de Venecia Fund Supports International Fellowship and Cultural Exchange
Sponsored by the Guillermo and Marta de Venecia Fund, Daniel Mendoza, MD, a vitreoretinal fellow from Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) in Manila, Philippines, joined the University of Wisconsin retina team for a one-week clinical rotation in June.
July 24, 2025Preparing Tomorrow’s Ophthalmic Surgeons: The Andrew T. Thliveris, PhD, MD Surgical Skills Training Facility
For any ophthalmology trainee in the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS), the hands-on experience gained at the Andrew T. Thliveris, PhD, MD Surgical Skills Training Facility (SSTF) is a cornerstone of their education. The facility honors Professor Emeritus Andrew T. Thliveris, who retired from the UW in 2023.
July 16, 2025Global Impact Through Ophthalmology: DOVS Alumni and Resident Serve in the Philippines
Thanks to the generous support of the Guillermo and Marta de Venecia Fund, DOVS alum Christine Larsen, MD (Glaucoma Fellow ’13) and PGY3 resident Rushi Mankad, MD recently completed a one-week global ophthalmology rotation in the Philippines, from May 16–25, 2025.
July 14, 2025Bringing Life Into Focus: Vision Rehabilitation Helps Patients Thrive
Imagine navigating your daily routine — cooking breakfast, reading a favorite book, or crossing a busy street — through a foggy lens. For millions of Americans living with low vision, this is a reality. Low vision is a significant loss of sight that can’t be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. And for those affected, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming and isolating. But it doesn’t have to be that way, thanks to Vision Rehabilitation Services.
July 14, 2025Alumni Spotlight: Zack Oakey ‘19
For Zach Oakey, MD, the journey from medical school to founding his own retina and oncology practice has been defined by mentorship, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the people who shaped his path. After …
July 10, 2025VA Optometrist Honored for Excellence in Ophthalmology Resident Education
Dr. Chelsea Linzmeier, an optometrist at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI, was recently honored as the 2025 Distinguished Community Educator by the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
July 7, 2025Alumni Spotlight: Ronald Lange ‘84, ‘85, Reflects on 40 Years of Visionary Practice
Ronald Lange, MD was inspired at the age of 10 to pursue a career in eye care by his optometrist. The rest, as they say, is history. “The best advice I would give anyone entering …
June 16, 2025Detecting Diabetic Eye Disease Early Helps Prevent Vision Loss
Innovative screening programs by University of Wisconsin vision researchers are reducing the leading cause of blindness in Wisconsin working-age adults.
June 9, 2025The Legacy of Excellence in Eye Care Continues at the Madison Veterans Hospital
As a teaching hospital that is deeply connected to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital plays a vital role in training future ophthalmologists. This …
June 6, 2025Spotlight on Medical Student Education: Ophthalmology 911
Several years after the launch of the innovative ForWard Curriculum at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences continues to advance medical student opportunities in …
June 2, 2025
Congratulations Class of 2025!
Congratulations to our residency and fellowship graduates! With a dedication to excellence and a commitment to patient care, we are confident they will go on to make significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology.
May 27, 2025UW Health Eye Care Locations Being Renovated
Two busy UW Health Eye Care locations in Madison, WI are getting important renovations this year. Facilities at 1 South Park Street and the East Madison Clinic on East Terrace Drive are expected to be completed in 2026.
May 19, 2025New Ophthalmology Professorship Awarded to Cat Burkat, MD, FACS
Cat Burkat, MD, FACS, a professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Wisconsin—Madison School of Medicine and Public Health formally received the inaugural appointment to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Professorship at a special celebration at the Health Science Learning Center in Madison, WI on May 12, 2025.
May 13, 2025Alumni Spotlight: Klio Chatzistefanou, MD, ‘99
After more than two decades of practicing pediatric ophthalmology at a large hospital in Greece, Klio Chatzistefanou, MD offers heartfelt words of advice to new doctors entering the profession: “Be humane in your practice. Personalized care matters.”
May 7, 2025A Vision for the Future: Wendy Huang’s Optometry Training at UW Health
Wendy Huang is a fourth-year student at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL, where she is earning her Doctor of Optometry degree. As the final step in that training, Huang spent three months at the UW Health Eye Clinics in Madison, WI completing an externship.
May 1, 2025Innovative At-Home Testing May Offer New Option for Patients Managing Age-Related Macular Degeneration
When Paulette Quick was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it came as a complete shock. As a former CPR instructor and amateur radio operator, she hadn’t noticed any symptoms. It was only after a …
April 14, 2025UW-Madison Scientist Awarded Prestigious Fellowship to Explore New Therapies in the Fight Against Blindness
A University of Wisconsin vision scientist has been awarded a prestigious global fellowship to investigate new therapies for rare inherited blindness. Bikash Pattnaik, PhD, MPHIL, has been named a 2025-2028 VAIshwik BHArtiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellow …
April 9, 2025Orthoptists Provide Hope and Clarity in Eye Care
If you seek medical care for double vision, you might find yourself consulting an orthoptist. These professionals play a crucial yet often unrecognized role in providing specialized eye care.
April 7, 2025DOVS at ARVO 2025
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 Salt Lake City, Utah.
March 28, 2025UW Vision Researchers Explore Stem Cell Replacement Therapy Using Lab-Grown Photoreceptors as Promising Strategy to Combat Retinal Disease
UW vision researchers explore stem cell replacement therapy using lab-grown photoreceptors as a promising strategy to combat retinal disease.
March 13, 2025Excellence in Ophthalmology Resident Education: Spotlight on Essential Oculoplastics
For nearly two decades, the three-part Essential Oculoplastics course has played an instrumental role in helping ophthalmology resident trainees at the University of Wisconsin—Madison (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health hone their craft.
March 12, 2025DOVS Celebrates a Decade of Partnership with Colleagues in India
The UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences recently completed a milestone rotation at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital in India, marking a decade of partnership
February 28, 2025Wendi Dwyer: From Vision Loss to Advocacy Leader
Wendi Dwyer has proven time and time again that her resolve is bigger than any challenge in front of her. When she started losing her eyesight, she vowed to keep doing what she loved. In the process, she became an inspiration to others.
February 24, 2025Department Names New Chief Administrative Officer
The University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is pleased to announce that Jessica Karls-Ruplinger, JD has been chosen to serve as the next Chief Administrative Officer.
February 13, 2025Alumni Spotlight: Deborah Sherman, ’91
After dedicating 30 years to her career as a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellowship trained ophthalmic plastic surgeon, Dr. Deborah Sherman has one key piece of advice for new providers: "Never think you know it all, and never stop learning."
February 11, 2025