Barbara Evers, Executive Director, The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama; Brian Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesThe UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences celebrated the opening of The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Surgical Skills Laboratory with an open house on Dec. 10 at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye.
Located in a newly renovated space within the hospital, the laboratory represents a significant investment in ophthalmology resident education and surgical training. Made possible through philanthropic support and cross-campus collaboration among UAB Ophthalmology, UAB Callahan Eye and the Heersink School of Medicine, the new facility expands hands-on training opportunities for residents while also serving fellows and faculty.
The open house was attended by ophthalmology residents, fellows, faculty, alumni, donors and staff, along with department and university leadership.
“This project represents the realization of a long-standing goal, to enhance our education mission in the Department by updating our training lab to include the latest tools for surgical simulation and wet lab capacity,” said Brian Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair of the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
“We are proud to share this resource, which includes state-of-the-art technology, with our ophthalmology residents and fellows, as well as the faculty who train them,” said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president for medicine and dean of the Heersink School of Medicine. “This lab is one of only a handful in the country providing this level of advanced surgical training and brings UAB up to the very latest standards in surgical curriculum for ophthalmology residents."
From left: Anupam Agarwal, M.D., Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean, UAB Heersink School of Medicine; Brian Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Arina Riley, MNHSA, MHLP, Assistant Vice President, Patient Care Services, UAB Callahan Eye; Christina Crowe, MA, MBA, Executive Administrator, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesThe EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Surgical Skills Laboratory is equipped with advanced surgical simulation technology designed to build confidence and consistency in trainee skill development. The space includes an EyeSi Surgical Simulator from Haag-Streit, which provides immersive, standardized training for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery through sequential modules and detailed performance assessments.
The laboratory also features multiple wet lab stations outfitted with teaching microscopes, foot pedals and high-resolution displays, allowing residents to practice surgical techniques in a controlled environment. Integrated video capabilities enable live demonstrations, recording and review, supporting both in-person instruction and virtual learning. Together, these tools allow trainees to gain experience in a low-pressure, high impact setting that mirrors real-world clinical scenarios.
“This lab significantly enhances how we train future ophthalmologists,” said Rob Tauscher, M.D., interim residency program director for the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. “Having a dedicated, modern environment allows residents to build surgical skills, confidence and consistency earlier and more effectively, which ultimately benefits both trainees and patients.”
“Previously, we only had the capacity to train one resident at a time,” said John Stoffer, M.D., fourth-year UAB ophthalmology chief resident. “With the new lab and its simulation technology, we can now simultaneously train multiple residents in numerous surgical experiences before they ever scrub into the operating room.”
Beyond its impact on daily education, the new laboratory is expected to strengthen the Department’s ability to recruit top residency candidates by showcasing UAB’s commitment to comprehensive, simulation-based surgical training.
The renovation included major infrastructure upgrades to modernize the space, improve workflow and prioritize safety and cleanliness. Features include secure badge access, dedicated storage and cleaning areas, new surgical instrumentation and coordinated oversight with the pharmacy team for medication and material management. Support from UAB Callahan Eye facilities and operations teams was instrumental in bringing this laboratory to completion.
UAB Ophthalmology recognizes the leadership and plant operations teams at UAB Callahan Eye, including Alex Farris, MSHA, MBA, PMP, director of operations, for their continued partnership and support throughout the renovation and development process.
The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Surgical Skills Laboratory was made possible through the generosity of donors committed to advancing ophthalmic education and patient care, including:
- Phillip and Denise Webb
- Denton R. Roberts, M.D.
- Martin S. Cogen, M.D.
- The Peter W. and Peggy H. Field Foundation
- James and Mrs. Lizet Guildford
- The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama
- International Retinal Research Foundation, Inc.
- Brian C. Samuels, M.D.
- Dr. and Mrs. John S. Owen Jr.
- Cecil J. McCollum, M.D.
- Lanning Kline, M.D.
- Carl G. and Pauline Buck Trust
To support programs and initiatives like The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Surgical Skills Laboratory, visit our Give page.