University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

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.

03/10/2026

Hit the links early this year and help the Iowa Lions Eye Bank!

Please help raise money for Iowa Lions Eye Bank on Friday, April 17 during See the Green Indoor Golf Fundraiser at X-Golf Fundraiser. Two waves of golf will be teeing off at noon and 4 p.m. REGISTER BY TUESDAY, MARCH 17 FOR AN EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!

No clubs or golf experience required. X-Golf has free loaner clubs and the simulators have a "beginner assist" feature that can be activated to improve your golfing abilities.
Don't want to golf? Come hang out, grab a bite to eat and a drink! X-Golf will generously be donating 10 percent of all food and beverage sales throughout the event to support ILEB.
Registered participants can sign up for some giveaway items we've received from local businesses including a center ice ticket package for a Heartlanders hockey game next season, autographed posters of Hawkeye legends Spencer Lee and Jack Campbell, as well as some gift cards from local businesses.
Sign up now at https://charitygolftoday.com/event?e=25795&ce=a3fd0e

Sponsorships are available and include a foursome registration. Contact [email protected] for more information.

4-Person Best Shot Indoor Golf EventBenefiting Iowa Lions Eye Bank Join us Friday, April 17 at X-Golf, located in Coralville's Iowa River Landing, for a fun, social indoor golf event benefiting Iowa Lions Eye Bank. This event is designed to be welcoming for golfers and non-golfers alike — whe...

02/27/2026

Have you signed up for the See the Green Indoor Golf Tournament yet? Early registration ends March 17.

02/17/2026

Join us on Friday, April 17th for the Iowa Lions Eye Bank's "See the Green" event at X-Golf in Coralville! Register here: charitygolftoday.com/Seethegreentourney

02/04/2026

🌏 Iowa on the global ophthalmology stage!

Dr. Erin Shriver represented the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Women in Ophthalmology Standing Committee at APAO in Hong Kong on February 4. She currently serves as the Honorary Member of the committee and is the only Honorary Member from outside the Asia-Pacific region.

The meeting was led by Prof. Ava Houssain, the first female President of APAO, and Prof. Carmen Chan, Secretary of the Women In Ophthalmology Standing Committee. The week also features a Women in Ophthalmology session and luncheon with nearly 100 attendees.

Proud to see Iowa represented in advancing women in ophthalmology worldwide!

01/29/2026

Happy Match Day! 🎉 Join us in welcoming our newest residents to the Iowa Eye family. Meet the class of 2030!

🖤 Molly Barten - Indiana University School of Medicine

💛 Brian Grodecki - Drexel University College of Medicine

🖤 Savannah Hensley - University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

💛 Regina Scott - University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

🖤 Nicole Terfloth - University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

💛 Gelilah Yohannes - University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Indiana University School of Medicine Drexel University College of Medicine University of Cincinnati UMKC School of Medicine University of Tennessee Health Science Center University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Carver College of Medicine University of Iowa

12/17/2025

Join us in welcoming our newest fellows to the family! This group will be starting their lowa journey in July 2026!

⭐️ James Gibson, MD of as Glaucoma Fellow

⭐️ Manal Milhem, MD of Manchester Royal Eye Hospital as Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellow

⭐️ Sachi Patil, MD of as
Cornea and External Disease Fellow

⭐️ Valencia Potter, MD, PhD of as Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellow

⭐️ Samuel Tadros, MD of as Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellow

⭐️ Sanya Yadav, MD of as Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellow

11/24/2025

🏆 2025 Patient’s Choice Awards 🏆

Each year, University of Iowa Health Care recognizes providers who deliver exceptional patient-centered care. These Patient’s Choice Awardees are selected based entirely on patient feedback — and only those scoring in the top 10% nationally earn this distinction.

UI Health Care providers who received 30+ completed medical practice surveys in FY25 were eligible.

Recognition is based on five questions within the “Care Provider” section of the survey:

⭐️ Concern showed for patient questions or worries
⭐️ Explanations given to you about your problem or condition
⭐️ Efforts to include you in decisions about your care
⭐️ Discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)
⭐️ Likelihood of your recommending care provider to others

Congratulations to our providers who were recognized for excellence in patient experience!

11/14/2025

This week we celebrate Allied Ophthalmic Professionals Week! 💛🖤

We’re proud to honor the teams who keep eye care at running strong. Every day, our front desk staff, ophthalmic technicians, orthoptists, nurses, OR teams, and triage and call center staff ensure patients feel supported from their very first interaction. Your skill, compassion, and adaptability shape every patient’s experience—from advanced diagnostics and surgical support to managing fast-paced clinics.

We could not fulfill our mission of world-class care, education, and discovery without you. Thank you for all you do to improve our patients’ vision and quality of life.

10/21/2025

Edwin Stone, MD, PhD professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and director of the Institute for Vision Research, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine — one of the nation’s highest honors in medicine.

Election to NAM recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. Dr. Stone is celebrated for research that has transformed ophthalmic genetics through discoveries of key genes for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other inherited retinal diseases.

“This honor reflects the caliber of his work, which has had a transformative impact on the treatment of blinding eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Ed is one of the world’s most exceptional scholars and leaders, and this recognition by his peers is well-deserved,” says Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Carver College of Medicine.

“UI Health Care is regarded as a pioneer in genetic ophthalmology, and this reputation was largely established by Ed,” adds Keith Carter, MD, FACS, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Stone on this incredible, well-deserved achievement!

Read full article: http://bit.ly/4oxRqaz

Carver College of Medicine
University of Iowa Health Care
National Academy of Medicine
Institute for Vision Research - IVR