John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

The John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has a rich legacy of excellence in patient care, research, and education, and it is consistently ranked among the nation’s top ophthalmology programs by U.S. News & World Report. With one of the largest ophthalmology research faculties in the country, we are at the forefront of advancing vision science and developing innovative treatments.

Our mission is clear: As world leaders in patient care, teaching, and research, we strive to touch lives and preserve and restore vision through innovation and compassionate service.

We invite students to be part of our collaborative and dynamic environment, where they will gain invaluable experience and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries that shape the future of ophthalmology.

While only a small percentage of physicians in the United States specialize in ophthalmology, a fundamental understanding of the eye is essential for all physicians. The eye can provide critical insights into a patient’s overall health, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions.

A recent Ophthalmology journal article highlighted the widespread relevance of ophthalmology in multiple specialties, stating that "ophthalmology-related issues arise in the diagnosis and treatment of inpatients and outpatients in internal medicine, pediatrics, trauma surgery, neurology, endocrinology, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, dermatology, oncology, and rheumatology services."1

Despite this, many primary care program directors believe that fewer than half of incoming residents possess adequate ophthalmology skills upon entering their internships. Ophthalmoscopy, in particular, remains a significant gap in medical training. Studies have shown that emergency medicine physicians frequently omit ophthalmoscopic examinations even when indicated; when performed, abnormal findings are often missed. This gap in training is especially concerning given the high rate of eye-related emergency department visits: 12 million nationwide between 2006 and 2011.

To provide quality care, physicians must either develop proficiency in assessing ocular health or recognize when a referral to an ophthalmologist is necessary. Regardless of specialty, enhancing ophthalmology knowledge strengthens clinical skills and ensures better patient outcomes across all fields of medicine.

1

Graubart EB, Waxman EL, Forster SH, Giaconi JA, Rosenberg JB, Sankar PS, Goyal A, Mirza RG. Ophthalmology objectives for medical students: revisiting what every graduating medical student should know. Ophthalmology, December 2018; 125(12):1842-1843.

Contact Info

Website:http://ophthalmology.wustl.edu