Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Strong education, leading research and compassionate patient care.

Our focus, here at the University of Wisconsin Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, is you. Our commitment to stop the progression of blinding diseases drives each and every one of us. Our vision is to save your vision through strong educational programs, leading research discoveries and compassionate patient care.

EDUCATION RESEARCH PATIENT CARE

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Dr. Terri Young examines patient with resident.

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Our dynamic academic programs enrich and enable the specialists of tomorrow, today.

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Sarah Ferguson works under the hood in Curtis Brandt

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Known as a ground-breaking institution, our labs continue the strong tradition of discovery.

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Yao Liu, MD, examines a rural WI patient

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Experience the multi-faceted service approach to patient care with our doctors at UW Health.

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A Message From the Chair

learn about our fearless vision to save vision.

Dr. Terri Young
It starts with our deep-seated desire to fight blindness wherever it exists. It builds daily with the power of a team that recites the mantra, “Why not?” It ends with our unwavering commitment to you and yours.

As an exemplary leader in vision care, research, and scholarship – the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is the place for transformative impact. We encourage you to explore our new website and learn about our initiatives – new and sustained – that fuel our mission to save sight locally and globally.

News

microscopic images of the eye

UW Researchers Will Develop Gene Editing Therapy to Treat Blindness

Jun 08 2023

A new study by UW researchers will test gene editing therapy to treat blindness. The collaborative project involves a team of ophthalmology researchers and biomedical engineers.

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Dr. Guillermo de Venecia examines a patient's eyes

Guillermo de Venecia: Honoring a Lifetime of Compassionate, Dedicated Service

May 25 2023

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is saddened by the loss of longtime faculty member, colleague and beloved friend Guillermo de Venecia, MD. De Venecia died May 11, 2023, at the age of 91. 

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Celebrating the Class of 2023

Celebrating the Class of 2023

May 19 2023

On June 16, the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences will celebrate the graduation of three resident physicians and four clinical fellows.

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Melanie Schmitt, MD

UW Provides Free Eye Care to Wisconsin’s Plain Communities

May 15 2023

As a pediatric ophthalmologist and inherited retinal disease specialist, Melanie Schmitt, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, identified a need for comprehensive eye care among Wisconsin’s Amish and Old Order Mennonite people, collectively called the Plain communities. This led to the creation of an eye clinic targeted to their needs.

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Diversity scholarships available

Scholarship Available for Underrepresented in Medicine Visiting Medical Students

May 04 2023

As part of a commitment to providing an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment for our learners, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is offering a Diversity Scholarship to two students who are interested in pursuing a visiting elective in ophthalmology and who also identify as an underrepresented in medicine student.

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UW at ARVO 2023

DOVS at ARVO 2023

Apr 18 2023

The UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is pleased to have many colleagues presenting and participating at this year’s Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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