Pitt Ophthalmology/UPMCVisionInstitute

10/07/2025

Storytime: Living with vision loss isn’t always what people expect.

For many, it’s not total blindness—it’s struggling with everyday things like reading a menu, recognizing faces, or navigating new places, even with glasses or contacts.

Vision impairment changes daily life in ways you might not see at first glance.

Want to learn more about what it really means? Visit www.ophthalmology.pitt.edu

09/29/2025

Looking for a fresh look this fall? Now is the perfect time to update your eyewear at the UPMC Optical Shop. Buy two pairs of glasses (lenses and frames) and get 40% off the second pair. Choose from a wide selection of designer frames at six convenient locations across the Pittsburgh area. Visit https://go.upmc.com/2005J6tZK to find a location near you.

09/24/2025

👀 Ever wondered what it takes to make breakthroughs in eye care and vision science?
Now’s your chance to explore!

🌟 Our Research Opportunities in Ophthalmology page highlights ways to get involved—whether you’re a student curious about eye health, a future clinician wanting hands-on experience, or just passionate about advancing vision research.

From lab projects 🔬 to clinical studies, there are so many ways to learn, grow, and make an impact.

👉 Check it out and discover how you can be part of shaping the future of eye care!

https://ophthalmology.pitt.edu/research/research-opportunities-ophthalmology

T32 Interdisciplinary Visual Sciences Training Program The Department of Ophthalmology at the School of Medicine (SOM) of the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) aims to develop a fully integrated approach toward understanding the mechanisms underlying the perception of vision, the diseases and causes o...

09/22/2025

Exciting news! 🎉

Dr. Xing Chen, PhD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Pitt, along with collaborator Dr. James Herman, PhD, has received a grant from Blackrock Neurotech to explore a groundbreaking approach to brain stimulation for people with blindness.

Dr. Chen’s lab is advancing the field of visual neuroscience by developing implantable devices that both record from and stimulate the brain—working toward new ways electrical stimulation could restore assistive vision. 👁️✨

Read more about their innovative work here ➡️

Xing Chen, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and her colleagues, including collaborator James Herman, have received a grant from Blackrock Neurotech to explore a novel approach to brain stimulation for people with blindness. Chen’s lab special...

09/18/2025

✨ What a night at Trace Brewing Sip of Science brought science and community together!

We were thrilled to feature three outstanding speakers:
🔹 Marlene Behrmann, PhD – sharing groundbreaking insights in neuroscience
🔹 Chris Cunningham, PhD – presenting innovative treatments with the potential to transform hearing care Pitt Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
🔹 Rebecca Pfeiffer, PhD – uncovering the mysteries of vision and the retina

A huge thank-you to Avenu Workspaces, our sponsor for the evening, who kicked things off with a warm welcome.

🍻 Guests came early, grabbed a drink, and enjoyed an evening filled with discovery, connection, and big ideas.

Check out these highlights! 👉

09/16/2025

**It’s happening tonight! 🍻✨ Join us at Trace Brewing for Sip of Science—an evening where science meets community.

We’re thrilled to feature three outstanding speakers:
🔹 Marlene Behrmann, PhD – exploring groundbreaking insights in neuroscience
🔹 Chris Cunningham, PhD – cutting-edge science and innovative treatments with the potential to transform hearing care
🔹 Rebecca Pfeiffer, PhD – uncovering the mysteries of vision and the retina

We’re also proud to welcome Avenu Workspaces, this month’s sponsor, who will kick off the night with a special introduction.

👉 Come early, grab a drink, and settle in for an evening of discovery, connection, and big ideas.
📍 Trace Brewing | 7–9 PM
🍺 Come for the drinks, stay for the science!**

09/15/2025

**Tomorrow Night 🍻✨ Join us at Trace Brewing for Sip of Science—an evening where science meets community.

We’re thrilled to feature three outstanding speakers:
🔹 Marlene Behrmann, PhD – exploring groundbreaking insights in neuroscience
🔹 Chris Cunningham, PhD – cutting-edge science and innovative treatments with the potential to transform hearing care
🔹 Rebecca Pfeiffer, PhD – uncovering the mysteries of vision and the retina

We’re also proud to welcome Avenu Workspaces, this month’s sponsor, who will kick off the night with a special introduction.

👉 Come early, grab a drink, and settle in for an evening of discovery, connection, and big ideas.
📍 Trace Brewing | 7–9 PM
🍺 Come for the drinks, stay for the science!"**

09/08/2025

👏 Congratulations to Dr. Roheena Kamyar and Dr. Ken Nischal on receiving the UPMC Excellence in Patient Experience Award!

Dr. Kamyar was recognized as a top UPMC physician in Cataract and Refractive Disease as well as Cornea and External Diseases. Dr. Nischal was recognized as a top UPMC physician in Pediatric Ophthalmology.

We are proud to celebrate their dedication to exceptional care, communication, and patient experience!

09/07/2025

09/04/2025

09/02/2025

👁✨ Thank you to everyone who joined us for last week’s Retina Seminar!
We had an incredible exchange of ideas with innovative questions and thoughtful answers from our expert panel at the UPMC Vision Institute.

👏 Special thanks to Drs. Rosin, Martel, Ash, Gallagher, Eller, Errera, and Jamshidi for sharing their knowledge and advancing the conversation on vision research and patient care.

At the Department of Ophthalmology and UPMC Vision Institute, research and innovation continue to drive our mission to improve sight and change lives. 💡💙

09/01/2025

It's terrifying to imagine, but it's possible to experience sudden vision loss in one or both of your eyes.

Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency. If you lose vision in one or both eyes, you need to get expert treatment, fast. Without medical help, you’re more likely to have permanent vision loss.

If possible, you should go to an urgent eye care clinic, like the UPMC Urgent Eye Care Clinic at UPMC Mercy Pavilion, rather than a general urgent care clinic that sees all types of patients.

It's critical to act quickly — the faster you get treatment, the more likely you’ll retain your vision.