UW-Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Our low vision team had the pleasure of attending the Envision and VisionServe Alliance Conference in Columbus, Ohio!

Dr. Sanbrita Mondal (right) and Shelby Beckman, OTD, OTR/L (left), presented their collaborative research, "Impact of Visual Function on Driving Decisions," highlighting the important role vision plays in maintaining independence and mobility. Their presentation was well received by colleagues from across the country.

🎓 Graduation is almost here!

We're excited to feature Dr. Kevin Schneider in our Graduation Spotlight Series. As he completes his residency, Dr. Schneider will remain at UW to continue his training as our Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery Fellow.

Please join us in congratulating Kevin on this milestone and wishing him continued success as he begins the next chapter of his ophthalmology career!

When Dalia Girgis, MD, PhD reflects on her time at UW DOVS, one thing stands out above all else: the people.

“I was struck by how genuine and kind everyone at the UW was, while still being part of a truly outstanding academic and research institution,” she said.

That sense of community helped shape her experience as a resident, influenced her approach to patient care, and continues to guide her today.

After graduation, Dr. Girgis remained at the UW as an assistant professor, working with medical students and ophthalmology residents. In 2014, she relocated to Florida and joined a private practice in Fort Lauderdale. After eight years, she launched her own clinic, Insight Eye Institute in Lighthouse Point, FL. The practice has continued to grow, and she plans to open a second office in Fort Lauderdale later this year.

For new ophthalmologists entering the field, Dr. Girgis emphasizes the importance of maximizing every learning opportunity.

“Spend as much time as possible both inside and outside the operating room,” she advised. “Learn from as many attendings as you can and continue developing your surgical skills. The pearls you gain from each mentor will stay with you and help shape the surgeon you become after training.”

Learn more: https://www.ophth.wisc.edu/blog/2026/06/03/alumni-spotlight-dalia-girgis-md-phd-12/

Please join us in congratulating our graduating Pre-Residency Fellows, Dr. Jacob Bogost and Dr. Shelby Storm!

Over the past year, Jacob and Shelby have contributed to our Ophthalmic Pathology/Imaging Fellowship while preparing for the next step in their ophthalmology journeys.

Jacob Bogost, DO will begin his ophthalmology residency at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida.

Shelby Storm, MD will continue her training as an ophthalmology resident at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Wisconsin.

We are grateful for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our department. We wish them both continued success as they begin residency and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years ahead!

Graduation is just around the corner 🎓

Next up in our Graduation Spotlight Series we have Dr. Jackson Korger!

Dr. Korger will be joining BayCare Clinic Eye Specialists in Green Bay, WI

Join us in celebrating his achievements as he wraps up residency and steps into the next phase of his ophthalmology journey!

Ophthalmology faculty, learners, and staff teamed up on May 15 to offer a half-day learning opportunity for local high school students. Under the direction of Cat Burkat, MD, FACS, "Odyssey Into Ophthalmology" provided the students with lectures, discussions, games, and hands-on activities.

Graduation is just around the corner 🎓
We're kicking off our Graduation Spotlight Series with none other than our incredible Chief Resident, Dr. Rushi Mankad!

Dr. Mankad will be joining Houston Eye Associates Houston, Texas.

Join us in celebrating his achievements as he wraps up residency and steps into the next phase of his ophthalmology journey!

Amitha Domalpally, MD, PhD was named a Gold Fellow by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), and Mary Ann Croft was named a Silver Fellow.

The title of Fellow of ARVO (FARVO) is an honor established to recognize current ARVO members for their individual accomplishments, leadership and contributions to the Association.

ARVO Fellows serve as role models and mentors for individuals pursuing careers in vision and ophthalmology research and help further ARVO's vision "…to advance research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders," which includes advancing basic and clinical knowledge and serving as the leading international forum for vision research and the primary advocate for vision science worldwide.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping everyday life—and for people who are blind or have low vision, it holds growing promise as a tool for greater independence.

At UW, a cross-disciplinary team is working to turn that promise into practical solutions. Led by DOVS and Computer Sciences, the AI-Assisted Vision Workshop on Intelligent Assistive Technologies for Blind and Low Vision Individuals brings together researchers, clinicians, technologists, and community members to rethink how assistive tools are designed.

“Most low vision aids have historically been developed by sighted researchers,” said Sanbrita Mondal, OD, Chief of Vision Rehabilitation Services in DOVS. “We’re working to change that by directly engaging people with low vision to better understand their daily challenges and priorities.”

Yuhang Zhao, PhD, assistant professor of computer sciences and principal investigator on the project, emphasizes the urgency of the work.

“Low vision is a complex and widespread condition that affects millions of people, yet it remains underrepresented in technology research,” Dr. Zhao said. “To create truly effective tools, we need a deeper understanding of users’ lived experiences and the flexibility to design technologies that adapt to their environments and preferences.”

The team is focused on addressing challenges that arise in dynamic, real-world settings—such as cooking a meal or navigating a crowded street. These tasks require constant movement and interaction with objects, where traditional aids like magnification often fall short by distorting vision or obscuring critical details.

Learn more: https://www.ophth.wisc.edu/blog/2026/05/14/ai-assisted-low-vision-workshop/

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to eye and vision research, with nearly 12,000 members representing more than 60 countries. Its annual meeting is the premier gathering for eye and vision scientists, students, and affiliated professionals to share the latest research discoveries and collaborate on innovative solutions advancing the field.

We were proud to have many colleagues presenting at this year’s ARVO Annual Meeting, held May 3–7 in Denver, Colorado. In total, DOVS faculty, staff, and learners participated in 34 mini symposia, poster sessions, paper presentations, and award recognitions throughout the conference.

Department Chair Terri Young, MD, MBA, was also selected to serve as president of ARVO for the 2026–27 term, which officially began at the close of the meeting.