by Nathan Anderson

In its tenth year, the UAB School of Optometry’s biggest giving event, Gift of Sight, has provided free comprehensive eye exams and glasses to more than 2,000 patients to date. Community Eye Care (CEC), the school’s community outreach arm, coordinated the annual event, while celebrating its 50th anniversary of providing vision screenings and comprehensive eyecare to underserved communities. 

“Gift of Sight offers us the chance to provide quality eye care to those who otherwise would not receive it during the holiday season,” said CEC Director Janene Sims, OD, PhD, FAAO. “This event further demonstrates UAB’s commitment to community development and providing the highest quality of patient care to as many patients as possible.” 

Two hundred and fourteen patients were seen during the 2023 Gift of Sight, which was held from November 27th to December 1st at the Western Health Center in Midfield, AL. The five-day event saw patients with a variety of ocular conditions including keratoconus, eyelid abnormalities, hypertensive retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, strabismus, amblyopia and moderate refractive errors. 

Since the program began in 2014, CEC has provided its services and glasses at no charge to patients with the support of donations from partners, sponsors, donors and volunteers during the holiday season.  

“Eyecare partners, local businesses and even alumni give back to CEC because they see our impact in people’s lives,” Sims said. “Because of their support, CEC will remain impactful for years to come. Every form of support, large or small, makes a difference.”   

CEC, which consists of UAB optometry faculty, staff and students, provides comprehensive eye exams and screenings to underinsured and low-income residents in the Birmingham metro area throughout the year. It also provides care to residents in the Black Belt and other underserved communities across the state.