Posted on October 19, 2004 at 4:49 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Department of Physiological Optics within the UAB School of Optometry is now named the Department of Vision Sciences.

The new name, which was recently approved by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees, represents current terminology that more appropriately reflects the activities within the department.

The department has 21 faculty members and more than $6 million in grant funding. The department is actively involved in research activities, in the teaching of graduate, post-graduate and professional students and in service. The department’s educational activities lead to the master of science and the doctorate of philosophy in Vision Sciences. It is chaired by Professor Paul D. R. Gamlin, Ph.D., whose appointment as the department’s new chair became effective June 1, 2004.