With half of our faculty members dedicated to scientific and clinical research, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences never falls short of new discoveries to report on. Our researchers cover a wide range of eye care areas, ranging from basic research to cellular and molecular immunology.

Introducing the 2023 Kambara Symposium Keynote Speaker: Shiming Chen
Mar 03 2023
A highly accomplished vision scientist and expert in retinal disease will be the keynote speaker at the 2023 George Kambara, MD Vision Science Symposium on Friday, April 14.
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New Nanoparticles Deliver Therapy Brain-Wide, Edit Alzheimer’s Gene In Mice
Jan 20 2023
Researchers at UW–Madison have engineered silicone nanoparticles to cross the blood-brain barrier in mice to deliver brain-wide gene editing therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.
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Lab-Grown Retinal Eye Cells Open Door For Clinical Trials to Treat Blindness
Jan 05 2023
Retinal cells grown from stem cells can reach out and connect with neighbors, according to a new study, completing a “handshake” that may show the cells are ready for trials in humans with degenerative eye disorders.
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UW Researcher Receives Grant to Expand Knowledge of Molecules Regulating Retinal Function
Dec 19 2022
Mrinalini Hoon, PhD, has been granted a $150,000 Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) Career Advancement Award.
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New Research May Shed Light on Impact of Toxic Metals on Aging Dogs
Dec 14 2022
New research led by a University of Wisconsin–Madison assistant professor could shed some light on whether toxic metals commonly found in and around the home could impact an older dog’s vision and overall health.
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UW-Madison Launches New Ophthalmology Tissue Biobank
Nov 30 2022
The University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) has entered into a new partnership aimed at systematically collecting, storing, processing and distributing human eye tissue for research purposes.
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Introducing the 2022 Kambara Symposium Keynote Speaker: Maureen Neitz
Feb 02 2022
A highly accomplished vision scientist and expert in colorblindness has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2022 George Kambara, MD Vision Science Symposium. Maureen Neitz, PhD is the Ray H. Hill Endowed Chair…
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Meet the Newest DOVS Faculty Member: Shaoqin (Sarah) Gong
Dec 29 2021
The UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is pleased to welcome Shaoqin (Sarah) Gong, PhD, as our newest faculty member. Gong comes to DOVS with more than 20 years of experience as a scientist,…
Read MoreMeasure for Measure
Jun 08 2020
“Dishonor not your eye By throwing it on any other object, Till you have heard me in my true complaint, And given me justice, justice, justice, justice!” – Isabella, Measure for Measure William Shakespeare Over…
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Postdoctoral Trainee Receives Knight Templar Eye Foundation Career Starter Award
Apr 09 2020
Philip Mzyk, PhD, a postdoctoral trainee in the Colleen McDowell Laboratory, has been awarded the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Career Starter Grant. The $70,000 award will support Dr. Mzyk’s research in the role of fibronectin extra…
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UW DOVS Researchers Attend ISER/BFF Glaucoma Symposium
Nov 10 2019
Several DOVS researchers attended the International Society for Eye Research/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium in Atlanta, GA, October 23-26, 2019. The symposium focused on concepts and breakthroughs in glaucoma and brought together researchers from around the world.…
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2019 Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Gift of Sight Discovery Awards
Sep 30 2019
Colleen McDowell, PhD, and Ismail Zaitoun, PhD, have been announced as the recipients of the 2019 Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW) Gift of Sight Discovery Awards. This internal competition is open to UW Department…
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