June 13, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The ophthalmic pathology laboratory at the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) has been awarded an accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

The laboratory’s director, Dr. Russell W. Read, assistant professor in the department of ophthalmology, was congratulated for the “excellence of the services being provided.” The Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital ophthalmic pathology laboratory is one of the more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960’s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program.

Inspectors examined records pertaining to the quality control of the laboratory for the preceding two years. They also examined the education and qualifications of the total staff, adequacy of the facilities, equipment, laboratory safety and management, to determine how well the laboratory is serving the patient.

The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving nearly 16,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The CAP is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.