University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

08/11/2026

A promising step forward for patients with rare inherited blindness. 👁️🧬

University of Iowa Health Care researchers helped lay the foundation for the first-in-human gene therapy study for AIPL1-associated retinal disease—a rare inherited condition that causes severe vision loss in early childhood. The investigational therapy was recently administered to three pediatric patients in the United Kingdom, marking an important milestone in translating decades of laboratory research into potential treatments. The University of Iowa's preclinical research provided the scientific rationale for advancing this therapy to human studies.

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Research conducted at the University of Iowa helped lay the scientific foundation for a first-in-human gene therapy study that recently treated its first three patients in the United Kingdom.The investigational therapy targets retinal degeneration caused by mutations in the BBS10 gene, one of the...

08/05/2026

We are thrilled to share that Eli Monshon, BS, a third-year medical student at the Carver College of Medicine received the 2026 Best Paper of Session Award from the Eye Bank Association of America for "Mitochondrial Responses to Hyperglycemia and Insulin Rescue in Human Corneal Endothelium." The paper was presented during the EBAA's annual meeting last week in Indianapolis.

Monshon conducts his research in the laboratory of our medical director, Dr. Mark Greiner of the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

Congratulations Eli!

08/04/2026

Congratulations to Dr. H. Culver Boldt on receiving the 2026 Crystal Apple Award from the AmericanSocietyof RetinaSpecialists!

This prestigious national honor recognizes Dr. Boldt's exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and shaping the next generation of retina specialists. Over his distinguished career at the University of Iowa, he has mentored more than 80 retina fellows and made a lasting impact on ophthalmology through education, patient care, and research.

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For more than two decades, fellows entering the retina fellowship program at the University of Iowa knew they would leave with exceptional surgical training. What many didn't realize until much later was that they would also leave with a mentor whose lessons would shape every patient they would ever...

07/27/2026

The annual Iowa Eye meeting and alumni reunion photos are here! Check out all the fun and learning that took place. And save JUNE 4-5, 2027 for next year's Iowa Eye meeting!

07/23/2026

Our faculty and staff have been recognized for a number of different accomplishments over the last few months. We want to congratulate Drs. Carter, Tucker, Kemp, Boese, Diel, Abràmoff, and Sindt, as well as Rita Gallo!

07/21/2026

Join us for our fall 2026 clinical conferences! External providers can also register to attend virtually! CME credit is also offered! Register here: https://commerce.cashnet.com/DOVS01

07/20/2026

A BIG congratulations to Dr. Culver Boldt on receiving the Crystal Apple Award from ! We extend our sincerest congratulations to Dr. Culver Boldt on being honored with the prestigious Crystal Apple Award from the American Society of Retina Specialists.

This esteemed recognition is bestowed upon an ASRS member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the education and professional growth of young retina specialists. Dr. Boldt also delivered a distinguished lecture during the recent Early Career Section's Annual Meeting luncheon.

We would like to express our gratitude to all current and former Retina fellows who joined in celebrating this achievement with Dr. Boldt.

06/16/2026

IT’S A MATCH 🎉

Welcome to the The University of Iowa ophthalmology family, Dr. Kerri McInnis-Smith! 💛🖤

Dr. McInnis-Smith is currently completing her residency at Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology and will be joining us as our ASOPRS oculofacial plastic surgery fellow in July of 2027.

06/02/2026

🌿✨ On Thursday, May 21, we hosted our annual Celebration of Hope & Renewal in the Iowa Lions Donor Memorial & Healing Garden at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center- University Campus in Iowa City.

This special event honors eye, organ and tissue donors as well as their loved ones. It also recognizes the dedication of those who support the donation and transplantation process, and allows transplant recipients to express their gratitude.

Attendees heard remarks from Esther Baker, executive director of Iowa Lions Eye Bank; Dr. Kanwal Matharu, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Dr. Mark Greiner, Medical Director of ILEB and Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Gift of Sight recipient Charise Schwarm, and Dave McGlaughlin, who shared the story of his wife, Gift of Sight donor Jeanna McGlaughlin.

The ceremony also featured beautiful musical selections by Dr. Matthew Bean of Western Illinois University and a reading of the Honor Roll of donors by Junior Miss Clinton County 2026 - Mackie Malli. We are grateful to Jay Herman of Groove Announcing and Event Services for generously providing the sound system and ambient music that helped create a meaningful atmosphere for remembrance and reflection.

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we honored donors, celebrated recipients, and reflected on the lasting impact of the gift of sight. 💙 You can watch the ceremony at the link in the comments.