History

In early 2001, the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and the School of Optometry teamed up to create a clinic for low vision rehabilitation. The goal was to bring together different specialists from UAB to help people with vision problems. Faculty from Ophthalmology, Optometry, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, and Special Education worked together to make the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation a reality. They received support from the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, the UAB Health Services Foundation, the UAB Provost's Office, and the Helen Keller Foundation to start the center. The UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation opened in February 2002 and has helped many patients since then. Its reputation has continued to grow, and it is recognized both nationally and internationally for its high-quality care.

Our Providers

• Marissa Locy, O.D., is a graduate of UAB School of Optometry. Upon graduation, Dr. Locy received the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society Silver Medal, an award given to the top graduating student. She is currently a faculty member of the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
• Jason Vice, Ph.D., OTR/L, SCLV, is a graduate of the UAB School of Health Professions and faculty in the Departments of Occupational Therapy and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Dr. Vice holds Specialty Certification in Low Vision through the American Occupational Therapy Association. He is currently a faculty member of the UAB Department of Occupational TherapyUAB Department of Occupational Therapy.
• Elise Agostinelli, O.D., is a graduate of UAB School of Optometry. Upon graduation, Dr. Agostinelli completed a fellowship in optometry at UAB. She is currently a faculty member of the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
• Patti Fuhr, O.D., Ph.D., is a graduate of University of Houston, College of Optometry, and received her Ph.D. in Vision Science/Physiological Optics from UAB Schoolof Optometry. She is currently a faculty member of the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
• Sarah Beth Spraberry, MSPPT, OTR/L, is a graduate of UAB and a faculty member of the UAB Department of Occupational Therapy.
• Dawn DeCarlo, O.D., Ph.D., M.S., M.S.P.H., is the Director of the Center and a Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Dr. DeCarlo is nationally known for both her clinical care and research in the area of low vision. She is a Diplomate in the Low Vision Section of the American Academy of Optometry, the highest clinical honor in her field.

Check out our podcast episode with UAB MedCast.