Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science

11/17/2025

This semester, Assistant Director of the Vision Science & Residency Programs Alex Marquez organized a peaceful yoga session on the Faculty Glade. The relaxing hour of stretching and mindfulness was expertly led by third-year optometry student Jillian Fahey.

It was a perfect opportunity for students to decompress and focus on well-being. A huge thank you to Jillian for leading the class and to everyone who came out to participate!

Learn More: https://vision.berkeley.edu/posts/yoga-on-faculty-glade/

11/15/2025

Vision Science PhD student Emily L. Ward is first author on a new open-access review in Molecular Neurodegeneration: “Modeling neurodegeneration in the retina and strategies for developing pan-neurodegenerative therapies.”

The paper positions the retina as a powerful model for investigating the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and advancing therapies that could apply across diseases such as glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Berkeley co-authors include Karthik Shekhar (Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute) and John G. Flanagan (Optometry & Vision Science).

Congratulations to Emily and the full research team!

Learn More: https://vision.berkeley.edu/posts/new-paper-in-molecular-neurodegeneration/

11/13/2025

On the weekend of October 18th, 31 students, postdocs, faculty, and staff from the Berkley Vision Science community gathered at Saratoga Springs for the annual fall retreat, featuring seminars on current research alongside team-building activities and social events.

Congratulations to students Tejas Kothapalli, winner of the Eye for Design award; Jocelyn Tao, recipient of the 20/20 Communication award; and Emily Ward, honored with the 2024 Outstanding GSI award.

Learn More: https://vision.berkeley.edu/posts/vs-retreat-2025/

11/11/2025

We are proud to share that Vision Science PhD student Leah Johnston was named one of two winners of the Optica Young Investigator Award at this year’s Fall Vision Meeting, alongside Joseph Emerson.

Leah’s talk, “Profound perceptual fading of stabilized flicker cannot be accounted for by RGC desensitization,” explored why stabilized flickering images fade from view even though retinal ganglion cells continue firing – an insight made possible through her co-supervision with retinal electrophysiologist Dr. Teresa Puthussery.

Congratulations to Leah on this well-deserved recognition!

Learn More: https://vision.berkeley.edu/posts/optica-young-investigator-award-2/

11/07/2025

Last Friday, students, faculty, and staff brought the Halloween spirit to campus, arriving dressed in creative costumes. Optometry Class of 2028 student Xinghao Steven Shuai captured a few moments in a short video montage.

We’d also like to extend a big congratulations to our winners: the Patient Services Team for Best Costume and Med Mod for Best Pumpkin! Thanks to everyone who participated and brought the Halloween spirit to campus.

Watch the Video:

Happy Halloween from all of us at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science!MUSIC: Spooky Ride by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative C...

11/07/2025

We are excited to share that Lawrence Man has been selected as a 2026 Wonderfest Science Envoy! The Wonderfest Science Envoy Program celebrates PhD students who show particular science-popularization promise and helps them develop the subtle art and science of public outreach.

As an Envoy, Lawrence will take part in specialized workshops led by experts in teaching, storytelling, and science writing. Lawrence will also have opportunities to present before Wonderfest audiences and participate in a live interview on San Francisco’s KPOO-FM. Please join us in congratulating Lawrence on this exciting honor!

Learn More: https://vision.berkeley.edu/posts/lawrence-man-named-wonderfest-science-envoy/

10/31/2025

Yesterday, our Preclinic transformed into a galaxy far, far away. Students and instructors embraced the Star Wars spirit in full costume, proving that even the Dark Side can’t stop great patient care.

Happy Halloween from all of us at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science!

10/30/2025

Congratulations to Vision Science students Beatrice Le, Laura Patak, and Sonali Singh, who received National Eye Institute R13 Travel Fellowships to attend the International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (RD2025) in Prague.

Out of 198 applications reviewed by a panel of nine expert reviewers, the award recognized highly qualified trainees presenting work on retinal and macular degeneration.

Read More: https://vision.berkeley.edu/posts/nei-travel-fellowships

10/27/2025

Our community had a strong showing at the 2025 American Academy of Optometry (AAO) meeting in Boston, with more than 300 students, alumni, and faculty in attendance.

We extend our warmest congratulations to this year’s AAO awardees, Hall of Fame inductees, and new Academy Fellows!

Read More: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/berkeley-at-aao-boston/

10/24/2025

We are saddened to share that Dr. Tom Rowley, an ophthalmologist and former clinical faculty member at UC Berkeley, passed away on October 14th, 2025.

Dr. Rowley was instrumental in helping Berkeley optometrists obtain glaucoma certification in the early 2000s and was a steadfast supporter of the optometry profession. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

10/22/2025

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Jorge Cuadros, who has been recognized by the American Academy of Optometry with the Brien Holden Humanitarian Award.

This prestigious award recognizes individuals or organizations making significant contributions to improve eye care within a country or region – particularly through humanitarian efforts that support the development of sustainable eye care systems in underserved communities.

Learn More: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/brien-holden-humanitarian-award/

10/20/2025

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kuniyoshi Kanai as Clinical Director of the Emeryville Clinic. A proud Berkeley Optometry alumnus, Dr. Kanai earned his OD in 2007 and completed a Primary Care Residency with a minor in Contact Lenses in 2008.

With more than 17 years of experience in clinical practice and education, he is widely recognized for his commitment to teaching, mentorship, and patient care. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kanai on his new role!

Read More: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/dr-kanai-named-clinical-director-of-the-emeryville-clinic/