CU Anschutz Department of Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology retina specialists, Talisa de Carlo Forest, MD, Naresh Mandava, MD, Scott Oliver, MD, and Emily Cole, MD, MPH, presented at the Retina Society meeting. Congratulations to Dr. Talisa de Carlo Forest on her induction as an Associate Member of the Retina Society!

Please join us in welcoming our newest glaucoma specialist and associate professor of ophthalmology, Lindsay Rhodes, MD, to @CUAnschutz! 🎉

Please join us in welcoming Madi Brown, OD, to the CU Anschutz department of ophthalmology faculty! 🎉 In her new role as an instructor of ophthalmology at CU Anschutz, Dr. Brown will primarily be serving patients at Children's Hospital Colorado.

Over 2,100 patients have donated blood and ocular fluid samples to the CU Anschutz Center for Ocular Inflammation Uveitis Biorepository, where Lynn Hassman, MD, PhD, works to uncover better treatments. Read more: https://bit.ly/4ysqttm

What an incredible time at #AAO2026! Proud of the outstanding @CUAnschutz faculty who represented Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center. Congratulations to all the presenters and researchers whose work was showcased, and thank you to everyone who connected with us. Excited to carry this momentum forward!

What a fantastic evening hosting the CU Anschutz Department of Ophthalmology Alumni & Friends Reception at American Academy of Ophthalmology 2026! Thank you to everyone who joined us in New Orleans. We are proud to be part of such a collaborative and passionate community. #AAO2026 #Ophthalmology

Proud to be a sponsor for the Foundation Fighting Blindness 20th Annual Colorado VisionWalk! CU Anschutz faculty and UC Health staff also teamed up to walk in the event in support of vision-saving research. #ShareYourVision

Don't "leaf" your vision behind. Roughly 77% of all vision impairment and blindness cases are preventable or treatable. Celebrate #WorldSightDay by prioritizing your eye health and scheduling a professional eye exam today! #LoveYourEyes

Meet Kevin Shan, MD! 👋 “As a classically trained pianist and competitive tennis player, I love the precision and technical challenge of ophthalmology.” Dr. Shan is especially interested in vitreoretinal surgery and hopes to combine patient care, teaching, research, and expanding access to eye care.

We've all heard about blue light... but how much of it is fact vs. fiction? 👀 Melanie Akau, OD, our new Ophthalmology Section Chief, breaks down what you really need to know about blue light and your eyes.

A new study examined eye health in adults 60+ living with well-controlled HIV. 👁️ Clinical signs of dry eye were found in 63% of participants with HIV vs. 51% without HIV. Read more below! https://bit.ly/3TDMqY3

Could AI help speed up ophthalmology clinical trials? 👁️ Niranjan Manoharan, MD, and his team developed an AI tool that uses clinical data and retinal imaging to identify potential trial participants. Read more below! https://bit.ly/3T2zI4Z

Meet Haider Sarwar, MD! 👋 Haider chose ophthalmology for its blend of medicine, surgery, & advocacy. He’s interested in retina and plastics and hopes to become an educator someday. 👁️ Outside of work, he enjoys reading, hiking, gaming, trying new restaurants, and sleeping! 😴

Could menopausal hormone therapy affect AMD progression? A CU Anschutz study found no association between hormone therapy use and an increased risk of AMD progression. Researchers say more study is needed. 👀 Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4AAjQrg

September is Sports Eye Safety Month. 👁️ Richard Davidson, MD, shares some of the most common eye injuries that can happen after a hit to the eye, from corneal abrasions to more serious injuries that may require surgery.

