The lecture is supported by the Nathaniel E. Springer Memorial Fund, which was established in 1999 to bring distinguished visual scientists or clinicians to the School of Optometry to share knowledge with faculty and students.
The fund was created by members of the Springer family along with Donald Springer, OD, who was instrumental in the founding of the School of Optometry and a leader in optometry in Alabama and the U.S. along, in memory of Springer’s father Nathaniel E. Springer. Donald Springer died in 2011.
Distinguished Honorees
- 2025: Paul Ajamian, OD
- 2024: Susan Cotter, OD, FAAO
- 2023: Jill Autry, OD, RpH
- 2022: Leo Semes, OD
- 2021: Jeffrey Walline, OD, PhD
- 2020: Barbara Caffrey, OD, PhD
- 2019: Robert Rustein, OD
- 2018: Thomas Norton, PhD
- 2017: Christine Curcio, PhD
- 2016: Jimmy Bartlett, OD, DOS, ScD
- 2015: Lyndon Jones, PhD, FCAHS, FCOptom, FAAO
- 2014: Tarun Sharma, MD, FRCSEd, MBA
- 2013: Barry Weissman, OD, PhD
- 2012: Loretta Szczota-Flynn, OD, PhD
- 2011: Donald Mutti, OD, PhD
- 2010: Mitchell Schieman, OD
- 2009: Donald Korb, OD
- 2008: Mark T. Dunbar, OD
- 2007: Gregory Jackson, PhD
- 2006: Anthony Cavallerano, OD
- 2005: Stuart P. Richer, OD, MS, PhD
- 2004: V. Michael Patella, OD
- 2003: John G. Flannagan, MCOptom, PhD
- 2002: Thomas Freddo, OD, PhD
- 2001: Jerry Sebag, MD
- 2000: James Meyer, MD
- 1999: James J. Augsburger, MD
Questions about Alumni Events?
Amy Drinkard, Office of Development and Alumni Relations
205-975-9931 | amyrie@uab.edu
Alumni Association
Any optometrist graduate of the UAB School of Optometry is eligible for membership of the Alumni Association. Our members enjoy many benefits, and a variety of activities and events for students and alumni are sponsored by the Alumni Association each year. The Alumni Association is governed by an Alumni Board, elected annually by Association membership.
Annual Membership
Annual Membership is $150 per year, or $75 per year for young alumni (those who have graduated from two to five years ago). Graduates receive a complimentary membership for their first year after graduation.
Life Membership
Life Membership may be granted to any alumni who has paid a one-time sum as determined by the Alumni Association. Currently, Life Membership is $2,000.
Honorary Membership
Honorary Membership may be conferred upon an individual who has proven to be an outstanding benefactor to the UAB School of Optometry and/or to the Alumni Association. Recipients shall be selected by the Association’s executive council.
Friends, Non-Voting
Friends may join the Alumni Association. Dues are $125, and notices are sent every January.
For more information, contact Amy Drinkard at (205) 975-9931 or at amyrie@uab.edu.
Alumni Affairs
The department of Alumni Affairs at the UAB School of Optometry works to connect the more than 1,500 optometrist graduates practicing across the U.S. and provides them with ways to support our students, programs, mission and their fellow alumni.
Alumni Association
Any optometrist graduate of the UAB School of Optometry is eligible for membership of the Alumni Association. Our members enjoy many benefits, and a variety of activities and events for students and alumni are sponsored by the Alumni Association each year. The Alumni Association is governed by an Alumni Board, elected annually by Association membership.
Continuing Education
The UAB School of Optometry's continuing education goal is to provide quality continuing education, lifelong learning and professional development for practicing optometrists.
Alumni News
-
Hopkins named Alumnus of the Year by the UABSO Alumni Association
Read more -
Nguyen discusses residency at Vanderbilt Eye Institute and its impact on her career
Read more -
How residency shaped a career in pharmaceuticals
Read more -
From residency to practice: Dr. Bryan Williams’ path to specialty contact lens care
Read more
Keep in touch
Stay in the know by updating your contact information.
Sommer Thompson
Senior Director of Development
(205) 934-9838
sommerthompson@uab.edu
Amy Drinkard
Project Management and Engagement Specialist
(205) 975-9931
amyrie@uab.edu
Alumni Board
2024-2025 Board of Directors
President:
Dr. Karen Vanoy (’97)
Leeds, AL
President-Elect:
Dr. Gussie Branch (’16)
Oneonta, AL
Secretary/Treasurer:
Dr. Lauren Stirling (’11)
Florence, AL
Immediate Past President:
Dr. Valencia Wells ('09)
Birmingham, AL
Board Members-at-Large:
Dr. Tim Ansley ('14)
Helena, AL
Dr. Jodi Baker (’18)
Huntsville, AL
Dr. Patricia Fulmer
Huntsville, AL
Walter Jackson (’21)
Columbus, GA
Samara Perryman (’17)
Troy, AL
Bonnie-Kim Schwertz (’16)
Birmingham, AL
Dr. Calah Ray (’11)
Birmingham, AL
Dr. Seth Williams (’06)
Birmingham, AL
Dr. Spencer Boozer (’17)
Cullman, AL