Professor

Community Partner
TriaVision

On Monday, April 8, 2024, Birmingham is set to witness a breathtaking celestial event - a partial solar eclipse. This rare occurrence, where the moon partially covers the face of the sun, will gift observers with a stunning spectacle. However, it's crucial to understand the importance of eye safety during such events. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy the eclipse safely.

Brian Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., the Dennis Endowed Professor and Glaucoma Divsion Director, and colleage Felipe Mederos, M.D., Ph.D., are featured in Glaucoma Today for a co-written article titled "Making the Most of SD-OCT for Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy." 

The Heersink School of Medicine recently celebrated eight distinguished faculty members during the Fall 2024 Endowed Chairs and Professorships Reception. Among the honorees were two faculty from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences: Brian Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair of Ophthalmology, and Paul D. Gamlin, Ph.D., White-McKee Endowed Professorship of Ophthalmology. Both are highly respected leaders in their fields, known for pioneering research that bridges clinical practice with scientific discovery in vision science.

Written by Jane Longshore

Brian Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, effective Oct. 1. In this role, Samuels will work to recruit and retain talented faculty in clinical service, teaching, and research, as well as advance high impact discoveries and grow extramural research funding.

Brian C. Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology, has been named Director of the Glaucoma Division and Chief of Staff of the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital.

Brian Samuels, MD, PhD, will serve as interim chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, effective Jan. 1, 2022.

Samuels is a clinician-scientist who currently serves as the Dennis Endowed Professor in Glaucoma Research and director of the Glaucoma Division and the Glaucoma Fellowship.

Samuels completed his medical and PhD degrees through the combined degree program at Indiana University in 2004. He received his PhD in medical neurobiology and completed his ophthalmology residency training at UAB, followed by both a clinical and research fellowship in glaucoma at Duke University. After fellowship, Samuels joined the faculty at Indiana University and remained there for three years.

Since rejoining the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in 2013, Samuels has continued to develop a reputation internationally as an outstanding glaucoma specialist and scientist, and his clinical and research interests overlap significantly. Samuels’ research laboratory focuses on identifying how the brain controls pressure inside the eye and brain. Further, he has established himself as one of the leading experts in understanding how differences in eye and brain pressure can lead to glaucoma and other ophthalmic diseases.

He is currently the primary investigator on three NIH grants, including the P30 core grant from NIH/NEI that has continuously funded UAB’s vision research community since 1979. In 2018, he received the Research to Prevent Blindness Clinician-Scientist Award, one of two given nationally that year. In addition to his independent research, Samuels also collaborates with world leaders in the vision science community both at UAB and outside institutions such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, Duke, Vanderbilt, Harvard, and NASA. He continues to develop and grow a multifaceted translational research program.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and to work closely with the leadership of the Callahan Eye Hospital as we continue to focus on our mission of providing exceptional vision care to our patients throughout the southeast region, developing innovative research aimed at preventing and curing blindness, and teaching the next generation of eye care specialists,” says Samuels. “Additionally, I look forward to growing the department and building on the culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect that we have established.”

After ten years serving as chair, Christopher Girkin, MD, the Eyesight Foundation of Alabama chair, will be stepping down on Jan. 1 to focus on his ongoing research and clinical interests.

Associate Professor Brian C. Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Glaucoma Division and chief of staff of the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, has been chosen to be the inaugural holder of the Dennis Endowed Professorship in Glaucoma Research by the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama in April 2018.  

Professor; EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair; Glaucoma Fellowship Director

Areas of Interest
medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma including laser therapy; comprehensive ophthalmology including cataract surgery; research and development of glaucoma devices; role of the central nervous system in the development and progression of glaucoma

Seth Fortmann, a MD/PhD student in the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at UAB, has been named the recipient of a F30 NIH Fellowship Award from the National Eye Institute. This grant, which underwent study section review and was scored favorably by expert scientists, totals $208,840 and will fund Fortmann’s training through May 2025. Fortmann is currently conducting research alongside Maria B. Grant, MD, in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, where he is studying the molecular mechanisms that underlie prevalent retinal diseases, specifically age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

On April 30, 2024, Sight Savers America proudly unveiled this year’s Hero For Sight Artwork and honored the 2024 Hall W. Thompson Hero For Sight Award recipient at a luncheon held at The Club in Birmingham.

On July 13, 2023, Sight Savers America proudly revealed this year’s Hero For Sight Tribute Wall, along with the 2023 Hero For Sight Artwork and 2023 Hall W. Thompson Hero For Sight Award recipient plaque, at the renowned UAB Callahan Eye Hospital in Birmingham.

The UAB Callahan Eye Hospital has generously provided space for the Sight Savers America Hero For Sight Tribute Wall since 2014. Each year, during a special award ceremony, a new honoree and artist are chosen to be featured on the wall. Located on the hospital's first floor, the Tribute Wall serves as a meaningful recognition of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to promoting eye health and vision care.

Sight Savers America has been dedicated to supporting children's vision care through various programs since 1997. These initiatives provide comprehensive eye care services, facilitate access to eye clinics and low vision clinics, and deliver vision aids directly to families in need. All these services are offered free of charge to qualifying families, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder children from receiving essential eye care.

As a partner in Sight Savers America's mission, UAB Callahan Eye takes immense pride in contributing to the cause of enhancing vision health access for children. Together, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals by improving their eye health and promoting a brighter future through better vision care.

In the 2022 fiscal year, UAB Callahan Eye added six new providers to our team of exceptional clinical faculty. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will only enhance and expand our eye care offerings. These six new providers add to our robust list of clinic locations, allowing us to serve a greater number of patients in our Alabama communities. We greatly look forward to see the incredible work we're sure our new clinicians will provide.

Harold Skalka, M.D, Professor and former Chair of UAB Ophthalmology, has retired from the department. Dr. Skalka served as Chair from 1981 to 1997. 

Clinical Instructor

Community Partner
TriaVision

Songs for Sight Low Vision Support Group had record attendance for their 2023 Children's Harbor camp weekend.On the last weekend in April, the annual Songs for Sight Youth Low Vision Support Group meeting was held at Children's Harbor on Lake Martin. Hosted by the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation, this camp weekend is a remarkable event that aims to provide a nurturing environment for children who are low vision or blind and their families. With a focus on sharing experiences, building friendships, and facilitating learning, this event has become a significant gathering for the visually impaired community in Alabama and beyond. The annual event not only offer an opportunity for children to connect with others facing similar challenges but also provide a haven for families to bond and enjoy various recreational activities.

Being unable to see well in school is not only a scary thought for us and our kids, but it also has serious academic consequences. According to a recent study published by JAMA Ophthalmology entitled, “Effect of a Randomized Interventional School-Based Vision Program on Academic Performance of Students in Grades Three to Seven,” students who received eye exams and were prescribed corrective lenses scored higher on standardized tests in reading and math.

Assistant Professor; Associate Residency Program Director

Areas of Interest
pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus

Protecting your eyes during outdoor activities is crucial to prevent potential injuries. Carrie Smith, OD, a clinical instructor in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, emphasizes the significance of proper eye protection when using power tools or yard equipment. Dr. Smith gave us her expert advice on safeguarding your eyes and what to do in case of an eye injury.

While older adults are at higher risk for eye diseases, getting older does not have to mean losing your vision. UAB Callahan Eye is committed to the personal care and preservation of eye health for our patients as they go through the physical changes that come with aging. Healthy vision is key to maintaining your independence as you age, allowing for important daily tasks such as driving and reading.