News
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UAB optometry and United Ability: A partnership for inclusive eye care
Through its Community Eye Care Service (CEC), the UAB School of Optometry has teamed up with United Ability, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, to provide comprehensive eye care services.
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Unveiling the mysteries of Alzheimer's
At the UAB School of Optometry, a trio of vision scientists is making waves in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. Their groundbreaking work is not only pushing the boundaries of science but also offering hope to millions affected by this relentless condition.
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First UAB optometry students become lifetime Albert Schweitzer Fellows
The UAB School of Optometry’s first Albert Schweitzer fellows completed their term and became lifetime fellows in 2024. The group of four students, all in the class of 2025, was divided into pairs to design and implement programs that impacted underserved populations in Alabama.
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Patient finds clarity and comfort at UAB Eye Care
Marla Townsend, a beloved former UAB softball coach and 2024 inductee into the UAB Athletics Hall of Fame, has found renewed hope and clarity through the compassionate care she received at UAB Eye Care, the clinical arm of the UAB School of Optometry.
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Optometry professor secures R01 grant to combat myopia epidemic
Timothy Gawne, PhD, FAAO, UAB School of Optometry professor, has been awarded an R01 grant to investigate the growing epidemic of myopia (nearsightedness), a condition affecting over 40 percent of the U.S. adult population and approximately one billion people worldwide. This significant public health issue is linked to abnormal elongation of the eyeball, which raises the risk of developing blinding conditions.
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The Gift of Sight: A Visionary Event
Gift of Sight has become a beacon of hope and generosity in the community. Held at the Western Health Center, this annual event is now in its 11th year, continuing its mission to provide essential eye care services to those in need.
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Keep the holidays happy and safe with these toy safety tips
’Tis the season for holiday shopping and finding that special gift for friends and family. For those buying for children, picking out the perfect toy could prevent an unwanted trip to the hospital.
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Day named Alumnus of the Year by Alumni Association
The UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association has named Howard Day, OD, the 2024 Alumnus of the Year. This award recognizes his contributions to the field of optometry and his dedication to advancing the profession in Alabama.
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Huntsville optometrist honored as Young Alumnus of the Year
Patricia Fulmer, OD, FAAO, a distinguished optometrist at Legacy Vision Center and a 2012 graduate, has been awarded Young Alumnus of the Year by the UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association. Residing in Huntsville, AL, Fulmer has made significant contributions to the field of optometry, both locally and nationally.
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HOYA Supports UAB Optometry’s Community Eye Care with Gift
Community Eye Care (CEC), the community service arm of the UAB School of Optometry, recently received a gift from HOYA Vision Care supporting CEC’s mission to provide comprehensive eye care to Alabama’s underserved communities.
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Renowned optometrist honored as Springer lecturer
Susan Cotter, OD, MA, FAAO, professor at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B Ketchum University, a distinguished pediatric optometrist, was honored as the 2024 UAB School of Optometry’s Springer lecturer. A clinician-scientist, her presentation highlighted the advancements in amblyopia treatment, a vision disorder Cotter is passionate about.
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New clinical trial explores an innovative method to slow nearsightedness in children
Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, FAAO, was awarded a two-year R21 grant from the National Eye Institute to evaluate the efficacy of a novel, wavelength-based method in slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.
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Turner named ALOA Educator of the Year
Candice Turner, OD, associate professor, has been named the Alabama Optometric Association Educator of the Year.
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Sventek joins Optometry faculty
Janelle Sventek, OD, has joined the UAB School of Optometry as an assistant professor after four years as a pediatric optometrist in private practice. Her interest in becoming an eye doctor started when she received her first pair of glasses at age eight.
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Hopkins receives Excellence in Teaching honor
by Matt Windsor and Satina Richardson
Kristine Hopkins, OD, MSPH, has been selected to receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which honors those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in teaching. She has been selected for this honor three times.
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Inspiring legacy: UAB football legend defies vision challenges to triumph on the field
In 2017, Jermaine “Skull” Brown Jr. was on vacation with his family in Cancun when he realized his left eye’s vision was deteriorating. Although his family took him to eye clinics, his blurry vision worsened and soon affected his football career.
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Tale of two brothers: A journey navigating through genetic eye disease
After a long day at work, Jamie Smith expected to have a normal night at home with her two sons. But when she noticed her youngest son’s eyes shaking, she knew something was wrong.
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Focus Mode: UAB optometrist prescribes strategies for digital eye wellness
Screens are not avoidable, but eye strain is. As people spend more time in front of digital screens than ever, device usage and eye comfort have become competing priorities. Incessant screen usage causes digital eye strain, or DES, an eye condition also known as computer vision syndrome.
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Scholarship encourages optometrist commitments to rural Alabama
There is an ongoing need for access to healthcare in rural Alabama. To help, the Alabama Board of Optometric Scholarship and Loan Awards (BOSLA) has established a scholarship for first to fourth year optometry students who want to practice in rural Alabama.
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Khanal recognized nationally as outstanding young scientist
by Satina Richardson
Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, FAAO, UAB School of Optometry assistant professor, was awarded the Irvin M. and Beatrice Borish Award from the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). This award recognizes an outstanding young scientist or clinician scientist who shows exceptional promise in conducting independent optometric research directly related to etiology, prevention, detection, diagnosis or management of clinical eye disorders.
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