The John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has a longstanding tradition of excellence in patient care, research, and education and is consistently recognized among the nation's leading ophthalmology programs by U.S. News & World Report. With one of the largest ophthalmology research faculties in the country, the department continues to advance the field through groundbreaking discoveries, innovative therapies, and exceptional training programs. Its national research leadership was further affirmed in the 2025 Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research rankings, in which WashU Medicine Ophthalmology was ranked No. 3 in the nation in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding among ophthalmology departments. The department secured $22,793,703 in NIH funding across 28 awards led by 19 principal investigators, reflecting the strength of its collaborative research enterprise and its ongoing commitment to improving vision and eye health through scientific innovation.
Our mission is clear: As world leaders in patient care, teaching, and research, we strive to touch lives and preserve and restore vision through innovation and compassionate service.
We invite students to be part of our collaborative and dynamic environment, where they will gain invaluable experience and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries that shape the future of ophthalmology.
While only a small percentage of physicians in the United States specialize in ophthalmology, a fundamental understanding of the eye is essential for all physicians. The eye can provide critical insights into a patient's overall health, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions.
A recent Ophthalmology journal article highlighted the widespread relevance of ophthalmology in multiple specialties, stating that "ophthalmology-related issues arise in the diagnosis and treatment of inpatients and outpatients in internal medicine, pediatrics, trauma surgery, neurology, endocrinology, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, dermatology, oncology, and rheumatology services."1
Despite this, many primary care program directors believe that fewer than half of incoming residents possess adequate ophthalmology skills upon entering their internships. Ophthalmoscopy, in particular, remains a significant gap in medical training. Studies have shown that emergency medicine physicians frequently omit ophthalmoscopic examinations even when indicated; when the test is performed, abnormal findings are often missed. This gap in training is especially concerning given the high rate of eye-related emergency department visits: there were 12 million nationwide between 2006 and 2011.
To provide quality care, physicians must either develop proficiency in assessing ocular health or recognize when a referral to an ophthalmologist is necessary. Regardless of specialty, enhancing ophthalmology knowledge strengthens clinical skills and ensures better patient outcomes across all fields of medicine.
- 1
Graubart EB, Waxman EL, Forster SH, Giaconi JA, Rosenberg JB, Sankar PS, Goyal A, Mirza RG. Ophthalmology objectives for medical students: revisiting what every graduating medical student should know. Ophthalmology, December 2018; 125(12):1842-1843.
Contact Info
| Website: | http://ophthalmology.wustl.edu |
Our staff includes full-time university attending physicians for all subspecialties in ophthalmology, including adult strabismus, comprehensive ophthalmology, corneal and external diseases, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology, oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, optometry, pediatric ophthalmology, retinal disease, uveitis, and glaucoma. We have a very healthy mix of senior established faculty and junior members.
Our Leadership
Aaron Y Lee, MD, MSCI
Arthur W. Stickle Distinguished Professor and Chairman, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Kevin Ko, MBA
Executive Director of Business Affairs
P. Kumar Rao, MD, MBA
Professor and Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs
Daniel Kerschensteiner, MD
Bernard Becker Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Vice Chair for Research; Co-Director of the Neuroscience PhD Program
Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD
Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Vice Chair of Innovation and International Affairs
Carla Siegfried, MD
Jacquelyn E. and Allan E. Kolker, MD, Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Vice Chair of Strategic Initiatives
Andrew R Lee, MD
Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Chief, Pediatric Ophthalmology; Director, Medical Student Education for Ophthalmology
Arsham Sheybani, MD
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Surgery, Residency Program Director
Kisha Piggott, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Co-Director of the Residency Program
James Liu, MD
Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Director of Surgical Training and Skills Lab
Erin Sieck, MD
Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Fellowship Director Advanced Anterior Segment and Glaucoma Surgery; Director of Ophthalmology Continuing Medical Education
Cynthia Montana, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Director of the University Eye Service
Joseph Steska, OD
Instructor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Director of Optometry and Associate Director of University Eye Service
Mark Rallo, OD
Instructor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Director of Pediatric Optometry
Steven Couch, MD, FACS
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Director of Quality and Safety
Visit the Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences website for more information about our faculty and their appointments.
