For more than 50 years, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University has been recognized as a leading provider of specialized care in eye disease and research into the cause and treatment of vision problems in adults and children. It is currently rated among the top ten clinical centers in the nation.
More than 20 board-certified faculty physicians in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine provide comprehensive ophthalmic care and sub-specialty care in the following areas:
General Ophthalmology Cornea and External Disease
Glaucoma
Neuro-ophthalmology Ocular Motility
Ocular Oncology
Ocular Pathology
Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
Ophthalmic Reconstructive Surgery
Optometry - Adult and Pediatric
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Refractive Surgery (LASIK and others)
Retinal Disease
These clinical services are supplemented by comprehensive ophthalmology diagnostic laboratories, specializing in visual field studies, ultrasonography of the eye and orbit, fluorescein angiography, fundus, slit lamp and external photography, specular microscopy, visual evoked potentials, electroretinography, electro-oculography, and maculascope. We also offer full optometry services in our vision centers (see below).
With the exception of retinal disease, all diseases of the eye are handled through Washington University Eye Center.
FOR APPOINTMENTS, CALL 314-362-3937 (EYES) OR 1-800 543-2733 (2SEE)
Specific problems of the retina are handled through the Barnes Retina Institute, a joint venture of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Retina Consultants Ltd. The direct line to the Barnes Retina Institute is 314-367-1181.
The Eye Center is a regional and national referral center, which provides consultation and treatment in all the specialty areas of ophthalmology. For patients coming from outside the St. Louis area, please refer to Family and Guest Services, for help with accommodations, interpreters and other special services.
BJC Vision Centers
These offices provide exams for contact lenses and spectacles. They are located at Barnes-Jewish Hospital South and at the Center for Advance Medicine.
- Center for Advanced Medicine 314-747-9454
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital 314-362-6123
Optometrists of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences can provide a comprehensive eye examination including the treatment of eye infections, glaucoma, and the detection of disease and subsequent referral to a specialist. Dispensaries and laboratories are on site with over 1,000 frames to select from ranging from basic to designer styles. Non-prescription sunglasses are available as well. Clients can be fitted for soft, disposable, rigid gas permeable, toric, and bifocal contact lenses, as needed.
South County Eye Center and Optical Shop
Optometric care is also provided at the South County office, which has an Optical Shop with a wide selection of fashionable and designer frames. This office is located at 11188 Tesson Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63128.
- South County Eye Center 314-842-5070
- Optical Shop 314-842-5010
OPHTHALMIC RESEARCH STUDIES
In addition to providing clinical services, many of our physicians also conduct research in their field of specialty. Some participate in ongoing national research studies such as the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study that is being conducted at 22 sites across the country under the management of Washington University. The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is ranked among the top two academic departments in the nation in value of grants for vision and eye research from the National Eye Institute / National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD.
Participating in Clinical Studies Offer Advantages
Patients who have not responded well to traditional therapies may be eligible to receive a cutting-edge treatment that is still being developed.
Because these treatments are considered to be experimental by insurance companies, most are not covered by insurance. Some clinical studies do not require patients to pay for their care, while others pay stipends for patient participation. Study participants share the personal satisfaction of contributing to the advancement of medical science for the overall benefit of society.
Interested parties may contact the Volunteer for Health office for more specific information on available studies or visit the VFH.wustl.edu web site.
Tel: 314-362-1000
(toll free): 1-866-362-5656
Fax: 314-747-3727
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm