by Satina Richardson

Constructed in 1974, the Henry Peters Building has undergone several renovations. This series of updates that began in 2015 included classroom, pre-clinic, locker room and lounge spaces being added or expanded. A new simulation lab was added on the fourth floor. Existing common areas throughout the build­ing were updated or made larger as well.

In 2021, the construction of a new optical space signaled the start of ren­ovations on the ground floor where UAB Eye Care, the clinical arm of the UAB School of Optometry, is located.

Optical moved from its longtime location in the clinic’s front corner to the center of the main lobby. The structure is all glass and brightly lit, with the frames selection on full dis­play. There are new patient encoun­ter pods in the front of optical that provide a private space for student interns to take patient histories, dis­pense glasses, or discuss insurance benefits.

A seating area is in the entrance as well as an optician station and in the back are two offices where ad­ministrative and technical work takes place. Optical’s lab location remains unchanged.

“These additions will enable the clinic to function more efficiently and enhance our ability to meet the needs of our patients,” said Melendi Morton, clinic operations manager. “The space is bright, modern and sets a positive tone for everyone being served by our team of opticians and students.”

The clinic lobby is now better utilized too. For decades, the patient waiting area was a vast open space lined with chairs.

“The previous waiting area space was not being fully utilized,” Morton said. “Even at full patient capacity, there was a lot of unused space. Mov­ing optical to this space gave us the opportunity to redesign the space to provide more room for other growing departments in the clinic.”

Seven new exam lanes, specialty clinics and the University Optometric Group—the school’s faculty practice— now occupy the space that optical vacated. More patient seating and two new conference rooms complete the space.

Randle Tibbs, optician supervisor, said that the renovations do more than enhance the patient experience. Thanks to the renovations, students have enhanced learning opportunities.

“The space has a private-practice feel that prepares them for their road ahead as professional optometrists,” Tibbs said. “Optical is a critical part of the patient care experience, particularly in the current changing landscape.”