A
Rajendra Apte, Ph.D., M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Vice Chair - Translation and Innovation
Professor of Developmental Biology
Professor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine, University of Mumbai, 1993
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Texas Southwest, 1997
Neva P Arribas, M.D.
Associate Professor Emerita of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Associate of Arts, School Not Found, 1949
Doctor of Medicine, School Not Found, 1954
B
Steven Bassnett, Ph.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Grace Nelson Lacy Distinguished Professorship in Ophthalmology
Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology
Bachelor of Science, University of Wales, 1982
Doctor of Philosophy, University of East Anglia, 1987
William L Becker, M.A., M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Voluntary Teaching Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Earlham College, 1982
Master of Arts, Washington University in St Louis, 1987
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 1987
Gregg Jonathan Berdy, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Voluntary Teaching Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Duke University, 1979
Doctor of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 1983
Kevin Jay Blinder, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Voluntary Teaching Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Doctor of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, 1985
James C Bobrow, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Yale University, 1966
Doctor of Medicine, Johns Hopkns University Medical (Duplicate of Johns Hopkins University), 1970
Sean Michael Breit, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Voluntary Teaching Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Doctor of Medicine, Ohio State University (Duplicate of Ohio State University-Main Campus), 2002
Nancy M Buchser, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Doctor of Medicine, University of Miami, 2007
Dean B Burgess, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Occidental College, 1963
Doctor of Medicine, University of California, 1967
C
Shiming Chen, M.S., Ph.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bernard Becker and Janet R Becker Distinguished Professorship in Ophthalmology
Professor of Developmental Biology
Bachelor of Science, Capital Normal University (首都师范大学), 1981
Master of Science, Capital University of Medical Sciences (首都医科大学), 1984
Doctor of Philosophy, State University of New York, 1992
Brian Stewart Clark, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology
Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin Madison, 2004
Doctor of Philosophy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2013
Bruce H Cohen, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Harvard University, 1976
Doctor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 1980
Steven Michael Couch, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Patient Safety Officer (Adult) - Clinical Adult Division
Doctor of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, 2006
Philip L Custer, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Vanderbilt University, 1974
Doctor of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, 1978
D
Kyle Dohrman, O.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2007
Doctor of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry, 2011
E
Jennifer M. Enright, Ph.D., M.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Notre Dame, 2008
Doctor of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, 2017
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2017
F
Adam Ross Fedyk
Voluntary Teaching Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Robert M Feibel, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Johns Hopkins University, 1965
Doctor of Medicine, Harvard University, 1969
Thomas A Ferguson, M.S., Ph.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Professor of Pathology and Immunology
Bachelor of Arts, Kent State University, 1974
Master of Science, Kent State University, 1976
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, 1982
G
Mae Etsuko Gordon, M.S., Ph.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Professor of Biostatistics
Bachelor of Arts, Portland State University, 1967
Master of Science, University of Wisconsin Madison, 1970
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin Madison, 1979
Wesley C Green, M.S., M.D.
Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin La Crosse, 2007
Master of Science, State University of New York, 2009
Doctor of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (Formerly Finch University of Health Sciences), 2013
Kevin William Greuloch, M.D.
Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Notre Dame, 1995
Doctor of Medicine, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 1999
H
George J Harocopos, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Professor of Pathology and Immunology
Bachelor of Arts, Harvard University, 1995
Doctor of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, 2000
James R Hoekel, O.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Missouri Columbia, 1990
Doctor of Optometry, University of Missouri in St Louis, 1994
Jing-Wei Huang, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1981
J
Sharon Leslie Jick
Voluntary Teaching Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
William Steven Joffe, M.D.
Assistant Professor Emeritus of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Washington University in St Louis, 1959
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 1963
Jordan Kelley Jones, O.D.
Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Optometry, University of Missouri in St Louis, 2011
K
Michael A Kass, M.S., M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Senior Associate Dean for Human Research Protection
Bernard Becker Professorship in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Science, Northwestern University, 1963
Master of Science, Northwestern University, 1966
Doctor of Medicine, Northwestern University, 1966
Daniel Kerschensteiner, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Vice Chair - Research Division
Professor of Biomedical Engineering (Courtesy)
Professor of Neuroscience
Bernard Becker Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences_Research Chairholder
Doctor of Medicine, Georg August University, 2004
L
Aaron Yuntai Lee, M.D., MSCI
Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Head of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Arthur W Stickle Distinguished Professor
Bachelor of Arts, Harvard University, 2004
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2009
Master of Science Clinical Investigation, Washington University in St Louis, 2009
Andrew R. Lee, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Director - Medical Student Education
Director - Clinical Pediatric Division
Bachelor of Science, Duke University, 2009
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2013
Cecilia Sungmin Lee, M.S., M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Jane Hardesty Poole Distinguished Professor
Bachelor of Science, Emory University, 2004
Doctor of Medicine, Emory University, 2008
Master of Science, University of Washington School of Public Health, 2016
James Liu, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2015
Anthony J Lubniewski, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Science, University of Florida, 1980
Doctor of Medicine, University of Florida, 1985
Gregg T Lueder, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Professor of Pediatrics
Bachelor of Science, Iowa State University, 1981
Doctor of Medicine, University of Iowa, 1985
Peter David Lukasiewicz, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Science, Brown University, 1977
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 1984
M
Robi N Maamari, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Medicine, University of California Irvine, 2014
Bachelor of Science, University of California Berkeley
Todd P Margolis, Ph.D., M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Alan A and Edith L Wolff Distinguished Professor
Bachelor of Science, Stanford University, 1977
Doctor of Philosophy, University of California San Francisco, 1983
Doctor of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 1984
Glory Ezinne Mgboji, M.D.
Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (Pending Dean Approval) (primary appointment)
University of Maryland-College Park, 2017
Johns Hopkins University, 2022
Cynthia L. Montana, Ph.D., M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Virginia, 2005
Doctor of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, 2014
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2014
O
F. Thomas Ott, M.D.
Assistant Professor Emeritus of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Southern Methodist University, 1963
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 1965
P
Anjali K Pathak, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, West Virginia University, 1993
Bachelor of Science, West Virginia University, 1993
Doctor of Medicine, West Virginia University, 1997
Kisha Deslee Piggott, Ph.D., M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Co-Director - Residency Program
Bachelor of Science, Spelman College, 2003
Doctor of Philosophy, Emory University, 2009
Doctor of Medicine, Emory University, 2011
Eric Ernest Polk, O.D.
Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Missouri State University (Formerly Southwest Missouri State), 1989
Doctor of Optometry, University of Missouri in St Louis, 1994
Julia Pulliam, O.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Illinois College, 2007
Doctor of Optometry, Indiana University Bloomington, 2011
R
Rithwick Rajagopal, Ph.D., M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Philosophy, New York University, 2006
Doctor of Medicine, New York University, 2007
Mark S Rallo, O.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Director of Pediatric Optometry PD
Bachelor of Science, Saint Louis University, 1986
Doctor of Optometry, University of Missouri Columbia, 1990
Prabakar Kumar Rao, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Vice Chair - Clinical Operations
Bachelor of Arts, University of California San Diego, 1991
Doctor of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1995
Margaret Mary McGlynn Reynolds, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Bachelor of Science, Creighton University, 2010
Doctor of Medicine, Cornell University, 2014
Juan Gomez Rodriguez
Voluntary Research Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Mark A Rothstein, M.D.
Voluntary Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, Williams College, 1986
Doctor of Medicine, University of Utah, 1991
Michael B Rumelt, M.D.
Assistant Professor Emeritus of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Science, Lamar University, 1962
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 1966
Philip A Ruzycki, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Genetics
Bachelor of Science, Davidson College, 2008
Doctor of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, 2018
S
Mickey L Salmon, M.D.
Instructor Emeritus in Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Science, Centenary College, 1955
Doctor of Medicine, Louisiana State University, 1959
James Banks Shepherd, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, Amherst College, 1992
Doctor of Medicine, Columbia University, 1997
Priya Saigal Shetty, M.D.
Voluntary Teaching Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Voluntary Clinical Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Doctor of Medicine, University of Michigan (Duplicate of University of Michigan Ann Arbor), 2007
Arsham Sheybani, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Director - Residency Program
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2008
Steven M Shields, M.D.
Voluntary Teaching Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Voluntary Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Science, Washington University in St Louis, 1981
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 1986
Erin Gwen Sieck, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, University of Missouri Kansas City, 2013
Doctor of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, 2015
Carla J Siegfried, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Jacquelyn E and Allan E Kolker M.D. Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology
Vice Chair - Diversity, Equity and Professionalism
Bachelor of Arts, University of Missouri Kansas City, 1989
Doctor of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, 1989
Morton Edward Smith, M.D.
Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Associate Dean Emeritus for Post-Graduate Education
Bachelor of Science, University of Maryland (Duplicate of University of Maryland-College Park), 1956
Doctor of Medicine, University of Maryland (Duplicate of University of Maryland-College Park), 1960
Florentina Soto Lucas, Ph.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Alicante, 1992
Joseph Steska, O.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry, 2009
Michael Vincent Stock, M.D.
Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, 2012
Leanne Denise Stunkel, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Associate Professor of Neurology
Bachelor of Arts, Johns Hopkins University, 2008
Doctor of Medicine, Cornell University, 2014
T
Paul M Tesser, Ph.D., M.D.
Voluntary Teaching Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Voluntary Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Bachelor of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1981
Doctor of Philosophy, State University of New York at Stonybrook, 1990
Doctor of Medicine, State University of New York at Stonybrook, 1991
Praneetha Thulasi, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, Saint Louis University, 2008
Doctor of Medicine, Emory University, 2016
Linda Mei-Lin Tsai, M.D.
Professor Emerita of Ophthalmology
Bachelor of Arts, Northwestern University, 1990
Doctor of Medicine, Northwestern University, 1995
Nathan Tuttle, O.D.
Instructor in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry, 2009
Robert Lawrence Tychsen, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
John F Hardesty MD Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in Pediatrics
Professor of Neuroscience
Bachelor of Science, Georgetown University, 1975
Doctor of Medicine, Georgetown University, 1979
V
Gregory Paul Van Stavern, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Robert C. Drews Professor in Ophthalmology
Professor of Neurology
Bachelor of Science, La Salle University, 1989
Doctor of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 1993
W
Jessica Yang Walia, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Arts, Northwestern University, 2013
Doctor of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2018
James Walsh, Ph.D., M.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2005
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Virginia, 2014
Doctor of Medicine, University of Virginia, 2016
Qian Wang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Alberta, 2016
Daniel Joseph Watson, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, Saint Louis University, 2010
Doctor of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2014
Stephen Alan Wexler, M.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (Pending Executive Faculty Approval) (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 1977
Doctor of Medicine, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 1982
Richard Harris Wieder, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1982
Doctor of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1986
Philip Raymond Williams, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Doctor of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, 2009
Y
Takeshi Yoshimatsu, M.S., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (primary appointment)
Bachelor of Science, University of Tokyo, 2001
Master of Science, University of Tokyo, 2003
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Tokyo, 2006
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Research Electives
Fourth-year medical students have a variety of opportunities to engage in advanced clinical or research experiences. Below is a list of faculty members with ongoing research projects that actively involve medical students. Students interested in working with a faculty member not listed are encouraged to reach out directly to inquire about potential research opportunities within their lab.
Residents are also encouraged to participate in laboratory or clinical investigations, as research plays a critical role in developing essential skills such as the following:
- Understanding the limitations of laboratory methodologies
- Evaluating scientific literature
- Strengthening critical thinking
- Refining career goals through hands-on research experience
Residents have the flexibility to choose their research focus, with a broad range of opportunities available. The department supports both basic science and clinical research, with active investigations in the following areas:
- Neurobiology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology & Physiology
- Clinical Studies & Outcomes Research
To recognize outstanding contributions, the Rosenbaum Research Award ($1,000) is presented annually to the resident with the most innovative research project.
For a list of available research projects or more information, please contact ophthostudentresearch@wustl.edu.
Interdisciplinary Training in Vision Science (ITVS) Pathway
Graduate students in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) come from at least seven different graduate programs, each with distinct course requirements that may not fully cover vision science. To bridge this gap, we developed the Interdisciplinary Training in Vision Science (ITVS) Pathway, a structured curriculum designed to supplement traditional graduate training.
Supported in part by the renewed DOVS T32 grant, the ITVS Pathway offers four specialized courses that introduce students to core aspects of vision science. These courses attract a diverse group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty, fostering a collaborative learning environment where trainees receive mentorship and constructive feedback. Importantly, ITVS students play a key role in refining the program by providing feedback, ensuring that the curriculum continues to evolve to meet the needs of the vision science research community.
