BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has established an endowed distinguished lectureship in its Department of Ophthalmology in honor of the late Birmingham physician Charles J. Burnham, M.D., an action approved by University of Alabama System Board of Trustees at its Sept. 18 meeting.

The Charles J. Burnham, M.D., Endowed Distinguished Lectureship in Ophthalmology will promote education and collaboration between UAB faculty, students and experts in the field of ophthalmology. It is designed to promote the health of patients and the community by educating the academic community about new discoveries in ophthalmology and addressing challenges and innovations in ophthalmology through collaboration between health professionals.

Burnham was a renowned ophthalmologist who served the Birmingham community for many years as a highly respected surgeon at Carraway Methodist Medical Center.  Always at the forefront of new advances, Burnham was among the first ophthalmologists in Alabama to use the surgical microscope for cataract surgery and to implant intraocular lens in patients. He was active in teaching ophthalmology residents during the early years of the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital.

The lectureship is funded by a generous gift from the Carraway Charitable Foundation and private donations.

About UAB

Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center and the state of Alabama's largest employer. The mission of its Department of Ophthalmology is to serve the eye health needs of the people of Alabama and beyond through excellence in patient care, research and education. For more information, please visit www.uab.edu.