Pitt Ophthalmology/UPMCVisionInstitute

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

02/20/2026

Congratulations to Jay Chhablani, MD, on co-authoring the recent publication, "Peripapillary Intervortex Venous Anastomoses in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy." 👏

The study evaluates peripapillary intervortex venous anastomoses in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) compared with healthy individuals, providing valuable insight into how these vascular findings relate to the clinical characteristics of CSCR and advancing understanding of chorioretinal disease.

Read it here on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41609874/

Semiquantitative analysis of intervortex venous anastomoses in peripapillary area based on en face OCTA showed their variable prevalence in eyes with CSCR, which correlates with clinical classifications of CSCR.

02/19/2026

Please join us in welcoming Petr Baranov to the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology! 👁️✨

Dr. Baranov joins the faculty after previously serving as an Assistant Professor at Harvard University. He earned both his MD and PhD from Russian State Medical University and began his research career studying immune responses in the eye and corneal cell regeneration.

His early work sparked a lasting interest in cell regeneration, leading him to focus on photoreceptor cells and, ultimately, retinal ganglion cell replacement therapy—one of the most complex and challenging areas in vision restoration. We’re excited to have Dr. Baranov advancing innovative vision research with our Department.

02/17/2026

🍻 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! 🍺✨

02/12/2026

Thinking about ditching glasses or contacts? 👓➡️🚫
Refractive surgery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some procedures reshape the cornea, while others place a lens inside the eye—similar to a contact lens. Laser and non-laser options are available, and your eye doctor can help determine what’s best for your vision.
https://ophthalmology.pitt.edu/patient-care/refractive-surgery-vision-correction-surgery

If your vision is less than perfect, you may wear glasses or contact lenses to help you see more clearly. But for many people, vision correction (refractive) surgery is an option, too. Refractive surgery adjusts where light focuses in the back of your eye so it more precisely hits your retina. Refra...

02/10/2026

After struggling with runny eyes and blurred vision in her home country of Congo, Mama Adrienne’s vision continued to worsen after arriving in the United States—especially without insurance to access care.

Now living in Glendale, she finally found hope at the first-ever Community Vision Day at the UPMC Vision Institute in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood, where she was able to receive care she had been waiting years for.

Read her story: https://www.medschool.pitt.edu/news/community-vision-day-brings-sight-and-hope-pittsburgh-s-underserved-populations