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.

"Throughout my education, I always enjoyed being a peer tutor and teaching assistant," she said. "Becoming an assistant professor at UABSO allows me to continue that passion. I am forever grateful for the educators who taught me, and I delight in paying it forward to the next generation of optometrists. After four years in private practice, I bring a unique perspective to the student's education and can provide them with insight into life after optometry school."

She aims to help each student find their passion within the field of optometry as well.

Sventek received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX, where she was named the Sister Dorothy Ettling Future Female Leader and presented with the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) Excellence in Vision Therapy award. During optometry school, she helped raise guide dogs for the blind.

She enjoys exploring Birmingham with her husband in her free time and cooking Italian family recipes.