All Posts by

Leslie Merryman

Team work in Action!

Dr. Sarac and resident Dr. Rho tackled a complex cataract surgery that led to a fantastic result. Moments like these highlight the strength of our training program and the dedication of our faculty and residents.

Society of Ophthalmology Meeting

This year’s Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) meeting was one to remember! From engaging lectures to reconnecting with friends and mentors, we’re excited to share some special moments from our UF Ophthalmology team. Swipe through to see some highlights featuring our Chair Dr. Tuli, along with current and former…

Resident Research Day!

Congratulations to our residents and fellows for their outstanding presentations at this year’s UF Ophthalmology Resident Research Day! With support from their dedicated faculty mentors, our trainees showcased a wide range of impactful research projects. We were also honored to welcome guest speaker Pratap Challa, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology…

The Transcription Factor RelA is Required for Microglia Stress Responses

Congratulations to Dr. Cristian Ildefonso on the publication of “The Transcription Factor RelA is Required for Microglia Stress Responses,” which appears in the June 2025 issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Abstract Purpose : RelA (p65), a key NF-kB transcription factor, drives pro-inflammatory gene expression. Inhibiting RelA via…

Happy Graduation!

Here are some highlights from our UF Ophthalmology Graduation! It was a wonderful celebration shared by the whole team. Congratulations again to the Class of 2025! Image Gallery 2025 Graduation 2025 Graduation 2025 Graduation 2025 Graduation 2025 Graduation…

A great week of science, collaboration, and connection!

UF Ophthalmology had a strong presence at #ARVO2025! Dr. Dinculescu and Dr. Bolch presented exciting updates on their Usher syndrome large animal model, while PhD student Reily Peng shared research from Dr. Smith’s lab. Dr. Dinculescu also reconnected with former students Emily and Yixiao and met with colleagues…

Health Care Champion

Meet Olga Sanchez, an ophthalmic technician at UF Health The Oaks Eye Center. Olga helps patients improve their vision through her role at UF Health! “I am a health care champion because I love what I do! I enjoy my job, and it is a pleasure every day…

Excellence in Medical Education Celebration

Last night we celebrated excellence in medical education with our colleagues throughout the College of Medicine! We are proud to announce that the University of Florida Ophthalmology Residency Program has been awarded the GME Program of the Year, selected from 140 eligible programs. A true testament to the leadership…

Successful Collaboration!

Another successful interdepartmental surgery with our amazing colleagues in ENT! Last week, our Dr. Raygan, along with oculoplastics fellow Dr. Joubert, collaborated with ENT’s Dr. Johnson and team to perform a complex eyelid and midface reconstruction on a young patient with a congenital vascular lesion. This collaboration highlights the…

4 years have just flown by! 

The PGY4s started their last block of residency today! Take a look at where they will be heading next: Beau Billings, Comprehensive at UF MacGregor Hall, Cornea at Duke Mollie Lagrew, Comprehensive at UF Kristin Ates Hicks, Comprehensive at Southern Eye Group in Fairhope, AL Eugene Rho,…