Graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation program has opened up so many doors for me. Since graduating, I have had several opportunities to advance myself as a clinician and educator in the field of low vision rehabilitation.

I have earned a specialty certification in low vision from the American Occupational Therapy Association in 2009. I was able to use many of my UAB courses to satisfy requirements for specialty certification and I’m proud to say the majority of SCLV earners are also UAB graduates.

I have earned a clinical doctorate and research doctorate that have focused on low vision. I was extremely fortunate to have Mary Warren, the director of UAB’s Low Vision program, serve on both dissertation committees.

The support of the faculty in the low vision program has been amazing! Dr. Beth Barstow served as a mentor to me during the application process for specialty certification and Dr. Warren served as an adviser throughout my doctoral work.

I have had the opportunity to publish a book chapter and articles on low vision as well as present at national conferences.

In 2014, I was inducted onto the Roster of Fellows for the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA) for my contributions to the field of low vision. I know that all of this was made possible because of my education in Low Vision Rehabilitation from UAB.

Most recently, I have started a low vision clinic at the University of Scranton that is free to individuals with visual impairment. I love being able to provide needed services to individuals with visual impairment that might not have had access to services.

My education in low vision rehabilitation from UAB has allowed me to excel as a clinician and educator.