Pitt Ophthalmology/UPMCVisionInstitute

01/14/2026

01/13/2026

Last month, Pittsburgh Tomorrow hosted the fourth installment of The Pittsburgh Tomorrow Intersection—their event series focused on fostering cross-sector collaboration. Dr. José-Alain Sahel was among the powerhouse speakers who helped drive meaningful conversation and insight. Read more about the event on their blog: www.ophthalmology.pitt.edu/news

01/09/2026

Our eyes are extraordinary — allowing us to take in the beauty of the world, learn through reading and observation, and express thoughts, emotions, and creativity through visual art. 👁️✨

Recently, we shared an exciting update: Webvision — The Organization of the Retina and Visual System officially migrated from the University of Utah’s Moran Eye Center to the University of Pittsburgh.

Webvision continues to serve as a comprehensive, open-access resource for scientists, clinicians, and students, bringing together both foundational and cutting-edge knowledge of how the retina and visual pathways function. The platform remains guided by its distinguished editors Helga Kolb, PhD; Ralph Nelson, PhD; Eduardo Fernandez, MD, PhD; and Bryan Jones, PhD, whose dedication has made Webvision a cornerstone of vision science education.

🎥 Missed the announcement? Rewatch the video to learn more about this important transition and explore the intricate systems that make sight possible:
👉 https://www.webvision.pitt.edu/

01/07/2026

Proud to highlight Mitch Bell, Rehabilitation Innovation Specialist at UPMC, whose work through the Assist+ Program is helping patients regain independence with innovative, customized assistive technology solutions.

This important work was recently featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, with expert insight and commentary from Dr. William Smith, Director of Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation Services, who was quoted in the article.
Read about it here: https://www.ophthalmology.pitt.edu/news

01/05/2026

Have you considered participating in a clinical trial? 🧑‍🔬

Clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new medications or devices to treat various health conditions. Joining a clinical trial might give you access to promising treatments that aren't available elsewhere.

Want to know more? Check out the resources for understanding clinical trials and discover if participating is right for you! 🌐

For current studies at the UPMC Vision Institute, visit:
https://www.ophthalmology.pitt.edu/translational-research/ophthalmology-clinical-trials

Would you like to be more informed about the range of potential treatment options for your health problem? Would you consider a clinical trial? If you are considering participating in a clinical trial, please check the resources for understanding clinical trials.

01/01/2026

🎉✨ Happy New Year from the Pitt Department of Ophthalmology & UPMC Vision Institute! ✨🎉

As we begin the new year, we extend our best wishes to our faculty, trainees, staff, patients, and collaborators. We are inspired by the progress we’ve made together and are deeply encouraged by the opportunities ahead.

With a continued focus on exceptional patient care, innovative research, and outstanding education, we look forward to another year of collaboration, discovery, and impact. Together, we remain committed to advancing vision health and improving lives.

Wishing everyone a healthy, successful, and bright new year! 🌟👁️

12/29/2025

Did you know...
That the first online textbook about the retina, webvision, is now at Pitt?
It is an internationally recognized source of retinal information.

Check it out at www.webvision.pitt.edu

12/24/2025

📘 Teaching or learning about the retina and visual pathways? Webvision is built for you. Whether you’re preparing lectures, conducting lab research, or exploring the fundamentals of visual neuroscience — it’s a trusted, continually updated reference designed to support discovery and learning.

Access Webvision at the University of Pittsburgh: www.webvision.pitt.edu

12/22/2025

✨ Relive the excitement from Community Vision Day at the UPMC Vision Institute! 👓💜

Earlier this month, the first-ever Community Vision Day welcomed people from across Pittsburgh and surrounding areas for free eye exams, new glasses, screenings, and essential vision care — all at no cost.

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers — clinicians, staff, students, and community partners — whose dedication and compassion made this event possible. Your work helps people regain, protect, and maintain their sight, making a real difference in our community. 👁️

🎥 Check out the full video to see the day in action!

12/22/2025

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) recently received a progress update on a major initiative it helped fund to expand access to vision and hearing care for older adults and other underserved populations across the Pittsburgh region.

Read more: https://jhf.org/news/progress-continues-on-regional-expansion-of-vision-care-for-underserved-communities

We are grateful to the Brother’s Brother Foundation for helping us improve access to care in the region. Their donation of an eyeVan has made it possible to do this work.

JHF recently received a progress update on a major initiative it helped fund to expand access to vision and hearing care for older adults and other underserved populations across the Pittsburgh region.

12/17/2025

👁️ The ocular microbiome: more than meets the eye

Did you know that bacteria, viruses, and fungi live right on the surface of our eyes—and play an important role in eye health? Researchers are uncovering how these tiny organisms influence immunity and disease, often through moments of unexpected discovery.

At the University of Pittsburgh, ocular immunologist Anthony St. Leger and his research team experienced just such a breakthrough while studying microorganisms on the eye’s surface—proving once again that science is sometimes driven by serendipity.

🔬 Curious how a forgotten lab plate helped reveal new insights into eye health?
👉 Read more here:

Bacteria, viruses and fungi that colonize the body — including some that live directly on eye surfaces — can have an important role in eye health.

12/16/2025

🌍Knowledge should be shared.
As an open-access platform, Webvision brings the science of vision to everyone — from students and clinicians to global researchers driving the field forward.

We’re proud to continue this legacy of accessibility and innovation at the University of Pittsburgh.

Explore and share Webvision: www.webvision.pitt.edu