Courses
BIOL 5508: ITVS Advanced Techniques
3 course units
The Advanced Methods in Vision Science course provides ITVS students the opportunity to learn about advanced methods utilized in studies of the visual systems from the experts who perform the studies. These methods emerged from different disciplines (molecular biology, imaging, electrophysiology, machine learning), but provide critical details for understanding how the visual systems focuses and processes light stimuli. The course has two components. 1) A series of 90-minute structured discussions of advanced methods via foundational papers and recent applications of these methods. 2) A choice of two hands-on experiences with these methods in the instructor laboratories. We open the discussion section of the course to all students, postdocs, and faculty members (in this order) but cap the class size at 12 participants to facilitate interactions. Hands-on experiences are restricted to ITVS students. For hands-on experiences, each ITVS student chooses two techniques and spends a day in the laboratory of the respective instructor to gain practical experience with the experiments and analysis pipelines and discuss pitfalls and applications of the methods in detail. Through these components, the Advanced Methods in Vision Science course tries to accomplish three goals: 1) enable students to critically assess the literature through an understanding of strengths and limitations of advanced methods, 2) help students plan experiments involving these methods, and 3) facilitate collaborations with experts in the field that could enhance the science of the ITVS students.
BIOL 5509: ITVS Project Building
1 course unit
The overall goal is to have intense guidance to construct a grant/fellowship application. Students should expect to have a near completed F30/F31 application by the end of this course Students will study previous F30/F31 applications and sit on a mock panel to review real world grants from their peers. They will use this experience to understand the reviewers perspective when writing fellowships and grants in the future. Students will draft all portions of a research proposal with feedback from their peers, the course instructor and faculty mentors.
BIOL 5501: The Biology and Pathology of the Visual System
3 course units
The purpose of the course is to provide a fascinating view of vertebrate eye development, anatomy, physiology and pathology. Topics to be covered include the molecules that control eye formation, ocular stem cells, the physiology of transparency, hereditary ocular diseases, phototransduction, the neurobiology of the retina and central visual pathways, age-related eye diseases, and many others. The course is open to all second year graduates students and above. Ophthalmology residents and postdocs with an interest in vision are strongly encouraged to attend.
BIOL 5623: ITVS Translation in Vision Science
1 course unit
This course introduces students to the translation of basic science and pre-clinical research to the biopharma industry and/or clinics to benefit patients. The class will introduce how patient genetics can guide disease research in animal models and how patient tissue can be used to model disease progression/outcomes. Students will learn how results from these types of studies impact patient lives through the development of drug/treatment candidates and/or clinical trials. Students will be connected to clinicians to witness the profound impact of blinding diseases on patient lives and how scientific advances in disease research can motivate philanthropic funding of subsequent research.
Curriculum courses for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences are listed below.
Gateway Curriculum
WashU’s Gateway Curriculum is designed to provide medical students with a progressive, hands-on learning experience throughout their four-year education. The curriculum is structured into three phases, integrating early clinical exposure with advanced training opportunities to develop well-rounded, patient-centered physicians.
Early Clinical Immersion
The first 16 months of medical school introduce students to foundational medical knowledge and clinical practice. A key component of this phase is the Procedural Immersions, three-week-long experiences that expose students to various clinical and surgical settings. These immersions help students:
- Familiarize themselves with different healthcare environments.
- Develop essential clinical skills.
- Understand the broader impact of society and healthcare systems on individual patient outcomes.
This immersive, 360-degree approach allows students to view patient care from multiple perspectives—physician, patient, and healthcare system. During the Ophthalmology Procedural Immersion, students gain hands-on experience in the University Eye Clinic, pediatric and adult subspecialty clinics, and operating rooms, as well as participate in inpatient consult rounds. This early exposure helps contextualize classroom learning and lays the foundation for future clinical training.
Ophthalmology in the Brain and Behavior Module
Ophthalmology education is integrated into Phase 1 through Module 7: Brain and Behavior, where students explore:
- Eye anatomy and physiology.
- Visual pathways in the brain.
- Extraocular movement mechanisms.
Interactive case-based sessions reinforce these concepts, encouraging critical thinking and the development of fundamental eye examination skills.
Advanced Clinical Training in Ophthalmology
In the final phase of the curriculum, students have the opportunity to further their ophthalmology training through electives and advanced clinical rotations. These experiences provide the following:
- Deeper exposure to clinical ophthalmology.
