Department Newsletter

Albert S. Jun, MD, PhD, reflects on UVA Ophthalmology’s shared appreciation for central Virginia while highlighting efforts to reduce blindness abroad, decades of faculty leadership, philanthropic support for resident research, and medical student service in the local community.

For more than three decades, Leslie A. Olsakovsky, MD, has cared for patients, trained residents, and helped lead UVA Ophthalmology. Her career spans major changes in the department while preserving a commitment to longitudinal patient care, resident autonomy, and clinical education.

Katherine Holcomb, PhD, has made two gifts to advance clinical care and resident research at UVA Ophthalmology. New pneumotonometers will support patient care in the clinic, while an endowed award will encourage residents to pursue research.

In July 2026, we celebrated the graduation of our ophthalmology residents and fellow. From glaucoma to vitreoretinal surgery, this year’s graduates are pursuing exciting opportunities at leading institutions across the country. Learn more about their next steps and future specialties.

UVA medical students in the School of Medicine Ophthalmology Interest Group are expanding their community vision work through the C-Ville C-More Community Glasses Initiative. With support from UVA Ophthalmology, students are collecting and cataloging donated eyeglasses, matching them to refractive needs at The Haven, and recruiting additional students to help sustain and expand the initiative.

Faculty and trainees in the UVA Department of Ophthalmology continue to advance the field through research, education, clinical scholarship, and community engagement. Explore departmental achievements earned since our Spring issue.

As he marks his second anniversary as department chair, Dr. Albert Jun reflects on the department’s growth, highlights outstanding new faculty, and shares appreciation for the people and progress shaping UVA Ophthalmology.

Dr. Shannath Merbs shares her research advancing surgical techniques in Tanzania as part of an ongoing NIH funded study on trichiasis.

Jenny H. Zhou, MD, PhD, joined UVA Ophthalmology in January as Associate Professor. Her research has defined signaling in cerebral cavernous malformation.

As Residency Coordinator for almost 40 years, Debbie Perry has guided generations of residents through training with consistency and care.

The 42nd Annual Marion K. Humphries, MD, Jr. Symposium featured keynote speaker Ula V. Jurkunas, MD, bringing over 100 attendees together.

Since our Fall 2025 newsletter, UVA Ophthalmology has continued to make its mark through faculty promotions, resident honors, and national recognition.

Recent work from the Center for Advanced Vision Science spans diabetic macular edema, Alzheimer’s disease risk, and age-related macular degeneration. This feature follows updates shared by Bradley Gelfand, PhD, on recent research and trainee milestones across the center.

Dr. Albert Jun shares reflections on departmental milestones, program growth, and the ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and education.

UVA Ophthalmology proudly celebrates this year’s outstanding graduates, recognizing their dedication, accomplishments, and future contributions to the field.

The department welcomes new faculty and residents whose diverse expertise and perspectives strengthen clinical care, education, and research.

Meet our new Department Administrator, Jenny Hinebaugh Hamlin, who brings a leadership approach centered on collaboration, transparency, and long term vision.

Renovations across UVA Ophthalmology continue to elevate the patient and learner experience by modernizing clinics, expanding capacity, and improving workflow.

Faculty and residents continue to receive recognition for clinical excellence, research innovation, and national leadership across the field of ophthalmology.

In his spring message, Dr. Jun reflects on growth, renewal, and the strong foundation that continues to propel the department forward while expressing gratitude for the support of faculty, learners, staff, and alumni.

This tribute honors Dr. Brian Conway’s decades of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to resident education while highlighting the profound impact he leaves on the department.

Medical student education continues to expand through hands on learning, personal mentorship, and the dedicated efforts of faculty who guide students toward careers in ophthalmology.

This update highlights major clinical research initiatives, new studies, and advances driven by collaboration between faculty, coordinators, and patients.

Spring accomplishments include national conference presentations, faculty promotions, awards, and recognition for resident scholarship and service.

Dr. Jun highlights major initiatives, new collaborations, and renewed commitments that continue to strengthen the department and its mission.

After decades of leadership and mentorship, Dr. Steven Newman retires, leaving a legacy of clinical excellence and transformative impact on trainees.

A look inside the department’s newly enhanced surgical training environment, designed to elevate hands on learning and improve surgical preparedness.

The new UVA Health LASIK Center brings advanced refractive surgery options to Charlottesville, expanding access to high quality vision correction.

Dr. Brad Gelfand discusses new discoveries, expanding collaborations, and promising directions in translational ophthalmic research.

This edition highlights faculty promotions, research accomplishments, awards, and departmental initiatives advancing our mission.