WashU Medicine Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

11/24/2025

This November, Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness Month highlights a leading cause of preventable blindness. At WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, we’re moving beyond awareness—driving innovation, discovery, and early intervention.

Our researchers are developing tools to detect diabetic retinopathy sooner, understand it better, and help prevent vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness Month calls attention to one of the leading causes of preventable blindness. At the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, researchers are taking the conversation a step further shifting the focus from awareness to innovation...

11/20/2025

WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences welcomes Sanjana Shashidhar, OD, to the pediatric optometry team.

Shashidhar brings a rich background, diverse clinical interests, and a wealth of experience and dedication to patient care. Welcome to the team! 👏✨

We are excited to welcome Sanjana Shashidhar, OD to WashU Medicine Optometry. With expertise in strabismus, amblyopia, myopia management, and learning related vision disorders, Shashidhar brings a profound commitment to patient care and vision health. Discover more about her background and clinical....

11/18/2025

WashU Medicine ophthalmologist and retina disease specialist Cecilia S. Lee, MD, MS, says early detection and regular eye exams are essential for people with diabetes because vision loss can go undetected.

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of vision problems caused by diabetes.

11/15/2025

WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, is representing at Society for Neuroscience 🔬⚛

Every year, scientists from across the globe come together to explore new ideas, share groundbreaking research, and experience the best in the field.

See our posters below👇

11/14/2025

This Research Insight covers a study from the Kerschensteiner Lab. Here, we highlight how Florentina Soto, PhD, and colleagues characterized the functional properties of the output cells of the retina to understand how information is coded in the human retina.

This Research Insight covers a study from the Kerschensteiner Lab. Here, the study covers how information is coded in the human retina.

11/14/2025

Our team had an amazing day serving the community!

Volunteers from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences’ Free Eye Service proudly participated in the 5th Annual First Ladies of St. Louis Health Empowerment Event last Saturday.

With more than 800 attendees from across the region, the event was a true celebration of preventive care, education, and empowerment.

The WashU Medicine Free Eye Service provided free vision screenings at the First Ladies of St. Louis Health Empowerment Event, serving more than 800 attendees.

11/12/2025

Our focus is simple: stop Alzheimer’s before it starts. This disease steals the moments that make us who we are and the memories we share. That’s why we believe in attacking Alzheimer’s from every angle — because every breakthrough means more time, more hope and more moments together for fam...

11/05/2025

Faculty, trainees, and allied health professionals from the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences had a strong showing at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Allied Health/ACE conferences in Orlando, Florida! 🌴👁️

Our team shared their expertise through presentations, lectures, and posters showcasing innovation in patient care, clinical excellence, and the future of vision science.

WashU Ophthalmology faculty and staff presented lectures and led sessions at the AAO and ACE meetings in Orlando, advancing clinical education and accessibility.

11/03/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Wilson Wang, MD, and Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, on receiving a $139,150 grant from the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital!

This grant supports their innovative project, “Noninvasive Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography as a Predictive Tool for Development of Preeclampsia: A Prospective Cohort Study,” which aims to advance early detection and care for expectant mothers at risk of preeclampsia. 👏

Wilson Wang and Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, received a Foundation for BJC Hospital grant to study OCTA as a predictive tool for preeclampsia.

11/03/2025

This week, we celebrate our incredible Ophthalmic Technicians and all ophthalmic personnel at the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences! Your skill, compassion, and dedication help our patients see their best every day — thank you for all that you do! 💙

10/29/2025

🎃👻 A huge THANK YOU to all the amazing kids and families who joined us for the Trunk or Treat at the St. Louis Children’s Specialized Care Center!

WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences had a blast celebrating with you. Over 900 of you came out to enjoy the costumes, candy, and community spirit, and you made it an unforgettable afternoon! 🍬 St. Louis Children's Hospital

Nearly 1,000 attendees joined WashU Medicine for the annual Trunk or Treat at CSCC, celebrating community, creativity and Halloween fun.

10/28/2025

Beep Ball is an adaptive version of baseball designed to include people with visual impairments. The game uses a beeping ball and buzzing bases, allowing players to locate them by sound.

All players, regardless of visual ability, wear blindfolds, except for the pitcher and spotters, who are sighted and help guide play.

In partnership with MindsEye, WashU Medicine Ophthalmology promotes inclusion and awareness through accessible sports The John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences partnered with MindsEye to host its annual Beep Ball game on Saturday, October 11, 2025 in Forest Park, bringi...