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 a Cone-Specific Visual Cycle to Preventing Retinal Degeneration.” Dr. Kefalov’s lecture provided valuable insights into the complexities of visual cycles and their role in retinal health, underscoring the importance of continued research in preventing degenerative eye diseases.
A Lasting Legacy
The David C. Beebe Lectureship honors the late Dr. David C. Beebe, a pioneering figure in ophthalmology research. Each year, this event provides a platform for vision science experts to share groundbreaking research and inspire further innovation. Dr. Kefalov’s lecture highlighted the critical need to explore new pathways for preventing and treating retinal diseases, an area of growing importance in ophthalmology.
Driving Vision Science Forward
As retinal diseases remain at the forefront of ophthalmic research, lectures like Dr. Kefalov’s are vital for fostering collaboration and advancing the understanding of how to maintain healthy vision throughout life. His presentation emphasized the exciting intersection of vision science and clinical application, leaving attendees eager to see how emerging research will continue to shape the future of the field.
Previous Presenters of the david c. Beebe Lectureship:
- 2014 – Russell Van Gelder, MD, PhD
- 2017 – James Funderburgh, PhD
- 2018 – Shigeru Kinoshita, MD, PhD
- 2019 – Richard Lang, PhD
- 2022 – Seth Blackshaw, PhD
- 2023 – Kirill Martemyanov, PhD
Remembering Dr. David C. Beebe
Dr. David C. Beebe, PhD, was the Janet and Bernard Becker Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Beebe earned his PhD in Biology from the University of Virginia before establishing his laboratory at Washington University. He became renowned for his work on the development of the anterior structures of the eye and his groundbreaking research on the causes and treatment of glaucoma and age-related cataracts. Dr. Beebe’s contributions to understanding how oxygen metabolism affects ocular health remain critical to the field today.
His legacy endures through the David C. Beebe Lectureship, which continues to inspire and support cutting-edge research in ophthalmology.
About Dr. Vladimir Kefalov
Dr. Vladimir Kefalov is a Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine, where he serves as Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Ophthalmology. Known for his work on photoreceptor function and survival, Dr. Kefalov’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of retinal health in both normal and diseased states. Prior to joining UC Irvine, he led a laboratory in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University, where he served as Vice Chair for Research from 2020-2021.
