Paul Batson, OD, class of 1998, has been named the 2020 Alumnus of the Year by the UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association. In addition to being an alumnus, he has been a part-time faculty member in ocular disease for nearly two decades.
“I am certainly humbled to have been recognized with this award,” Batson said. “I am thankful for the education and opportunity that the School of Optometry has given me as well as the opportunity to serve as a part-time faculty member and contribute to the education of our future peers.”
Batson serves as center director for VisionAmerica’s Birmingham office where he specializes in the diagnosis and management of complex eye diseases, as well as the pre- and post-operative management of a variety of surgical procedures. He also serves as regional executive director for The SEES Group where Batson oversees operations of our clinics in Alabama as well as Miami and the US Virgin Islands.
His contributions to students at the UAB School of Optometry have been immeasurable. Batson has been a faculty member for 17 years.
“Paul’s contribution to the school and our students is of the highest quality,” said Beth Steele, OD, FAAO, associate dean for clinical affairs. “For years, he has taught in the ocular disease clinic, has contributed to several didactic courses and he gives a lecture to residents in residency conference. He is brilliant in the care of patients and generous with his time. Paul is a good person and a good friend.”
He is a member of the American Optometric Association, Alabama Optometric Association and the Birmingham Area Optometric Society. Batson has served as Chairman of the Continuing Education Committee for the Alabama Optometric Association and is a past president of the Association.
In 2003, he was recognized by his peers as the Alabama Young Optometrist of the Year. Batson was also recognized by his peers in 2015 and awarded the Alabama Optometrist of the Year Award for his outstanding services on behalf of the profession and the visual welfare of the public.