WashU Medicine Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

02/24/2026

The 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Reputation Survey is officially open through mid-March.

We invite you to consider WashU Medicine and our outstanding clinical partners among the nation’s leaders in specialized, exceptional care. These rankings play an important role in shaping both hospital and medical school reputation — and influence where patients choose to seek care.

Your vote truly makes a difference.

Cast your vote for WashU Medicine on Doximity: https://www.doximity.com/

02/20/2026

When care and research work hand in hand, medicine breaks barriers. Read how dual-path programs at WashU Medicine train physician-scientists to turn clinical observations into real-world cures — visit Outlook magazine online for the full story!

02/11/2026

February is AMD Awareness Month!

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition affecting the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.

It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older. Understanding the condition, recognizing early changes, and knowing what support is available can help patients maintain both vision and quality of life.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition affecting the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older. Understanding the condition, recognizing early changes, and knowing what support is av...

02/09/2026

We are proud to share that Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI, Chairman of WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, will be formally installed as the Arthur W. Stickle Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.

Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and Dean David H. Perlmutter, MD, cordially invite you to attend this special occasion, which will include Dr. Lee’s lecture, “From Pixels to Practice: Deep Learning in Ophthalmology and Beyond.”

📅 Wednesday, February 11, 2026
🕟 4:30 PM
📍 Eric P. Newman Education Center Auditorium, WashU Medicine

A reception will follow the installation. A livestream option will be available for those unable to attend in person, and parking validation will be provided.
RSVP: https://wustl.advancementform.com/event/installation-of-aaron-y-lee-md-msci-as-the-arthur-w-stickle-distinguished-professor-of-ophthalmology-and-visual-sciences/register

Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and Dean David H. Perlmutter, MD cordially invite you to the installation of Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI as the Arthur W. Stickle Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Dr. Lee will present “From Pixels to Practice: Deep Learning in Ophthalmology and Be...

02/06/2026

02/05/2026

HAPPENING TONIGHT! ✨

Vision Science Seminar: 19th Annual Jay and Rebekah Enoch Lectureship in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
🗣️“Optical Coherence Tomography: History, Evolution and Future Prospects" Presented by James Fujimoto, PhD | Elihu Thomson Professor of Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
🗓️Feb 05, 2026
⏰4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
📍North Medical Building-Moore Auditorium, 4580 Scott Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63110

19th Annual Jay and Rebekah Enoch Lectureship in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences “Optical Coherence Tomography: History, Evolution and Future Prospects.” Presented by James Fujimoto, PhD Elihu Thomson Professor of Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

02/03/2026

We are honored to recognize the outstanding women physicians of WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, who dedicate their careers to patient care, education, and discovery on National Women Physicians Day.

Our department is strengthened by the expertise and commitment of:
• 11 Ophthalmologists
• 6 Optometrists
• 9 Residents
• 5 Fellows

Their leadership, compassion, and pursuit of excellence make a meaningful difference for our patients and our community every day. We are grateful for their contributions and proud to celebrate them today.

01/29/2026

✨ Welcome, Class of 2030! ✨

So excited to welcome our new residents to the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences! 🎉

We’re proud to have such a talented group joining our department and look forward to watching you grow as leaders in ophthalmology!

01/26/2026

Congratulations to Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI, and Cecilia Lee, MD, MS!

WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, is proud to share that Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI, Arthur W. Stickle Distinguished Professor and Chairman, and Cecilia Lee, MD, MS, Jane Hardesty Poole Endowed Professor, have been awarded the Cogan Award presented by ARVO.

Presented by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), this prestigious honor recognizes their outstanding contributions to vision science and ophthalmic research, as well as their innovative approaches and collaborative leadership that continue to advance the field.

A tremendous achievement for our department—congratulations to both!

Drs. Aaron and Cecelia Lee received the ARVO Cogan Award for their contributions to vision research, including big data and AI approaches that accelerate discovery.

01/22/2026

Congratulations to Poonam Naik, PhD, a researcher in the Apte Lab within the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, on receiving a research grant from the Vision Research Foundation of St. Louis (VRSF)! 🎉

Poonam Naik, PhD, a researcher in the Apte Lab receives Research Grant Supports New Approaches to Treat Wet Macular Degeneration

01/20/2026

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month 💚

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss and often has no early symptoms.

According to Carla Siegfried, MD, glaucoma is often linked to high eye pressure—the only risk factor doctors can treat. That’s why current treatments focus on lowering eye pressure to help protect vision.

Learn why glaucoma is called the silent thief of sight, who is at risk, and how new treatments and early detection can help protect vision.

01/15/2026

A complex contact lens case from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences was recently featured at the Global Specialty Lens Symposium.

Jordan Jones, OD, FAAO, presented how specialized scleral lenses can dramatically improve vision for patients with multiple, complex eye conditions, highlighting the power of advanced fitting techniques and innovation in eye care.

WashU Medicine case presented at the Global Specialty Lens Symposium shows how advanced scleral lenses restored vision in a patient with complex eye disease.