Pitt Ophthalmology/UPMCVisionInstitute

06/17/2026

Did you know that some vision problems actually start in the brain—not the eyes?
Neuro-ophthalmologists diagnose and treat conditions related to the brain, nerves, and muscles that affect how we see. This can include vision loss, pupil changes, and eye movement disorders.

Our specialists at Pitt Ophthalmology are trained to care for these complex conditions and help patients find answers.

Learn more:

Neuro-ophthalmology combines the specialties of neurology and ophthalmology. Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating visual problems that are related to the nervous system. We offer a full range of diagnostic imaging services and provide advanced, evidence-based treatments for conditions tha...

06/15/2026

José-Alain Sahel, MD, Distinguished Professor, Eye and Ear Foundation Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Director of the UPMC Vision Institute, was honored with the 2026 Proctor Medal.

José-Alain Sahel, Distinguished Professor, Eye and Ear Foundation Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, and director of the UPMC Vision Institute, received the 2026 Proctor Medal and delivered the Proctor Award Lecture to more than 2,000 peo...

06/11/2026

Clinical research plays a vital role in advancing vision care—and participation helps shape the future of ophthalmology.

At the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology and UPMC Vision Institute, our clinical trials offer patients access to innovative treatments and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful discoveries that can improve outcomes for others.

Whether you're interested in learning about emerging therapies or exploring participation opportunities, we invite you to explore our current studies.

Learn more by visiting our Clinical Trials webpage: https://www.ophthalmology.pitt.edu/translational-research/ophthalmology-clinical-trials

06/09/2026

Because You Came to Me 👁️

The eyeVan is bringing eye care directly into the community—meeting patients where they already live and making it easier to get the care they need.

When a 72-year-old resident visited our mobile clinic outside her senior high-rise, she shared she hadn’t seen an eye doctor in years, despite living with cataracts and glaucoma.

Access matters. And sometimes, it starts with simply being nearby.

Read more about it athttps://eyeandear.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026_June_Magazine2_Waxman.pdf

Brother's Brother Foundation

06/05/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Ashraf Hussain to the Department of Ophthalmology!

Dr. Hussain joined in February 2026 as a Postdoctoral Associate in Dr. Pirro Hysi’s lab after serving as an Assistant Scientist at the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
Originally from India, he developed a passion for science at an early age, inspired by a curiosity about nature and how living systems function at the molecular level. He later earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biotechnology from Mohan Lal Sukhadia University and achieved a national ranking on the GATE exam.

We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to his work advancing vision science at Pitt.

Read more about him at https://us10.campaign-archive.com/?u=5ba60658289c2d13af0a2edbf&id=7b6bb5ead9

06/03/2026

Breakthroughs in vision research are happening every day—and the Chen Lab is at the forefront of discovery.
Through innovative approaches and a commitment to advancing patient care, the Chen Lab is helping deepen our understanding of complex eye diseases and exploring new pathways toward future treatments. Their work reflects the power of collaboration, curiosity, and translational science in improving outcomes for patients.
From bench to bedside, research like this brings us closer to preserving and restoring vision for those who need it most.
Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh
Learn more about the Chen Lab at www.ophthalmology.pitt.edu/news

06/01/2026

Another successful Community Vision Day at the UPMC Vision Institute!

This past weekend, the Department of Ophthalmology welcomed community members for a day dedicated to expanding access to essential vision care. Through screenings, education, and personalized support, volunteers helped connect individuals with resources that can make a meaningful difference in their eye health and quality of life.

Thank you to the physicians, trainees, staff, and volunteers whose dedication made this event possible.

05/22/2026

Researchers often relocate—across cities or continents—bringing their science, teams, and passion with them. In a Nature Methods article, neuroscientist Dr. Bryan William Jones reflects on the challenges and rewards of moving his lab to the University of Pittsburgh, where his work focuses on understanding how the retina’s ~200 cell types connect to support vision.
📖 Read more at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-026-03087-w

05/18/2026

A global leader in vision science and a champion of collaboration, José‑Alain Sahel, MD, is helping build a culture where discovery, mentorship, and patient impact move together at UPMC and across the Department of Ophthalmology.
Colleagues consistently describe him not only as a scientific leader, but as a mentor and builder who sees potential before others do, pushes ideas to their fullest expression, and never loses sight of patients.
In his role as executive vice president of UPMC Enterprises, the venture capital arm of UPMC Dr. Sahel brings this research‑driven, clinician‑informed perspective, helping ensure that promising innovations are evaluated, validated, and advanced with both scientific integrity and patient outcomes at the forefront at UPMC and beyond. Learn more about Dr. Sahel’s translational approach: https://go.upmc.com/pitop-sahel

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Netramind Innovations, Inc. on participating in the second annual Startup Signing Day at the University of Pittsburgh!

Netramind is developing an AI-powered platform that analyzes eye images to help physicians transform scans and photos into meaningful insights that support earlier diagnosis and improved patient care. Their innovative work highlights the growing impact of technology and research in advancing the future of vision care.

Read more here:

Roc the Panther prowled the sidelines as the anticipation grew inside the Petersen Events Center while the starting lineup was announced. But the five all-stars who donned their Pitt caps …