December 22, 2009
Rod Nowakowski. Download image.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Rod Nowakowski, O.D., Ph.D., has been named interim dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Optometry effective Jan. 1, 2010.
Nowakowski, who joined the UAB Department of Optometry faculty in 1975, served as chief of staff for UAB Eye Care and its affiliated clinics from 2000 to 2009. The multidisciplinary program with optometrists, ophthalmologists, occupational therapy, optometry interns and optometry residents provides eye and vision care for around 20,000 patients a year.
A fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, he has taught in the areas of clinical care, low vision rehabilitation, clinical laboratory testing, retinal disease, ophthalmic genetics, compliance, HIPAA, aviation vision and physical diagnosis, and has an extensive background in instructional technology, course design, classroom and distance learning using blended and completely online formats.
Nowakowski's appointment comes after the announcement of John Amos, O.D., that he is stepping down as dean of the school and returning to the faculty effective Dec. 31, with plans to retire several months later.
"Dr. Nowakowski brings a particularly impressive combination of clinical and academic expertise to this position," said UAB Provost Eli Capilouto. "With his high level of energy and focus on emerging technologies, he will be a strong leader for the school during this period of transition."
Nowakowski, who received his Bachelor of Science and the Master of Arts degrees, both
in mathematics, from the University of Miami, received his Doctor of Optometry degree from UAB in 1975 and a Ph.D. in medical genetics from UAB in 1989. He has published numerous scientific articles in the areas of optometry and medical genetics and is the author and illustrator of the textbook Primary Low Vision Care (Appleton & Lange, 1994).
He is on the steering committee and education subcommittee for the eyeGENE project from the National Eye Institute and is a member of the American Optometric Association, Alabama
Optometric Association and American Society of Human Genetics. Named the Department of Optometry recipient of the 1999 Presidential Teaching Award given by the president UAB, Nowakowski also was honored as the 2000 Alumnus of the Year by the UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association.
"I am honored to have the chance serve my school in this capacity," Nowakowski said. "Thanks to the team of faculty and staff we have in place, and the high caliber of our students, we have tremendous opportunity ahead of us."
About the UAB School of Optometry
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry is recognized nationally for its significant contributions to eye and vision care knowledge and vision science. Founded in 1969, the school is the only institution in Alabama to offer the four-year doctor of optometry degree.