"I can see clearly now' is the only tune I have been singing since my surgery. Dr. Pepose is truly a miracle worker!"
Dr. Jay Pepose
Dr. Pepose's Blog
Dr. Pepose's CV
Jay S. Pepose, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director of the Pepose Vision Institute and Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, is a board certified cornea and vision correction surgery subspecialist. He specializes in laser vision correction, cataract and cornea surgery. A pioneer in laser eye surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, Dr. Jay Pepose was the first to introduce LASIK vision correction to the St. Louis region. As one of the original 10 eye surgeons nationwide to participate in clinical trials of the excimer laser to correct mild to severe degrees of myopia and astigmatism, Dr. Pepose is regarded as a leading authority on laser vision correction diagnostics and outcomes. He was one of an elite group of eye surgeons that conducted a nationwide clinical trial that made LASIK available for the correction of farsightedness and astigmatism. Dr. Pepose is involved in many clinical trials related to the newest generation of multifocal lens implants for cataract patients, as well as clinical studies of more precise measurement devices for glaucoma and new treatments for presbyopia (age-related weakening of near vision).
Dr. Pepose serves as ophthalmic consultant for ABC TV's 20/20 program and web site. His work in laser vision correction has been featured at the Frontiers of Medicine pavilion at Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida. As an invited speaker, he has lectured extensively throughout the world, including Korea, Japan, England, Israel and Australia.
Prior to founding the Pepose Vision Institute, Dr. Pepose held the Bernard Becker Professorship in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Pepose is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the prestigious Cogan award from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. He is recognized in "Best Doctors in America" and "America's Top Docs" as a noted subspecialist in cataract, corneal and vision correction surgery, the only such specialist in the St. Louis region to be so honored. Dr. Pepose has contributed extensively to the scientific literature, holds two patents, and has been the recipient of competitive National Eye Institute research support. He serves on the editorial board of several prestigious ophthalmology journals and is associate editor of The American Journal of Ophthalmology. Most recently, he has been appointed to the Board of Calhoun Vision, a California based innovator in emerging vision technologies.
Dr. Pepose earned his medical degree and Ph.D. from UCLA and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Wilmer Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, the premier ophthalmology program in the country. He completed his subspecialty training in cornea and external diseases at Georgetown University Medical Center.
As a reflection of his commitment to improving vision locally and globally, Dr. Pepose has established an International Fellowship in Eye Banking, and is the Founder of the Midwest Cornea Research Foundation.
Dr. Mujtaba Qazi
Dr. Qazi's Blog
Dr. Qazi's CV
Mujtaba Qazi, MD, Director of Clinical Studies at Pepose Vision Institute, is Instructor of Ophthalmology at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, as well as a cornea and vision correction surgery Instructor at the University of Missouri - St. Louis School of Optometry. He is a board-certified subspecialist in the areas of cornea and vision correction surgery.
Dr. Qazi grew up in New York City where he attended Stuyvesant High School, one of the premier math and science secondary schools in the nation. His early commitment to a medical career led Dr. Qazi to New York University's prestigious BA-MD program. He received his Bachelor of Arts from New York University College of Arts & Science and his Medical Doctorate from New York University School of Medicine. While at New York University, he was named a Presidential Scholar.
Dr. Qazi completed his residency training in ophthalmology at Boston University School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident. He completed his subspecialty training in cornea and vision correction at Pepose Vision Institute, where he gained unique training and insight into various facets of laser, cornea and cataract surgery, as well as the opportunity to perform and assist in thousands of LASIK and other eye procedures. He is certified in the VISX Star S4, Bausch & Lomb Technolas, and Alcon Autonomous excimer lasers. He was the first vision correction specialist in the St. Louis region to be certified for VISX's topography-linked customized LASIK therapy. Dr. Qazi is also one of the few area cornea subspecialists to have received training in the newest corneal transplant technology, DSAEK. As Director of Clinical Studies at PVI, Dr. Qazi is actively involved in many research projects, with special expertise in customized laser vision correction, the surgical correction of presbyopia, and visual outcomes after cataract surgery. He has authored abstracts, peer-reviewed articles, and book chapters, and has been an invited speaker at many local and national meetings.
Dr. Qazi is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons. Recently, Dr. Qazi was recognized in Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, a publication featuring the most accomplished healthcare and medical professionals from around the world.
Dr. James Rieger
James Rieger, OD is a board certified Optometrist in both Missouri and Illinois with subspecialty certifications in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular conditions, including glaucoma. Dr. Rieger earned his O.D. from the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry. Following graduation, Dr. Rieger trained with eye surgeons, participating in the pre- and post-operative care of patients undergoing such surgical procedures as Laser Vision Correction, cataract extraction and eyelid surgery.
As an eye care professional, Dr. Rieger has extensive background in Optometry, including prior ownership of an optical franchise for over a decade. Before coming to Pepose Vision Institute, Dr. Rieger focused on primary eye care, specialty contact lenses and the treatment of ocular diseases.
With his broad experience and professional commitment, Dr. Rieger shares the Pepose Vision Institute team 's dedication to providing the highest quality care within a patient-centered environment.
