Dear Friends of WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences,
Returning to St. Louis after more than a decade truly feels like coming home. This community has always held a special place for my family, and Cecilia and I are deeply grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received. We are excited to reconnect with old friends, build new partnerships, and work together to strengthen the department’s impact in the years ahead.
I would like to take a moment to recognize the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Todd Margolis. His vision and commitment guided this department through a remarkable period of growth and achievement. I am honored to build on that strong foundation, and I am thankful for the support of colleagues, alumni, donors, and community partners who make our mission possible.
Looking ahead, I see tremendous opportunities for WashU Medicine Ophthalmology to shape the future of our field. Innovation is moving at an unprecedented pace, from new treatments and technologies to advances in artificial intelligence and imaging, and our department is well positioned to lead these transformations. Together, we can expand access to exceptional care, advance groundbreaking research, and prepare the next generation of leaders in ophthalmology.
Cecilia and I are thrilled to begin this new chapter with you. With your partnership, I am confident we will continue to build on our strengths, embrace new opportunities, and ensure that WashU Medicine remains at the forefront of ophthalmology for generations to come.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI
Arthur W. Stickle Distinguished Professor and Chair
John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences