Christopher A. Girkin, M.D., MSPH, EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Chair, and Massimo A. Fazio, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences have received a 4-year, $1,846,550 grant from the National Eye Institute (R01, Multi-PI) to explore the biomechanical behavior of the lamina cribrosa in the living human eye that is critical to the pathogenesis of glaucoma, pappiledema (swelling of the nerve due to increase intracranial pressure) and the visual impairment and intracrainla pressure syndrome experienced by some of our astronauts.

Vision insurance is beneficial to help your family maintain healthy eyes. Coverage varies depending on the insurance company that you are with, but most insurance plans offer benefits on an annual basis. As the end of the year approaches, it is important to evaluate your insurance coverage to make sure that you have taken advantage of all the benefits.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been awarded a $2.94 million National Eye Institute Center Core Grant to support and enhance the 15 eligible R01 grants in the UAB School of Optometry and Department of Ophthalmology.

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The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Ophthalmology will establish the Research to Prevent Blindness/Susan and Dowd Ritter Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology Research with a $3.75 million endowment, one of the largest in UAB history.

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The UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences held an extremely successful 2018 Annual Clinical and Research Symposium at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa on May 18-19. This was the 19th year of the symposium and included resident, faculty, and featured lectures on glaucoma, IOL Calculations, and Toric Lenses. 

A Talk with Barbara Evers, Executive Director

Barbara EversI became a big fan of UAB Callahan Eye about 15 years ago when my son had a scary eye injury. He received excellent care in the Callahan emergency department and then we were frequent visitors at Callahan for many weeks thereafter, receiving exemplary care each time from his ophthalmologist. I even sent a letter to UAB leadership to highlight our excellent experience at Callahan.

Steve Glenn and the StearmanMy name is Steve Glenn, and I am a professional pilot. I am a Boeing 777 captain for an international cargo company. I’m also a volunteer pilot with the Commemorative Air Force, a 65-year-old organization that flies World War II aircraft for the education and enjoyment of people all over the world.

For 23 diners in Birmingham last Thursday, Dinner in the Dark was a real eye-opening experience, especially since the diners were blindfolded. The event gave sighted individuals some understanding of what it means to be visually impaired.

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Murray is rocking her new contact lenses.When it comes to our children’s eyecare, we, as parents, take it very seriously. Birmingham is fortunate to have so many eyecare options, but how in the world do you choose the best fit for your family? Thankfully a local mom, Jennifer Drake, is here with Birmingham Mom Collective (BMC) to tell her story and why she loves UAB Callahan Eye!

To Dustin Jones, the bioptic driving program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham provides one very important benefit: freedom. Jones, a 24-year-old recent UAB graduate who works in information technology, is a typical young professional.

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In January, two bright minds from the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences took their passion for vision research to Capitol Hill. Shervonne Poleon, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow under the mentorship of Lyne Racette, PhD, and Mahmoud KhalafAllah, MD, a PhD student working with Rafael Grytz, PhD, joined Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, an associate professor in the UAB School of Optometry, to advocate for sustained federal funding for vision-related studies. Their efforts as representatives of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), underscored the critical importance of continued support for vision research initiatives.

Clinical Instructor 

Areas of Interest
comprehensive and primary pediatric eye care

Associate Professor

Community Partner
Retina Consultants of Alabama

Dr. Beverly Bishop
Class of 1997

I remember my years as a resident at UAB as a roller coaster of emotions. The first year started with great anticipation and some fear of the unknown. After getting to know the other residents and the amazing staff at UAB, that fear turned to excitement about learning everything I could about ophthalmology and feeling blessed to be able to help restore and preserve patients’ vision. It was a great feeling to be able to help patients in such an impactful way that often was lifechanging. My years at UAB gave me an excellent foundation that has served me well in my career over the past 25 years.

Dr. Brett Gerwin
Class of 2007

After graduating from the UAB ophthalmology residency in 2007, I completed fellowships in vitreoretinal surgery and ocular oncology before starting my solo practice in Tennessee. When I look back on my professional journey, I am thankful for the way the residency program at UAB prepared me for a successful career. The training was not only comprehensive in scope but also very hands on and provided an appropriate amount of autonomy for residents.

Dr. Kathleen Gee
Class of 2008

Joining the UAB Ophthalmology residency program class of 2008 was the start of an incredible adventure filled with camaraderie, mentorship, and the kind of excellence that turns education into a lifelong treasure. Looking back, what stands out the most is not just the medical knowledge gained but the lasting bonds forged and the upbeat atmosphere that made every day special.

Dr. Scott Gauthreaux
Class of 1998

As a proud alumnus of the UAB Ophthalmology residency program, class of 1998, my journey in the field of ophthalmology has been both fulfilling and rich in experiences. Looking back, it’s the camaraderie with my fellow residents and the dedicated instructors who shaped our learning that stand out in my memory.

Dr. Tom Mitchell
Class of 1987

There are so many great memories that come to mind when I think of my time as a resident at the Eye Foundation, now UAB Callahan Eye. I remember my first day, walking into the building as a neophyte and plunging headfirst into the world of ophthalmology. It was daunting. The one thing that I will always remember is that the experience was one of hard work, daily growth and learning, and collegial and positive interactions with fellow residents and faculty.

Dr. William Gannon
Class of 2017

When I think of my time as a resident, one word comes to mind – community. In general, ophthalmology residencies are typically smaller when compared to most other programs. UAB is on the larger side, taking five residents a year. So, you really do need to depend on your co-residents to learn, grow, and care for patients well. I had the best co-residents. We created a team environment among ourselves, and I truly believe that helped us thrive and succeed, not only in residency but in our current careers.

Jill Wells, M.D., Assistant Professor, Sections of Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology at Emory University, graduated from the UAB Department of Ophthalmology Residency Training Program in in 2009. She served as the Chief Resident during her final year of residency training and received the Outstanding Resident Teacher Award.