WashU Medicine Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

07/25/2025

July isn’t just summer vacation; it’s also Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month!

At WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, we’re highlighting the crucial role of sunshine and outdoor play in promoting healthy vision, particularly in preventing nearsightedness (myopia).

Pediatric optometrists highlight the crucial role of sunshine and outdoor play in promoting healthy vision, particularly in preventing nearsightedness (myopia).

07/22/2025

Charles Pfeifer, PhD (former graduate student and postdoctoral researcher), Andrea Santeford, MS (lab supervisor in Apte's Lab), and Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD, have just published a major study in Glia.

Their work uncovers a fascinating link between the body’s internal clock and immune cells in the eye. 🕒🧬

The study demonstrates how microglial cells in the retina follow a circadian rhythm, helping to maintain eye health around the clock.

Apte Lab publishes a new study in Glia revealing the circadian rhythm of retinal microglia and implications for eye and CNS health.

07/21/2025

WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, congratulates Mitsukuni Yoshida, MD, PhD, on being selected as a 2025 recipient of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award Program (OSNAP)!

Mitsukuni Yoshida, MD, PhD, has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the NIH Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award Program.

07/19/2025

Incoming Resident: Krishna Mallem, MD 🎉

What are you most looking forward to during your residency?

"Getting to the point where patients trust me to treat their visual conditions, as well as continuing to work with my fantastic co-residents."

This spotlight series highlights the individuals behind the white coats. Today, we highlight Krishna Mallem, MD.

07/18/2025

On Saturday, June 21, WashU Medicine's John F. Hardesty Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences held its 2025 Graduation Awards Ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of its students, residents, fellows, and faculty.

Led by Department Chair Todd Margolis, MD, PhD, the event recognized the exceptional academic, clinical, teaching, and research achievements across all levels of the department. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and all award recipients on this well-deserved recognition.

DOVS 2025 Graduation and Awards Ceremony

07/15/2025

Please join us in welcoming the 2025 WashU Medicine Chiefs of Ophthalmic Trauma, Residents, and Fellows at the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences! 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate this new class of future leaders in vision science and clinical care. Here's to a year of growth, innovation, and excellence in ophthalmology! 👏

Introducing the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences 2025 Chiefs of Ophthalmic Trauma, Residents and Fellows

07/10/2025

Graduating Fellow: Deena Shaath, MD ✨

What is your favorite memory of your fellowship?

"Anytime I was hanging out with my co-fellows! We all became such great friends, and I’m grateful to have spent the year with them!"

This spotlight series highlights the individuals behind the white coats. Today, we highlight Deena Shaath,MD.

07/09/2025

A study led by WashU Medicine glaucoma specialist Dr. James C. Liu, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, explores the power of deep learning and AI in detecting glaucoma risk.

Exciting progress in the future of eye care! 👁️🤖

Dr. James C. Liu of WashU Medicine publishes new research in JAMA Ophthalmology highlighting AI-assisted, multimodal imaging strategies to improve detection of retinal tears in acute posterior vitreous detachment cases.

07/07/2025

Graduating Resident: Howard Chen, MD ✨

What did you learn in your residency that impacted you the most?

"Being a good physician isn’t just about medical knowledge—it’s about understanding your own limits, asking for help when needed, and taking care of yourself so you can care for others effectively."

This spotlight series highlights the individuals behind the white coats. Today, we highlight Howard Chen, MD.

07/01/2025

As the Fourth of July approaches, let's stay mindful of safety!

According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related injuries are on the rise. Eye injuries can be especially severe due to the intense force, heat, and chemicals. Enjoy the festivities responsibly and look out for one another. 💥🎇

Fireworks safety is critically important in the summer months. If you're near fireworks, wear eye protection that meets ANSI standards.

06/30/2025

Graduating Resident: Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA ✨

Why did you choose Ophthalmology/WashU Medicine?

"I chose ophthalmology at WashU because of the breadth of pathology, clinical experience, and academic research opportunities. We care for patients with complex trauma, have strong exposure to all of the subspecialties, and extensive procedural and surgical training."

This spotlight series highlights the individuals behind the white coats and their journeys. Today, we highlight Mary-Grace Reeves, MD, MBA.

06/28/2025

This year's award for "Friend of the ED" goes to Ophthalmology!!! So proud of our whole team!