Tyler Thomas, 26, of Oneonta, Alabama, is blazing a path on many fronts at UAB. This May, he will earn three degrees from UAB: Doctor of Optometry and Master of Science in Vision Science degrees from the School of Optometry, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Collat School of Business.

Sandra Wang-Harris, OD, MPH, FAAO, associate professor at the UAB School of Optometry, has been chosen by the World Council of Optometry (WCO) to deliver the Memorial Lecture in Honor of Karen Sparrow. This is an international award.

Caroline Pate, OD, FAAO, residency program director at the UAB School of Optometry (UABSO), announced the incoming residents for the 2025-2026 academic year and placements for UAB Optometry's class of 2025. 

Charlie Pitts saw the world more clearly after he visited UAB Eye Care, thanks to his parents’ taking proactive and prompt action.

The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF) of Alabama has honored UAB School of Optometry Associate Professor Janene Sims, OD, PhD, as its 2025 Outstanding Academic Mentor for the exemplary commitment to her ASF Fellow mentee.

UAB Eye Care, located at 1716 University Blvd, is offering free eye screenings to the community on certain days—look for the Free Vision Screening sign on the sidewalk out front. No appointment or insurance is necessary. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions? Call 205-975-2020.

Through its Community Eye Care Service (CEC), the UAB School of Optometry has teamed up with United Ability, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, to provide comprehensive eye care services.

At the UAB School of Optometry, a trio of vision scientists is making waves in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. Their groundbreaking work is not only pushing the boundaries of science but also offering hope to millions affected by this relentless condition.

The UAB School of Optometry’s first Albert Schweitzer fellows completed their term and became lifetime fellows in 2024. The group of four students, all in the class of 2025, was divided into pairs to design and implement programs that impacted underserved populations in Alabama.

Marla Townsend, a beloved former UAB softball coach and 2024 inductee into the UAB Athletics Hall of Fame, has found renewed hope and clarity through the compassionate care she received at UAB Eye Care, the clinical arm of the UAB School of Optometry.

Timothy Gawne, PhD, FAAO, UAB School of Optometry professor, has been awarded an R01 grant to investigate the growing epidemic of myopia (nearsightedness), a condition affecting over 40 percent of the U.S. adult population and approximately one billion people worldwide. This significant public health issue is linked to abnormal elongation of the eyeball, which raises the risk of developing blinding conditions. 

Gift of Sight has become a beacon of hope and generosity in the community. Held at the Western Health Center, this annual event is now in its 11th year, continuing its mission to provide essential eye care services to those in need.

’Tis the season for holiday shopping and finding that special gift for friends and family. For those buying for children, picking out the perfect toy could prevent an unwanted trip to the hospital.

The UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association has named Howard Day, OD, the 2024 Alumnus of the Year. This award recognizes his contributions to the field of optometry and his dedication to advancing the profession in Alabama.

Patricia Fulmer, OD, FAAO, a distinguished optometrist at Legacy Vision Center and a 2012 graduate, has been awarded Young Alumnus of the Year by the UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association. Residing in Huntsville, AL, Fulmer has made significant contributions to the field of optometry, both locally and nationally.

Community Eye Care (CEC), the community service arm of the UAB School of Optometry, recently received a gift from HOYA Vision Care supporting CEC’s mission to provide comprehensive eye care to Alabama’s underserved communities.

Susan Cotter, OD, MA, FAAO, professor at the Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B Ketchum University, a distinguished pediatric optometrist, was honored as the 2024 UAB School of Optometry’s Springer lecturer. A clinician-scientist, her presentation highlighted the advancements in amblyopia treatment, a vision disorder Cotter is passionate about.

Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, FAAO, was awarded a two-year R21 grant from the National Eye Institute to evaluate the efficacy of a novel, wavelength-based method in slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.

Candice Turner, OD, associate professor, has been named the Alabama Optometric Association Educator of the Year. 

Janelle Sventek, OD, has joined the UAB School of Optometry as an assistant professor after four years as a pediatric optometrist in private practice. Her interest in becoming an eye doctor started when she received her first pair of glasses at age eight.