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 […]

Residents & Fellows Spotlight: Barbara Smith, MD

Meet Barbara Smith, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Cornea Fellow 2024-2025 Where are you from? Knoxville, TN Where did you attend Medical School? University of Tennessee Where did you complete your residency? University of Tennessee, Hamilton Eye Institute Why did you choose Ophthalmology and your specialty? Because the eyes are the best! But […]

2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctors

We are proud to announce that 24 of our highly skilled ophthalmologists have been recognized as Top Doctors in St. Louis by the 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctors list. This honor reflects our commitment to providing exceptional patient care, pioneering innovative treatments, and advancing the field of ophthalmology. At WashU Ophthalmology, we strive to deliver […]

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 […]

Residents & Fellows Spotlight: Siddharth Bhargava, MD

Meet Siddharth Bhargava, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Glaucoma Fellow 2024-2025 Where are you from? Cupertino, California Where did you attend Medical School? Albany Medical College Where did you complete your residency? Eastern Virginia Medical School Why did you choose Ophthalmology and your specialty? Growing up in Silicon Valley, I have always been […]

Residents & Fellows Spotlight: Deena Shaath, MD

Deena Shaath

Meet Deena Shaath, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Cornea Fellow 2024-2025 Where are you from? Dodge City, KS Where did you attend Medical School? University of Kansas Where did you complete your residency? Medical College of Wisconsin Why did you choose Ophthalmology and your specialty? Ophthalmology and cornea/external disease offers a mix of […]

Mary-Grace Reeves Shares Advice on Choosing a Fellowship

Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA

Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA, third year ophthalmology resident, recently had an article featured in Ophthalmology Management. In this insightful piece, Dr. Reeves interviews Dr. Carla Siegfried along with several esteemed ophthalmologists from other institutions. They share invaluable advice for those considering an ophthalmology fellowship. Be sure to check it out for expert guidance and tips […]

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 […]

Eyes on Nutrition: Key Foods that Support Your Vision

Did you know that what you eat can significantly impact your eye health? A diet rich in essential nutrients like vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and other eye conditions. While research is still ongoing about the role of […]

DOVS Pride 2024

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) at Washington University in St. Louis proudly celebrated its inaugural DOVS Pride Breakfast, followed by participation in the 2024 Grand Pride Parade. This event was a vibrant testament to our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and support for the LGBTQ+ community within our department and the broader St. […]

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 […]

Welcome Yunshuo “Caroline” Tang, MD, PhD

We are pleased to welcome Yunshuo “Caroline” Tang, MD, PhD, to our team of Neuro-Ophthalmology Faculty. Dr. Tang recently completed her neuro-ophthalmology fellowship with us, and we are excited to add her to our team of expert physicians. Dr. Tang completed her MD and PhD degrees at the University of California, San Francisco, where she […]

Class of 2024 Graduation & Awards Ceremony

Graduation 2024

We recently celebrated the graduation of our outstanding ophthalmology residents and fellows. It was a joyous occasion filled with pride, achievements, and a look back at the hard work and dedication shown by our graduates. A special thanks to all the faculty, staff, and families who supported our graduates throughout their journey. Your dedication and […]

Celebrate Safely: Firework Safety Tips

As we approach the 4th of July, many of us are excited to celebrate with family, friends, and fireworks. While fireworks are a thrilling part of the festivities, they can pose serious risks to our eyes. At Washington University Ophthalmology, we want to ensure your celebrations are not only fun but safe. Here are some […]

Dr. Arsham Sheybani: Expert Insights on Cataract Surgery and Glaucoma

We are excited to highlight Dr. Arsham Sheybani for his recent lecture at the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons on May 10th. Dr. Sheybani presented on the complex and critical topic of “The Cataract Surgery that Caused Glaucoma.” In his lecture, Dr. Sheybani shared his extensive knowledge on how cataract surgery, despite its […]

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 […]