In a significant expansion of its educational programs, the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences introduced a cornea fellowship for the 2023-2024 academic year. This one-year fellowship joins existing programs at UAB and in Birmingham in glaucoma, low vision, neuro-ophthalmology, retina and oculoplastic surgery, enriching the department’s offerings to aspiring ophthalmologists.
The cornea fellowship, spearheaded by specialists Tyler Hall, M.D., and Priscilla Fowler, M.D., offers a unique blend of clinical experience and educational support. The curriculum prioritizes the development of expertise in diagnosing and treating corneal and external diseases, with a particular focus on refractive corneal and cataract surgery.
Supported by the Matthew W. Mosteller Endowed Fellowship in Cornea and External Disease, this program honors the legacy of Dr. Mosteller, a seasoned ophthalmologist and key figure in cornea and refractive surgery who played an instrumental part in growing the Alabama Eye Bank.
Jad Ayash, M.D., the inaugural cornea fellow, was drawn to the institution’s reputation for managing complex corneal cases and UAB Callahan Eye’s impressive infrastructure, including 16 operating rooms and a Level 1 ocular trauma emergency department. He quickly got a taste of the varied case load, stating, “We’re taking care of many patients, not only from Alabama, but also Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi.”
The fellowship’s curriculum is uniquely tailored to expose fellows to complex cornea cases. “My mentors used my previous experience and areas of strengths and weaknesses to fine-tune the curriculum,” said Ayash.
Reflecting on his favorite moments, Ayash recounted the fulfillment of performing his first urgent corneal transplant case independently. Looking ahead, Ayash is eager to continue building his knowledge and surgical skills to provide world-class care.
For Ayash, the fellowship at UAB Callahan Eye is more than meeting expectations. He stated, “The experience I have gained and will gain going forward will surely help me excel wherever I end up treating patients.” The addition of the cornea fellowship provides a foundation for growth and underscores the department’s commitment to providing comprehensive training across ophthalmic specialties.
The launch of the cornea fellowship at UAB stands as a testament to the department’s unwavering commitment to advancing ophthalmic education and providing exceptional patient care. With a focus on excellence and innovation, this fellowship is set to become a cornerstone in the training of future cornea specialists, further solidifying UAB’s position at the forefront of ophthalmic education and patient-centered care.