UW is among a select group of institutions with a dedicated ophthalmic pathology service, integrated into clinical care, hands-on teaching, and discovery. Our lab supports patient diagnostics from across the state and offers a unique, immersive experience for residents, fellows, and collaborators. Whether analyzing enucleated globes or creating metaphor-driven microscope imagery, we make learning visual, tactile, and team-based.
Are You a Patient? Visit UW Health to find a specialist:
UW Health
Clinical Care
Our lab provides critical diagnostic services across UW Health and beyond, reviewing specimens from across Wisconsin. Our team collaborates closely with Cornea, Oculoplastics, Oncology, and regional providers to deliver accurate, fast pathology reports and consultation.
We also present regularly at interdisciplinary tumor boards, providing visual insights and pathology expertise to guide treatment decisions.
- Cornea and External Disease
- Oculoplastics
- Hematopathology, Dermatopathology, and Surgical Pathology
- Oncology (Medical, Radiation, Surgical)
- Referrals accepted from institutions without in-house eye pathologists
I truly enjoy the time I spend at the microscope with our learners. Each case is an opportunity to teach — from the basic cases to the most unique ones. I love that I get to see the most interesting things in each ophthalmic subspecialty.
Heather A. D. Potter, MD; Director UW Eye Pathology Laboratory
Ophthalmic pathology is fully integrated into the UW residency and fellowship experience, with a hands-on, low-stress learning environment that fosters team connection and deep understanding. Residents actively dissect specimens, analyze pathology slides, and participate in national teaching sessions. Creative approaches—including art competitions, knitting for dexterity, and pathology-inspired Instagram posts—make our lab an engaging and memorable place to learn.
- Clinical-pathologic correlation with Oculoplastics and Cornea
- Cross-department collaboration with Pathology and Oncology
- National virtual teaching with Wake Forest and Texas Tech
- Artistic projects to reinforce anatomy and pathology
- Gross specimen handling to support 3D anatomical learning
- Learner-driven Instagram: @hakuna_guttada
The lab contributes to publications, authorship, and the development of emerging investigative techniques. Current and upcoming projects focus on pediatric pathology, vascular proliferations, and cutting-edge diagnostics, including liquid biopsies and digital slide scanning.
These advancements have the potential to transform care, allowing DNA analysis from eye fluid or virtual remote slide sharing for faster, broader collaboration.
- Pediatric ophthalmic pathology textbook chapter
- Case reports and rare specimen documentation
- Inflammatory vascular proliferation study
- Exploration of liquid biopsy techniques
- Early adoption of digital slide scanning and virtual pathology for tumor board discussions
Culture & Community Inside the Path Lab
Known as the “happy place” by residents, our lab brews fresh coffee, plays music, and fosters community with curiosity and fun. Pathology doesn’t just build knowledge—it builds connection.
Are You a Patient? Visit UW Health for more information:
UW Health