The UAB School of Optometry held its 43rd Convocation and Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on Friday, May 20, 2016. The School conferred 46 Doctor of Optometry degrees and recognized residents completing the optometry residency program, as well as students who completed the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Vision Science degree programs.

Dean Kelly Nichols recognized the recipients of the 2016 Dean’s Distinguished Service Awards, Dr. Leo Semes and Mr. Brian Rosenow. Dr. Leo Semes is regarded as one of the leading experts in the fields of posterior segment disease and glaucoma, and recently retired from UABSO after 37 years of service. Mr. Brian Rosenow began his career in 1986 as a programmer with the Vision Science Research Center and currently serves as UABSO's Director of Administration. Former UABSO dean, Dr. Rodney Nowakowski, and faculty members, Drs. Joe Benjamin, Robert Rutstein, and Wendy Marsh-Tootle, were also recognized for having recently received Emeritus status. The ceremony's featured speaker was Dr. Richard Weisbarth (CL Residency '81), Vice President of Professional Affairs for Alcon Laboratories. UABSO Alumni Association President Dr. George Eischens ('01) welcomed the Class of 2016 to the family of UABSO alumni.

Congratulations to the UABSO Class of 2016! Take a look at photos and video from this year's Convocation below.