The UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and UAB Callahan Eye are excited to welcome six outstanding clinicians to the practice this year. Their clinical expertise, research interests, and dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care continue to further strengthen the Department’s mission to lead in eye care, education, and discovery.
Tyler Hall, M.D., is an experienced ophthalmologist specializing in corneal and cataract conditions and who returned to the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in April 2025. After obtaining his medical degree from Wright State University in Ohio, he completed an internship at the UAB-Montgomery Internal Medicine Program. Hall then completed his ophthalmology residency at the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences where he served as chief resident during his senior year. He went on to complete a fellowship in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently serving as Cornea Fellowship Director, he is passionate about providing quality patient care and educating the next generation of ophthalmologists.
Dr. Hall currently sees patients at our downtown and Cahaba River clinics.
Jennifer Risting, O.D., FAAO, is a fellowship-trained optometrist and specializes in comprehensive eye care, ocular disease, dry eye management, and refractive surgery co-management. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree with high honors from the Indiana University School of Optometry and completed her residency training in ocular disease at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida. She brings valuable experience from both private practice and academic settings and is passionate about providing thorough, patient-centered care.
Dr. Risting currently sees patients at our downtown and Pelham clinics.
Brook Gibson, O.D., is a fellowship-trained optometrist with expertise in ocular disease management and low vision rehabilitation. Her clinical interests include neuro-ophthalmic conditions, specialty contact lenses, and primary eye care for patients of all ages. She completed both her optometry degree and fellowship training at UAB, where she developed a strong foundation in collaborative, patient-centered care.
Dr. Gibson currently sees patients at our downtown location and the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation.
Deborah Blansett, O.D., M.S., brings more than 25 years of experience in clinical practice, specializing in comprehensive eye care and the management of ocular disease. She earned both her Doctor of Optometry and Master of Science in Vision Science from the UAB School of Optometry, followed by a hospital-based residency at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Administration Medical Center. Dr. Blansett has held academic and leadership roles in both academic and private practice settings, with expertise in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye therapy and perioperative cataract care.
Dr. Blansett currently sees patients at our Tuscaloosa clinic.
Nik Hopkins, M.D., is a comprehensive ophthalmologist with interests in ocular oncology, cataract surgery, and infectious disease manifestations in the eye. He completed his medical degree and residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he also pursued impactful research on ocular melanoma and emerging infectious diseases. He has presented nationally and internationally and is deeply committed to patient care and service through clinical practice and outreach.
Dr. Hopkins currently sees patients at our downtown, Gardendale, Oneonta and Trussville clinics.
Erin McGahey, O.D., specializes in ocular disease management and low vision rehabilitation. A graduate of the UAB School of Optometry, she completed her residency at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She has gained broad experience across multiple care settings and is actively engaged in community outreach, serving patients through clinics across Alabama.
Dr. McGahey currently sees patients at our downtown, Gardendale and Trussville clinics.
The addition of these six accomplished clinicians marks an exciting new chapter. Their diverse expertise and shared commitment to excellence strengthen our ability to meet the growing needs of patients across Alabama and beyond. As our department continues to expand, so does our capacity to provide advanced, compassionate care. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected future for vision health.