Pitt Ophthalmology/UPMCVisionInstitute

04/02/2026

🎤 Sip of Science Speaker Spotlight

We’re excited to highlight Robert Gaunt, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Gaunt is a biomedical engineer whose research focuses on sensorimotor control and the development of advanced neural interfaces connecting the brain and peripheral nerves. His work plays a critical role in advancing sensory restoration and improving motor control technologies.

Join us to hear Dr. Gaunt share his insights at Sip of Science on April 28, an evening of cutting-edge research and great conversation.

🍷🧠 Don’t miss it!

03/27/2026

🔬 Speaker Highlight: Sip of Science – April 28th 7PM-9PM Trace Brewing

We’re excited to spotlight one of our featured speakers for our upcoming Sip of Science event—Xing Chen, PhD!

Dr. Chen is a tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology whose work focuses on brain‑computer interfaces, visual neuroscience, and blindness. Her research explores how the brain processes visual information through recording and electrical stimulation of visual pathways—even in the absence of input from the eye.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Southern California and completed her PhD in Visual Neuroscience at Newcastle University (UK).
Join us in April to hear more about her innovative work and cutting‑edge research!

In partnership with Avenu Workspaces 👏

03/25/2026

A clearer path to the Olympic Trials—literally.

A Hampton runner and University of Pittsburgh graduate student is seeing her training in a whole new way after choosing a life-changing vision correction procedure. Frustrated with glasses interfering with her performance, she turned to SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), a minimally invasive laser surgery designed to correct vision with precision and a quick recovery.

Under the care of Deepinder Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac, at the UPMC Vision Institute, she’s now training with greater clarity, confidence, and focus—without the limitations that once held her back.

For athletes and active individuals, procedures like SMILE can be a game-changer, helping them stay fully focused on their goals.

Read her full story:https://eyeandear.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Hampton-runner-sees-clearer-path-to-Olympic-trials-via-new-laser-surgery-at-UPMC-Vision-Institute.pdf

03/19/2026

👁️✨ A future eye drop might actually be alive.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have developed an early-stage “living eye drop” that uses naturally occurring bacteria in the eye to help heal corneal injuries.
In a new proof-of-concept study published in Cell Reports, researchers genetically engineered a harmless eye-dwelling microbe to release anti-inflammatory therapy—boosting corneal healing in a mouse model.
This innovative approach could open the door to new, biology-based treatments for eye injuries. 🧬🔬
www.ophthalmology.pitt.edu/news

03/17/2026

🍻 Sip of Science is back—and you’re invited! 🧠🔬
Curious minds, cold drinks, and cutting-edge research come together at Trace Brewing on April 28, 2026. Pitt OPH is excited to co-sponsor this fan-favorite event with Avenu Workspaces, turning a night out into a front-row seat to incredible science.
✨ Meet the minds behind the discoveries:
• Xing Chen, PhD – Ophthalmology
• Robert Gaunt, PhD – Rehab Neural Engineering Labs
• Jorge Gonzalez-Martinez, MD, PhD – Neurology
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a student, or just here for the beer, this is your chance to learn something new, spark a conversation, and connect with the community.
👉 Follow us for more events like this—and come raise a glass to science! 🍺✨

03/13/2026

Big news for vision research at Pitt 👁️🔬

The University of Pittsburgh and the Eye and Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh have been awarded a $2,182,900 multiyear grant from the Gilbert Family Foundation to support the Vision Restoration Initiative (VRI) at Pitt Ophthalmology.

The initiative focuses on preventing blindness caused by mutations in the NF1 gene, which are linked to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This support is part of a larger effort by the Gilbert Family Foundation to accelerate transformative vision research and strengthen collaboration across 15 leading research centers working to develop new treatments and cures.

Together, these partnerships are helping drive discoveries that could protect and restore sight for patients around the world. 🌍
Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh

Read about it here:

The UPMC Vision Institute The UPMC Vision Institute harnesses the clinical and research expertise of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology. Learn more Is Refractive Eye Surgery Right for You? For many people with less than perfect vision, vision correction (refractive) su...