Last week, our CU Anschutz Department of Ophthalmology hosted its 30th Annual Symposium! Huge thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a memorable day. ✨ #Ophthalmology #EyeCare #CUEyeCenter

Our 30th Annual Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center Symposium brought eye care professionals and trainees together for a day of learning, connection, and conversations around the latest in ophthalmology. Here’s a look back at the day! 👀✨

Vision loss can affect more than sight. It can also impact independence, mental health, and quality of life. 👁️ David Simpson, OD, and Emily Haller, LCSW, MBA, are working to provide more integrated care for patients navigating vision loss. Read more: https://bit.ly/4gc1Lri

Blepharitis is common, but strong evidence for many of its treatments remains limited. 👁️ Kaleb Abbott, OD, co-authored a new commentary in Eye examining the evidence gaps and the need for more targeted research into blepharitis treatment. 🔬 Read more: https://bit.ly/4zWBANf

Could the eyes hold clues about brain health? 👁️ CU Anschutz researchers Jayashree Kalpathy-Cramer, PhD, and Giacomo Nebbia, PhD, are using AI and retinal images to study biomarkers linked to Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. 🔬 Read more: https://bit.ly/3T8SGXs

Our CU Anschutz Ophthalmology team recently traveled to Valencia, Spain, for ISER 2026. 🇪🇸 They joined eye and vision researchers from around the world for several days of research, learning, and connection. 👁️🔬💙

Artist Diane Ciampa nearly lost her eye after a roller hockey accident. 🎨 After multiple surgeries with Scott Oliver, MD, she was able to keep her eye and preserve some vision. Today, she’s still creating art. 👁️💙 Read more about her story: https://bit.ly/4cnu9nX

A little throwback from last year! 🤖👁️ Niranjan Manoharan, MD, explored the future of AI in ophthalmology. Now, we’re just two weeks away from the 2026 CU Anschutz Department of Ophthalmology Annual Symposium! Register today: https://bit.ly/4xtdWGr #Ophthalmology #AI

A few highlights from the Women In Ophthalmology Summer Symposium! 👁️✨ We’re proud to see members of our CU Anschutz Department of Ophthalmology community learning, connecting, and engaging with colleagues from across ophthalmology. 💙 #Ophthalmology #EyeCare #CUEyeCenter

Our team gathered for our Summer Welcome Party, enjoying good food, great company, and time together. 💙 Sharing a few photos from a fun evening with our ophthalmology community! 👁️✨

Vision loss can affect more than sight. It can impact independence, mental health, and quality of life. David Simpson, OD, and Emily Haller, LCSW, MBA, are working across specialties to help patients navigate the physical & emotional challenges of vision loss. 👁️💙 https://bit.ly/4gc1Lri

It's Children's Eye Health and Safety Month! What are signs a child might need to see an eye doctor? We asked Rebecca Edwards, MD, PhD, pediatric ophthalmologist, to share what parents and caregivers should look for. 👀💙 #PediatricOphthalmology #EyeCare #Ophthalmology

David Simpson OD, FAAO and Cade Oost, OD joined Eyes On Success to discuss individualized low vision care and strategies that can help people with vision loss stay active and independent. 👁️ Listen to the episode: https://bit.ly/4zrtJXB #LowVision #Ophthalmology #Optometry

New research led by Jared Sokol, MD, highlights rising cases of a potentially blinding eye infection associated with injection drug use and the importance of connecting patients with addiction care. 👁️ Read more: https://bit.ly/4cwadiC

Congratulations to Cecelia Koetting, OD, on being named a 2026 Theia Award winner! 🎉 Presented by Women in Optometry, the award recognizes women making exceptional contributions to optometry. We're proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor! 👏💙 #Optometry #EyeCare

Looking for practical ways to use AI in your research? Join CCTSI's new Hands-On AI for Research workshop series, led by Jayashree Kalpathy-Cramer, PhD. Learn practical #AI skills to save time on repetitive research tasks. For @cuanschutz.bsky.social faculty & trainees. @cueyecenter.bsky.social

Congratulations to our ophthalmology physicians recognized in 5280 Magazine's Top Doctors list! 👏 The list is based on the Castle Connolly peer nomination and research process, recognizing excellence in patient care. Congratulations to all of our honorees! 🎉

What can an international observership teach you? Dr. Vidharthi "Vid" Diwakaran shares the biggest lesson she's learned during her time here and how the experience compares to practicing in India. 🌍👁️

