Laura Dreer, Ph.D.
Photo Credit: Lexi CoonLaura Dreer, Ph.D., associate professor and director of Psychological and Neuropsychology Clinical Research Services in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, was recently invited to serve as an expert advisory board member for the Prevent Blindness A.S.P.E.C.T. Patient Engagement Program.
A.S.P.E.C.T — Advocacy, Support, Perspective, Empowerment, Communication and Training — aims to empower patients and vision allies via a coordinated program that provides participants with comprehensive skill development to become leaders for vision in their communities. The A.S.P.E.C.T. program’s goal is to empower individuals to be engaged in their eye health in every way.
The program consists of patients, allies and experts who are engaged in all aspects of health to achieve better outcomes and contribute to advancements in the health of their communities. A.S.P.E.C.T. will create a resource of patients and allies, participating in leadership roles to make a difference by improving the experience of care and promoting a strong quality of life.
Dreer was invited to partner with Prevent Blindness on this unique program because of her expertise in providing evidence-based behavioral health interventions, along with her clinical research track record and reputation in rehabilitation and adjustment to disability. She will provide consultations for the program curriculum development, health outcomes selection, feedback on the program implementation and policy advocacy.
“This is a very exciting partnership between Prevent Blindness and the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences,” Dreer said. “I’m honored to serve on this important committee dedicated to empowering individuals and their families in their eye health. Prevent Blindness is one of the national leaders dedicated to improving eye health, especially through advocacy initiatives that have such a widespread impact on eye care. The outcome of this initiative will be a more comprehensive approach to improving quality of life for these individuals and their families.”