03/11/2026

A tiny retinal implant is helping restore meaningful vision for people living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 👁️

Years ago, 70-year-old Sheila Irvine of Wiltshire, England lost her central vision to AMD—a disease that destroys the retina’s light-sensing cells and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in older adults. More than 5 million people worldwide live with advanced AMD.

“I was an avid bookworm, and I wanted that back,” Irvine says.

Today, she’s reading again and even doing crossword puzzles thanks to the experimental wireless prosthetic-vision system called PRIMA. The device works with a tiny retinal implant paired with a camera mounted on specialized glasses, helping restore useful vision for patients in a multinational clinical trial.

The groundbreaking study, led by vision scientist and ophthalmology chair José-Alain Sahel at the University of Pittsburgh, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and has drawn global attention from outlets including the Financial Times, The New York Times, and Nature.

Read about it here: https://www.pittmed.pitt.edu/news/prima-system-age-related-macular-degeneration-retinal-implant-vision-jose-alain-sahel?utm_source=eblast_pae&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pittmedmagazine_winter2026

The UPMC Vision Institute The UPMC Vision Institute harnesses the clinical and research expertise of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology. Learn more Is Refractive Eye Surgery Right for You? For many people with less than perfect vision, vision correction (refractive) su...

03/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations Anthony St. Leger! 🎉

Dr. St. Leger’s latest research has been accepted for publication and will appear in Cell Reports today. The study showcases an innovative approach in which his team engineered an eye‑colonizing bacterium to deliver a regulatory cytokine that accelerates corneal wound healing.

This technology is already supported by an issued patent, highlighting its translational potential. This accomplishment stems directly from the Hillman Challenge Grant, whose support helped launch the work.

https://www.ophthalmology.pitt.edu/translational-research/laboratories/ocular-microbiome-and-immunology-laboratory

03/03/2026

✨ Breakthrough in Vision Restoration! ✨
A groundbreaking device called PRIMA is giving hope to people with advanced age‑related eye diseases.
This tiny, high‑tech chip is surgically placed under the retina and works together with special external glasses — helping individuals who are legally blind start to see again. 👀💡
Surgeons place PRIMA where disease has destroyed light‑sensitive cells, and the chip takes over their job. It even works like a mini solar panel, capturing light and converting it into electrical signals the brain can understand.
This could change so many lives.
Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh
👉 Watch here: https://www.wtae.com/article/prima-vision-degenerative-eye-disease/70430239

Paired with external glasses, a tiny chip that is surgically placed under the retina is helping people who are legally blind see again.

02/26/2026

Our Vision for the Future
The 2025 Annual Report from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology and the UPMC Vision Institute is now available in its digital edition.

This year’s report highlights the groundbreaking research, innovative surgical advancements, community outreach, and patient-centered care that continue to shape the future of vision science and ophthalmic medicine. From pioneering clinical trials to training the next generation of physician-scientists, our faculty and trainees are redefining what’s possible in eye care.

We invite our colleagues, partners, alumni, and supporters to explore the stories, milestones, and impact driving our mission forward.

View the 2025 Annual Report

02/23/2026

👁️ Community Vision Day is back!

This past weekend, the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology came together for another successful Community Vision Day, providing free eye exams and essential healthcare services to both insured and uninsured community members.

A special highlight of the event was the distribution of hygiene kits made possible through the combined contributions of the Department of Ophthalmology and the Brother's Brother Foundation With generous support from both organizations—and hands-on participation from department members—each kit was thoughtfully assembled to include essential items that promote the health, dignity, and well-being of our community.

We’re inspired by the dedication, teamwork, and compassion of everyone involved—reminding us all of the power of coming together to make a meaningful difference. Thank you to all who contributed to this impactful day!
UPMC