WashU Medicine Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

03/23/2026

March is Save Your Vision Month! 👓✨

This is a perfect time to focus on maintaining and enhancing our eye health. Our eyes are our windows to the world and keeping them in top shape is essential.

Below are some tips to help you preserve your vision 👇👇

Protect your vision during Save Your Vision Month! Discover 10 expert tips backed by WashU Medicine Ophthalmologists to maintain eye health, prevent digital eye strain, and reduce the risk of eye diseases.

03/16/2026

WashU Medicine’s John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences continues to lead nationally in vision research, securing $22.8M in NIH funding across 28 awards led by 19 principal investigators.

Notably, Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI, ranked #1 nationally in NIH funding among ophthalmology P*s, while Cecelia Lee, MD, ranked #2—an extraordinary achievement highlighting the research leadership of WashU Medicine.

This milestone reflects the department’s strong commitment to advancing discovery in vision science and developing innovative therapies that improve patient care.

WashU Medicine Ophthalmology has been ranked No. 3 in the nation in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among ophthalmology departments, according to the 2025 Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) rankings.

03/06/2026

Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD, Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine’s John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, was invited to present at a congressional briefing on AMD, hosted by NAEVR, AEVR, and RPB.

His presentation showcased groundbreaking research emerging from WashU Medicine while highlighting the urgent need to address this growing public health challenge.

Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD, presented his groundbreaking research during a congressional briefing on age-related macular degeneration.

03/02/2026

On February 11, the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences community gathered to celebrate the installation of Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI as the Arthur W. Stickle Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.

As Chair of the department, Dr. Lee brings national recognition as a surgeon-scientist and leads a cutting-edge research program at the intersection of ophthalmology and AI. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the future of our department.

WashU Medicine Aaron Y. Lee, MD, MSCI as the newly installed Arthur W. Stickle Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.

02/26/2026

We’re proud to share that Julia Pulliam, OD, FAAO, recently represented WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the Envision Summit in Puerto Rico! 🌴

Dr. Pulliam presented on “Collaborating (OD/MD) in Uveitis Patients,” highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary care in managing complex inflammatory eye disease. Her work underscores the power of partnership between optometry and ophthalmology to deliver the best outcomes for patients.

ulia Pulliam, OD, FAAO presented at the Envision Summit in Puerto Rico on collaborative OD/MD care for uveitis patients, highlighting how interdisciplinary partnerships improve access, streamline treatment, and enhance patient outcomes.

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.