The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences welcomes Shahriyar Majidi, MD, PhD, a glaucoma specialist whose roots in St. Louis and passion for combining scientific discovery with compassionate patient care have shaped his career. With advanced training in glaucoma and a commitment to research, surgical education and patient relationships, Majidi brings a thoughtful, personalized approach to caring for patients with glaucoma and cataracts.
Shahriyar Majidi, MD, PhD
Instructor, Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
- Email: spmajidi@nospam.wustl.edu
Born and raised in St. Louis, Majidi earned his MD and PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University School of Medicine. He then completed ophthalmology residency and glaucoma fellowship training at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute.
His interest in ophthalmology began in childhood, inspired by his grandfather, an ophthalmologist who shared his enthusiasm for the field. During his medical school rotations at WashU, that early interest developed into a lasting passion.
“I was drawn to the field’s unique combination of science and technical precision, as well as its artistic elements, which resonated with my background as a visual artist,” Majidi said. “I also valued the opportunity to integrate my research training with clinical care.”
Today, Majidi’s clinical interests include the medical and surgical management of glaucoma and cataract surgery. His current research interest includes exploring the relationship between behavior and glaucoma, particularly how stress and mental health may influence glaucoma outcomes.
He is also passionate about teaching and mentorship, especially helping trainees develop surgical skills, build confidence in clinical decision-making and explore their individual career and research interests.
For Majidi, one of the most rewarding aspects of glaucoma care is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients and support them throughout their treatment journey. He values the trust that develops over time and the opportunity to help patients navigate difficult decisions with compassion and empathy.
“Some of the most meaningful moments are seeing how preserving even a small amount of vision can make a profound difference in a patient’s daily life and sense of independence,” he said.
Above all, Majidi hopes patients leave their appointments feeling confident that they have a trusted partner in their care. Although vision lost to glaucoma cannot typically be restored, treatment can often help preserve remaining vision and maintain quality of life.
“Glaucoma can present difficult challenges, and even when we cannot restore lost vision, there is often much we can do to preserve remaining vision and quality of life,” he said. “Above all, I want my patients to know that they are not facing these challenges alone.”
Outside the clinic, Majidi enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, along with family and friends throughout the St. Louis area. Their favorite activities include exploring local parks and the Missouri Botanical Garden, going out for ice cream, cooking Persian dishes and traveling to visit loved ones.
One fun fact patients might not know? Majidi first met his wife on Zoom during the pandemic.
WashU Medicine Ophthalmology looks forward to the expertise, compassion and dedication Majidi brings to patient care, vision research and the education of future ophthalmologists.