Celebrating Excellence: Curcio and Owsley Awarded the Proctor Medal for 2025
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is thrilled to announce that Christine A. Curcio, Ph.D., and Cynthia Owsley, Ph.D., have been jointly awarded the prestigious Proctor Medal for 2025 by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). This esteemed recognition was announced at the annual meeting held this week in Seattle, Washington.
Read morePaul Gamlin, Ph.D., and Rafael Grytz, Ph.D., Named to Endowed Professorships
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences proudly announces the appointment of Paul Gamlin, Ph.D., and Rafael Grytz, Ph.D., to endowed professorships in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.
Read moreNew Chief Residents for 2024-2025
The UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at UAB Callahan Eye is pleased to announce the selection of the new chief residents for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. Scott McClure, MD, and Malcolm Kates, MD, have been chosen by their peers to lead the residency program in its fourth and final year.
Read moreSafely Viewing the April 8 Partial Solar Eclipse in Birmingham
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Birmingham is set to witness a breathtaking celestial event - a partial solar eclipse. This rare occurrence, where the moon partially covers the face of the sun, will gift observers with a stunning spectacle. However, it's crucial to understand the importance of eye safety during such events. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy the eclipse safely.
Read moreUAB Callahan Eye Hospital Receives 2023 Alabama Performance Excellence Award
UAB Callahan Eye Hospital has been recognized with the prestigious 2023 Alabama Performance Excellence Award by the ALPEx Program judges. This esteemed accolade celebrates our unwavering commitment to quality and performance excellence, positioning us among the top organizations in the state.
Read moreEnhancing Ophthalmology Residency Training: A Conversation with Dr. Russell Read
In a dynamic field like ophthalmology, where advancements are constant, residency programs must evolve to meet the demands of modern medical practice. Russell Read, MD, PhD, has witnessed significant transformations during his 16-year tenure as Residency Program Director for the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, reflecting on the journey and discussing the program's evolution.
Read moreAdvocating for Vision: UAB Trainees Make Impact on Capitol Hill
In January, two bright minds from the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences took their passion for vision research to Capitol Hill. Shervonne Poleon, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow under the mentorship of Lyne Racette, PhD, and Mahmoud KhalafAllah, MD, a PhD student working with Rafael Grytz, PhD, joined Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, an associate professor in the UAB School of Optometry, to advocate for sustained federal funding for vision-related studies. Their efforts as representatives of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), underscored the critical importance of continued support for vision research initiatives.
Read moreGirkin Named American Glaucoma Society-Clinician Scientist Lecturer for 2025
Christopher Girkin, M.D., from the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, has been chosen as the American Glaucoma Society-Clinician Scientist Lecture for their annual meeting in 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates Girkin's outstanding contributions to the field of ophthalmology, highlighting his remarkable dedication to patient care and groundbreaking research.
Read moreAlumni Check-In – Dr. Kathleen Gee
Dr. Kathleen Gee
Class of 2008
Joining the UAB Ophthalmology residency program class of 2008 was the start of an incredible adventure filled with camaraderie, mentorship, and the kind of excellence that turns education into a lifelong treasure. Looking back, what stands out the most is not just the medical knowledge gained but the lasting bonds forged and the upbeat atmosphere that made every day special.
Read moreAlumni Check-In – Dr. Scott Gauthreaux
Dr. Scott Gauthreaux
Class of 1998
As a proud alumnus of the UAB Ophthalmology residency program, class of 1998, my journey in the field of ophthalmology has been both fulfilling and rich in experiences. Looking back, it’s the camaraderie with my fellow residents and the dedicated instructors who shaped our learning that stand out in my memory.
Read moreFazio and Co-investigators Secure $2.9M R01 to Study Ocular Hypertension in Human Eyes
by Hannah Buckelew
Massimo Fazio, Ph.D., an associate professor in both UAB’s Departments of Biomedical Engineering (BME) and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, together with Christopher Girkin, M.D., and Alecia Gross, Ph.D., received a five-year, $2.9 million R01 to support his project, “The mechanotranscriptome of the optic nerve head following acute experimental ocular hypertension in living human eyes.” The grant is funded by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
UAB Ophthalmology Residents and Fellows Shine in 2023
The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of its residents and fellows in the field of ophthalmic research. Year-to-date in 2023, they have collectively published an impressive total of 16 unique articles in 14 different prestigious journals, showcasing the depth and breadth of their burgeoning expertise.
Read moreContact Lens Safety Month: Expert Tips from Dr. Carol Rosenstiel
Contact lenses can be a fantastic way to correct vision, offering convenience and comfort. However, it's crucial to use them safely to avoid potential risks and complications. In honor of Contact Lens Safety Month, we spoke to Carol Rosenstiel, OD, FAAO, an experienced eye care practitioner specializing in contact lenses. With over 30 years of experience fitting a variety of contact lens types, Rosenstiel shared her insights and best practices for safe contact lens usage.
Read moreCelebrating the Remarkable Career of Dr. Dawn DeCarlo: A True Visionary
After a distinguished career, Dawn DeCarlo, O.D., Ph.D., MS, MSPH, is set to retire from the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation. Her journey, marked by dedication and groundbreaking contributions, has left a lasting mark on the world of optometry.Read more
How is Screen Time Affecting Our Children’s Eyes? A Conversation with UAB Callahan Eye
Written by Marcela Frazier, OD, pediatric optometrist at UAB Callahan Eye for Birmingham Mom Collective.
We are now living in a digital age where our children’s eyes are constantly glued to iPads, tablets, and other digital devices. Although this may be the new “normal,” eye care providers worry about the long-term effects this can have on children’s eyes.
Read moreQuarterbacking Children's Health Foundation Kids Zone Unveiled at UAB Callahan Eye
On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation Kids Zone was unveiled in the Suite 410 Clinic at UAB Callahan Eye. This milestone stands as a testament to the profound impact generated by a robust collaboration between the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation, the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, and the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama. The event not only celebrated a generous half-million-dollar partnership but also showcased the unwavering dedication to transforming pediatric care at UAB Callahan Eye.Read more
A Local Mom’s Perspective
When it comes to our children’s eyecare, we, as parents, take it very seriously. Birmingham is fortunate to have so many eyecare options, but how in the world do you choose the best fit for your family? Thankfully a local mom, Jennifer Drake, is here with Birmingham Mom Collective (BMC) to tell her story and why she loves UAB Callahan Eye!Read more
UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation and Sight Savers America: Empowering Independence Through Vision Aids
On August 21, 2023, UAB's Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation, in collaboration with Sight Savers America, held an equipment dispensing clinic in its UAB Callahan Eye clinic space. The event aimed to provide high-tech visual aids to individuals with vision impairments, enhancing their daily lives and fostering independence.Read more
Samuels named chair of Ophthalmology
Written by Jane Longshore
Brian Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, effective Oct. 1. In this role, Samuels will work to recruit and retain talented faculty in clinical service, teaching, and research, as well as advance high impact discoveries and grow extramural research funding.
Read moreBack to School Eye Care and Health: Expert Insights from Rob Tauscher, M.D.
As the school year kicks off, ensuring your child's eye health is crucial for their overall well-being and academic success. We sat down with Dr. Rob Tauscher, M.D., an esteemed member of our pediatric optometry and ophthalmology team at UAB Callahan Eye, to discuss the importance of regular eye check-ups, signs to watch for, and how parents can contribute to their children's eye safety.
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