The UAB School of Optometry held its annual White Coat Ceremony for second-year optometry students on Friday, August 19, 2016 at the UAB National Alumni Society House. The 48 members of the Class of 2019 were presented with the white coats as a symbol of their passage from the classroom into clinical training.

UABSO alumnus Dr. Alan Dunn (’83), an optometrist in Troy, Alabama addressed the class. Dunn is currently serving as President-Elect for the Alabama Optometric Association (ALOA). The white coats and UABSO lapel pins were presented by Dr. Joseph Fleming, associate dean for student success and professional relations, Dr. Elisabeth Steele, associate dean for clinical affairs, Dr. Gerald Simon, director of student affairs, and Dr. Kelly Nichols, dean of the UAB School of Optometry. The white coats were generously provided for the Class of 2019 by the ALOA.

After receiving their white coats, the students recited the “Interns Pledge” – a pledge that stands as an oath of commitment to both the profession and science of optometry and the many patients that will receive treatment under their care.

Congratulations to the Class of 2019 - the UABSO family wishes you the very best in the next phase of your optometry training and education!