Training Programs that Generate Leaders
Trainees benefit from strong mentorship and exposure to all subspecialties.
Our Research:
Bold and Broad
One of the nation’s largest ophthalmology & visual sciences research faculty drives innovation across the field through a highly multidisciplinary approach.
Sub-specialty and comprehensive care
for a diverse population
9,000+ procedures a year
11,000+ surgeries a year
165,000+ patient visits a year
Nationally ranked hospital partners:
Innovative Clinical Trials for Advanced Eye Care
Driving progress in vision science with groundbreaking research studies.
Latest News
WashU Medicine at ARVO 2026
From May 3–7, 2026, researchers and trainees from the John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine participated in the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in Denver, Colorado. As the premier international gathering for eye and vision science, ARVO brings together investigators from around […]
Genome-wide screen yields new gene therapies to protect against retinal degeneration (Links to an external site)
Researchers in the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences have discovered key neuroprotective genes that could lead to the development of gene therapies to treat retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited form of retinal degeneration that causes blindness. The findings, published in Neuron April 9, point to new therapeutic strategies to maintain retinal health and protect against […]
Finding Purpose Through Vision: Poonam Naik Featured in NIH MyWHY
Poonam Naik, PhD has been featured by the National Institutes of Health as part of its MyWHY: Stories Made Possible by NIH Research series, which highlights the personal motivations behind biomedical research careers. A Personal Connection to Vision Loss Naik’s interest in vision science began with early experiences witnessing people close to her struggle with […]
Advancing Ophthalmic Education at the 37th Annual Ophthalmology Spring Update
The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences continues its commitment to advancing patient care through education with its annual Spring Update, a premier event designed to share the latest clinical insights and innovations in eye care. This long-standing program brings together faculty, trainees, and community providers to explore new […]
WashU Medicine Hosts LASIK CE Dinner to Advance Collaborative Eye Care
The WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences LASIK Surgery Center recently hosted its Spring 2026 LASIK Continuing Education Dinner, bringing together optometrists and ophthalmologists for an evening focused on advancing refractive care. Held April 28, the event featured expert-led discussions on the latest techniques and clinical decision-making in LASIK, […]