- Hands-on training in diagnosing and managing ocular conditions.
- Close collaboration with ophthalmology residents.
During these rotations, students refine their diagnostic skills by reviewing differential diagnoses for red eye, interpreting ophthalmologic consult notes, and managing ocular emergencies. Additionally, they gain proficiency in essential examination techniques, including ophthalmoscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy.
By integrating ophthalmology education throughout the medical school journey, the Gateway Curriculum ensures that students develop the knowledge, skills, and clinical confidence needed to excel in eye care and beyond.
Curriculum Courses
- OPHTH 8015 Neuro-Ophthalmology (Clinical Elective) (contact Gregory Van Stavern, MD for additional information)
- OPHTH 8030 Orbital and Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (Clinical Elective) (contact John Holds, MD, FACS for additional information)
OPHTH 8010 Ophthalmology (Clinical Elective)
The Ophthalmology elective is designed to provide a foundational experience in clinical and surgical ophthalmology for medical students, whether they are interested in ophthalmology or other fields of medicine for their future career. Time will be divided among the University Eye Service clinic, adult inpatient consults, and ophthalmology subspecialties (e.g. Pediatric Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Cornea, Oculoplastics, and Retina).
The amount of time at each location will depend on length of the rotation and the student's specific interests. There are weekly case conferences with Dr. Andrew Lee, Dr. Cynthia Montana, and other faculty members. Students will attend departmental grand rounds weekly, when applicable. At the end of the experience, the student is expected to be familiar with the routine eye exam, common eye conditions and their treatment, and the use of the slit lamp and ophthalmoscope.
Credit 2 units.
Typical periods offered: Medicine Year
OPHTH 8015 Neuro-Ophthalmology (Clinical Elective)
This elective will be offered by invitation only to select fourth-year medical students with a career interest in Neuro-Ophthalmology. During the four-week rotation, students will be busy in the Neuro-Ophthalmology clinic. Students will be expected to work-up new patients and present them to the Neuro-Ophthalmology attending. After clinic students should read about diagnoses encountered in clinic. In addition, there will be required reading. Comprehension of the reading will be assessed by scheduled quizzes which will then be reviewed with the student by one of three faculty members. There may be opportunities to join the operating room for strabismus surgery. Interested students will be encouraged to engage in a research project with one of the faculty members, although this is not required for the rotation. This will be a busy clinical elective; students can expect to spend ten half-days working in clinic or the OR per week. By the end of the rotation, students will feel comfortable recording a chief complaint, focused Neuro-Ophthalmic history, and performing a Neuro-Ophthalmic examination. Students should achieve resident level knowledge of common Neuro-Ophthalmic pathology.
Credit 2 units.
Typical periods offered: Medicine Year
OPHTH 8030 Orbital and Oculofacial Plastic Surgery (Clinical Elective)
Hands-on experience with clinical and surgical aspect of Orbital and Oculofacial Plastic Surgeons. Students will work with Dr. Couch and Dr. Maamari in the clinic and the operating room in the care of diverse patients both on the pediatric and adult sides.
Credit 2 units.
Typical periods offered: Medicine Year
OPHTH 9100 Ophthalmology Advanced Clinical Rotation (ACR)
On the Ophthalmology Advanced Clinical Rotation, medical students will rotate on the ophthalmology adult consult service, the University Eye Service clinic, and the subspecialty clinics of the full time faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (cornea, glaucoma, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology). Students will care for patients of all ages and backgrounds, and ophthalmic diseases seen will range from common eye conditions to complex diseases requiring subspecialty care.
In clinic and on consults, students will perform the ophthalmic history and physical examination and also develop their ability to diagnose, manage, and treat common ophthalmic conditions. In the operating room, students will participate in all phases of perioperative patient care and learn basic ophthalmic surgical principles and techniques.
Academic curriculum for the rotation will include weekly case presentations with ophthalmology faculty, resident lectures and conferences, and weekly departmental grand rounds. Each student will also present a case at grand rounds during the final week of the rotation with the assistance of a resident mentor.
Students will participate in ophthalmology call approximately one evening per week. During that time, the medical student is expected to be present to work with the primary call ophthalmology resident.
Credit 4 units.
Typical periods offered: Medicine Year