FALL 2024
Message From the Chairman our Department. Four reviewers heard
and prominent advocate for high quality
20-minute presentations from almost
eye care, who has been wonderfully
all the researchers in the Department
connected to our Department throughout
over the course of two days. At the
her career.
end of the second day, the reviewers prepared a report that was presented to Anantha Shekhar, Dean of the School of Medicine and SVC of Health Sciences as well as the EEF Board of Directors. This year, reviewers were from the Cleveland Clinic, Harvard, Johns
D
ear Alumni and Friends, It is hard to believe, but the Vision Institute at the UPMC Mercy
Pavilion has been open for more than a year. Since its opening in May 2023, there have been over 50,000 total patient visits, with nearly 10,000 new patients in the first year. There were 6,171 total surgeries performed at the VI from May 2023-May 2024. The engagement of our teams, the patient experience, and the ability to attract clinical and research talent have exceeded my expectations. In June, the Eye & Ear Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee had its annual meeting in which they extolled
Hopkins, and Wayne State University. One reviewer said on behalf of all, “The breadth of what [the Department] is researching is greater than any other eye institute and is the most up and
We hope you’ll check out the dates of our upcoming events, including the AAO reception in October, the Mission of Mercy event, and the Muse Dinner, where our very own Dr. Eller will receive the 2024 Muse Award and Emily Chew, from the NEI, will receive the Muse Prize. We look forward to these opportunities to connect with all of you! Sincerely,
coming program in the world.” In this issue of our alumni newsletter I have the privilege of introducing you to
José-Alain Sahel, MD
the brilliant crop of new residents and
Distinguished Professor and Chairman
fellows that have joined our Department
of Ophthalmology
this year, while also saying goodbye to
Eye & Ear Foundation Endowed Chair
those trainees who have moved onto the
University of Pittsburgh School of
next phases of their careers. You’ll get a
Medicine
chance to hear about the research being
Director, UPMC Vision Institute
done by our Vice Chair and Director of
Emeritus Exceptional Class Professor at
Research John Ash. And finally, you’ll get
Sorbonne Université, Paris
a chance to catch up with Sharon Taylor, a St. Francis Medical Center alumnus
In This Issue Letter from the Chairman
1
Graduating Fellows
7
Incoming Residents
2
Alumni Spotlight
9
Incoming Fellows
3
Upcoming Events
11
Research Spotlight
5
Webinar Information
Back Cover
Graduating Residents
6
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS 1