The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is thrilled to welcome two exceptional fellows to our program.

Jad Ayash, MD, from Boston Children's Hospital, will be joining our newly established Cornea Fellowship Program. This one-year clinical position offers comprehensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal and external diseases, as well as refractive corneal and cataract surgery. Ayash will closely collaborate with Tyler Hall, MD, and Priscilla Fowler, MD, and he will gain valuable experience in the cornea service at UAB Callahan Eye. Throughout the fellowship, Ayash will have the opportunity to support and teach residents, both in the operating room and during outpatient cornea clinics at Cooper Green Hospital, Lions Clinic, and UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, Ayash will gradually assume greater responsibility in performing various corneal and cataract surgeries, including keratoplasty, cross-linking, pterygium surgery, ocular surface reconstruction, and standard and refractive cataract surgery. This comprehensive training will equip him to excel in academic or private practice settings upon completion of the fellowship. This fellowship is supported by the Matthew W. Mosteller Endowed Fellowship in Cornea and External Disease, which was founded by Advancing Sight Network (formerly Alabama Eye Bank) and other donors to provide training and support for outstanding fellows in ophthalmology. 

Will Gambla, MD, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, will serve as our Glaucoma Fellow. This one-year clinical position focuses on developing expertise in all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Working closely with six esteemed faculty members on the glaucoma service at UAB Callahan Eye, Gambla will gain comprehensive exposure to this specialized field. The fellowship emphasizes hands-on training in glaucoma surgery, including filters, shunts, and cataract procedures, and Gambla will play a vital role in supporting and instructing residents during glaucoma clinics at Cooper Green Hospital, Lions Clinic, and UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, as well as in the operating room. Over the course of the fellowship, Gambla will perform a substantial number of surgical procedures as the primary surgeon, including exposure to pediatric glaucoma procedures like goniotomy and 360° trabeculotomy. This comprehensive training will provide Gambla with the necessary skills to become a proficient glaucoma specialist.

The UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences takes immense pride in its fellowship programs, offering a supportive environment for fellows to develop their expertise under the mentorship of experienced faculty members. These fellowships not only focus on refining clinical skills but also emphasize teaching and supervisory responsibilities to help shape the next generation of ophthalmologists.

UAB's commitment to providing exceptional training opportunities is exemplified by the extensive exposure fellows receive in various clinical settings. The opportunity to work at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, with its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge resources, further enhances the fellows' learning experience. The hospital's collaboration with Cooper Green Hospital and Lions Clinic allows fellows to gain exposure to a diverse patient population and develop a well-rounded understanding of ophthalmic care.