WashU Medicine Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

09/09/2025

We are pleased to welcome Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI, as Chair of the John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine.

After more than a decade away, Dr. Lee has returned to St. Louis with his wife, Dr. Cecilia Lee, and their family.

Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI joins WashU Medicine Ophthalmology as chair, leading innovation in eye care, research, education, and patient access.

09/05/2025

At WashU Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, we’re committed to training the next generation of leaders in eye care.

As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen and showcase our residency program, we’re highlighting testimonials from fellowship directors who have worked with our graduates.

Testimonial from Vance Thompson Vision 👏

09/03/2025

VisionWalk is a fun, family-friendly event to bring together the Foundation Fighting Blindness community to raise awareness of our mission to find treatments and cures for blinding diseases. VisionWalk takes place through local events nationwide.

Let’s work together to cure blinding retinal degenerative diseases!

Please join our VisionWalk team or make a donation to the Foundation Fighting Blindness and help us save and restore sight to the 10 million Americans living in darkness.

VisionWalk is a fun and exciting family-friendly event to bring together the Foundation Fighting Blindness community.

09/01/2025

Aaron Y. Lee, MD will become the new Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine, beginning September 1!

Lee is a nationally recognized physician-scientist at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence (AI) to ophthalmology research and patient care.

We look forward to the incredible impact his leadership and vision will bring to our department, our patients, and the future of eye care.

Aaron Y. Lee, MD, a leader in applying artificial intelligence to ophthalmology research and patient care, will head the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine beginning in September.

08/29/2025

🔗: https://medicine.washu.edu/impact/ At WashU Medicine, research is finding the answers to medicine’s greatest challenges, because improving care for every patient demands more than conventional thinking. See how we’re advancing medicine for all.

08/28/2025

We’re proud to share a new publication from Josh Morgan, PhD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences! 🎉

His article, “Alternative to the statistical mass confusion of testing for ‘no effect’”, was published in the July 2025 issue of the Journal of Cell Biology.

Morgan’s work takes a fresh look at how scientists interpret data, challenging the traditional reliance on P values, which can sometimes cloud the real biological story. Instead, his research highlights new ways to uncover meaningful variation that P values may overlook.

New Publication: Rethinking How We Quantify Effects in Cell Biology from Josh Morgan, PhD and the WashU Morgan Lab

08/27/2025

The John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine welcomes Alexander Lyss, OD, to the clinical team.

Lyss brings a unique background and a strong commitment to patient-centered eye care. Before pursuing optometry, Lyss worked as a chemist but soon realized he wanted a career that allowed him to connect more directly with people.

We’re excited for the expertise and compassion he brings to our team. 👏

Alexander Lyss, OD, joins WashU Medicine Ophthalmology with expertise in ocular disease and a passion for patient-centered, medical optometry care.

08/26/2025

Incoming Resident: Kathryn Flaharty, MD 🥳

Why did you choose Ophthalmology?

"The blend of delicate surgery and developing long-term relationships with patients. Also, I think ophthalmology is the best specialty for global health impact."

This spotlight series highlights the individuals behind the white coats and their journeys. Today, we highlight Kathryn Flaharty, MD.

08/21/2025

Save the date! 👀📺

Don’t miss WashU Medicine's Pediatric Optometrist Mark Rallo, OD, on KSDK News sharing tips to help prevent eyestrain in children!

📆 Tune in at 7:45 a.m. on August 25th and learn how to keep your child’s vision healthy.

08/21/2025

Brian Clark, PhD, Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and colleagues have published a new study titled “Single-cell transcriptomics of ventral forebrain progenitors identifies Evf2 enhancer lncRNA–enhancer gene guidance through direct RNA binding and RNP recruitment domains”.

This work provides new insights into how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) influence the development of the brain’s intricate neural circuits.

Brian Clark, PhD, publishes groundbreaking research revealing how the lncRNA Evf2 guides forebrain interneuron development, with implications for understanding autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

08/19/2025

Calling all ophthalmic staff!

Join us for the 20th Annual Ophthalmic Personnel Update, a full-day program designed just for ophthalmic personnel. This event is dedicated to your professional growth and has been submitted for 6 JCAHPO continuing education credits.

📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025
📍 Center for Outpatient Health, 6th Floor Conference Room
4901 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108

Registration & Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:00 am
Program: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

👉 Know someone on your ophthalmic team who might benefit? Share this with your staff friends, and colleagues so they don’t miss out!

Please join us for the 20th Annual Ophthalmic Personnel Update, dedicated to the professional development of ophthalmic staff members.

08/14/2025

🔬🎨 Science in Focus: Art Beyond the Microscope 🎨🔬

Calling all vision science researchers! Show the world the beauty hidden in your work by entering our Science as Art competition. Share your most stunning high-resolution vision science image, along with a title, short scientific description, and an impact statement. There will be a $100 cash award to the winner of the popular choice. Guidelines and event details are below!

🗓 Deadline: Friday, September 5, 2025
⬇️ Submit your entry below

Join the Science in Focus: Art Beyond the Microscope competition, celebrating the beauty of vision science through high-resolution images.