Published in Cornea: The first documented case of neurotrophic keratitis associated with telisotuzumab vedotin, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. 👀 Read more: https://bit.ly/4bZuhJZ #Ophthalmology #EyeCare #CUEyeCenter

Every great surgeon starts with practice. At CU Anschutz, ophthalmology residents build surgical skills and confidence in the wet lab before entering the OR. Read how mentorship and hands-on training are shaping the next generation of eye surgeons. 👁️ https://bit.ly/3Ry0u46

Congratulations to Riaz Qureshi, PhD, MS, on his appointment as Director of Medical Student Research! In this new leadership role, he'll help advance research education and mentorship for medical students. 👏

Congratulations to our recently promoted faculty! 👏 These well-earned promotions recognize excellence in patient care, education, research, and service. Join us in celebrating this exciting milestone! 🤩 #Ophthalmology #EyeCare #CUEyeCenter

Congratulations to Jenna Patnaik, PhD, on her appointment as Director of Resident Research for the CU Anschutz Department of Ophthalmology! 👏 We're excited to see her help advance resident research and mentorship across the department. 🥳 #Ophthalmology #Research #CUEyeCenter

Congratulations to Michael Puente, MD, on being elected to the AAPOS Board of Directors! 👏 As the AAPOS representative to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, he'll help shape the future of pediatric ophthalmology. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! #Ophthalmology #AAPOS

AI is transforming eye care. 👁️🤖 Researchers at CU Anschutz Ophthalmology developed a new approach to improve the accuracy and reliability of ophthalmic image analysis. Read more: https://bit.ly/4vpatXB

Can glaucoma be treated without lasers? 👀 Leo Seibold, MD, answers this common question in a clip from the Eye on Vision podcast. 👁️ Listen to the full podcast: https://bit.ly/4dIHoj7 #Ophthalmology #Glaucoma #EyeCare #CUEyeCenter #MedSky

Meet Soufiane Azargui, MD! 👋 As he begins his fourth year of residency, Dr. Azargui is inspired by ophthalmology's unique blend of medicine, surgery, and innovation—and hopes to one day make the same lasting impact on patients as the mentors who've shaped his journey. 🤩

Spending the holiday weekend in the water? The CU Anschutz Department of Ophthalmology shares tips to keep your eyes safe: https://news.cuanschutz.edu/ophthalmology/swimming-eyes-safety?utm_source=today_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=jun_10_26 @cueyecenter.bsky.social

Did you know your child's vision is checked starting in the newborn nursery? Rebecca Edwards, MD, PhD, shares what parents should know about childhood vision screenings—and when it's time to see a pediatric ophthalmologist. 👁️ #PediatricOphthalmology #ChildVisionAwarenessMonth

"Just because residency is ending doesn't mean that the learning ends." — Conner Style, DO A few more moments from this year's graduation celebration. 🎓

Ophthalmologists may have a unique opportunity to help save more than sight. Jared Sokol, MD, examined how eye care providers can connect patients with substance use disorders to treatment while managing a serious vision-threatening infection. Read more: https://bit.ly/4v2SoOY

Heading to the pool this summer? ☀️👁️ Emma Stahr, OD shares tips on protecting your eyes while swimming, avoiding irritation, and why contact lenses and water aren't the best combination. Read more: https://bit.ly/4oErJq1 #Summer #EyeSafety #Ophthalmology

Still smiling about resident and fellow graduation! 🥹🎓 Congratulations to all of our graduates — we can't wait to see where your next chapter takes you! 👏 #Ophthalmology #EyeCare #CUEyeCenter

Over the past four years, these residents have grown into skilled clinicians, surgeons, educators, and leaders. We're proud to celebrate all they've accomplished and excited to see what's next. 🎓👁 Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🥳🤩 Read more: https://bit.ly/4vSdwrF

"I’m proud of how much I’ve grown this year and how confident I feel going into the next step of my career." — Meredith Spitz, MD, MBA Congratulations to Dr. Spitz as she completes her glaucoma fellowship and begins her next chapter! ✨ Read more: https://bit.ly/3QdQv3s