Sarah Lee, O.D., MSPH, assistant professor, and Christopher Lee, O.D., clinical instructor, might be relocating out of state, but the framework they built within Callahan Eye Hospital and the University of Alabama Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences will leave a lasting impact on department optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Sarah Lee joined the faculty in August 2016 alongside Marcela Frazier, O.D, associate professor. Together, they were the first pediatric optometrists to join the department.

“Adding pediatric optometrists to an already established practice of pediatric ophthalmologists created a natural synergy,” Sarah Lee says. “We worked together to do whatever we needed to do as a team to ensure kids got the help they needed, when they needed it.”

Christopher Lee joined the department in July 2018 after completing his low vision fellowship at Callahan Eye Hospital. His fellowship gave him experience outside the usual ebb and flow of an optometrist – focusing on everyday function and quality of life.

“Imagine you are an ongoing surgical patient with Callahan Eye Hospital,” Christopher Lee says. “You see a renowned surgeon who has given you wonderful care, but you have to start facing facts that your vision isn’t what it used to be – and it might actually get worse over time. It’s not the news anyone wants, but it’s a reality for lots of patients. With my low vision background, I am able to take a deeper dive into practical changes to everyday routines. How do you make your coffee in the morning after losing some of your vision to stroke? It might seem daunting, but we help patients like this each day.”

“While we will deeply miss them both, I am truly thankful for the advances they have made in integrating optometric and ophthalmic care at the Callahan Eye Hospital,” says Christopher Girkin, M.D., Chairman of UAB Ophthalmology. “They are a testament to what can be accomplished when both professions work side-by-side, focused on the delivery and the best possible outcomes for our patients. The Lees each brought their own brand of knowledge and training to our dynamic team of providers. They will be missed as they venture out to their next chapter, but their knowledge and understanding of patients has left a lasting impact for years to come.”