DISCOVER OUR LABS
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.
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“We believe the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”
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Top 18
in National Institutes of Health research funding in 2019
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Our dynamic academic programs enrich and enable the specialists of tomorrow, today.
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Known as a ground-breaking institution, our labs continue the strong tradition of discovery.
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Experience the multi-faceted service approach to patient care with our doctors at UW Health.
Learn MoreA Message From the Chair
learn about our fearless vision to save vision.
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
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
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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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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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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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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UW Officially Unveils New Surgical Training Facility
Apr 17 2023
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences faculty, staff, alumni, and benefactors gathered in the garden level of the UW Health University Station Clinic April 7 for the official unveiling of a new state-of-the-art Surgical Skills Training Facility.
Read MoreUpcoming Events
- 06/02/23 Ophthalmology Grand Rounds & Frontiers In Vision Research Lecture Series Samuel Herberg, PhD, SUNY Upstate Medical University, "Time to Soften Up: Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels for Outflow Cell Studies in 3D"; Samuel Whittier, MD, "To Be, or Not to Be... Exenterated"
- 06/09/23 Ophthalmology Grand Rounds O'Rese Knight, MD, University of California-San Francisco, "Diversifying the Ophthalmology Workforce"
- 06/09/23 Vision Research Update/MERI Vising Scholar Speaker - Dr. Rebecca Sappington The IL-6-STAT3 Axis in Axon Resilience
- 06/16/23 Learners' Day
- 06/16/23 Graduation Ceremony & Celebration