel represented WashU Medicine at the AAO and ACE meetings in Orlando, sharing insights and advancing clinical education Faculty, trainees and allied health professionals from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences attended the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Allied Health/ACE conferences in Orlando, Florida, […]
Nearly 1,000 attendees enjoyed creative costumes, candy and community at this year’s event The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences joined other departments at the St. Louis Children’s Specialized Care Center (CSCC) this past weekend for a successful Trunk or Treat event! Despite strong winds, the turnout was outstanding […]
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. […]
In partnership with MindsEye, WashU Medicine Ophthalmology promotes inclusion and awareness through accessible sports The John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences partnered with MindsEye to host its annual Beep Ball game on Saturday, October 11, 2025 in Forest Park, bringing together faculty, trainees, staff and patients for a day of friendly […]
St. Louis, MO — October 13, 2025 — The WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center is proud to announce the arrival of Wavelight® Plus Ray-Tracing Technology, a breakthrough in vision correction now available for qualifying patients following recent FDA approval. Unlike traditional LASIK methods, which rely on averaged measurements, Wavelight® Plus Ray-Tracing builds a personalized model of each […]
Michel Cayouette, PhD, presents during the 8th Annual David C. Beebe Lectureship in Vision Science On October 2, 2025, the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences hosted the 8th Annual David C. Beebe Lectureship as part of the Vision Science Seminar series. This year’s distinguished speaker, Michel Cayouette, PhD, delivered a […]
Faculty, trainees and staff gathered for the annual retreat featuring poster sessions, food trucks and research awards The John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences hosted the 2025 Vision Science Research Retreat on Friday, October 3, bringing together faculty, trainees and staff for a day celebrating innovation and collaboration in vision research. […]
Seminar sponsored by WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences featured expert talks and continuing education opportunities for ophthalmic personnel More than 50 ophthalmic personnel from WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and community practices across the St. Louis region gathered for the 2025 […]
Recognized for expertise in retinal diseases and innovative research on brain and systemic health links Cecilia Lee, MD, MS, will join the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. Lee, a specialist in medical retina and cataract surgery, is a leading investigator in big data and AI applications in ophthalmology, […]
This Research Insight covers a publication from the Williams Lab. Here, we highlight how Allison Hall and colleagues unveiled the cellular identity of a retinal ganglion cell that innately survives well following injury to the optic nerve. They further explored cellular factors that could help explain the resilience of these cells to offer insights into […]
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, many of us prepare for the cooler months by updating our wardrobes, switching up our skincare routines, and getting cozy. But have you considered that fall might be the perfect time to invest in your vision? LASIK surgery is a life-changing procedure that can […]