by Tamarreo Tatum

Gussie Branch, OD, has been named the 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year by the UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association.

A 2016 graduate of UABSO, Branch is an optometrist at Eyes on Albertville in Alabama,     and serves as secretary-treasurer of the Alabama Optometric Association (ALOA). She is also on the UABSO Alumni Association Board.  Branch has distinguished herself through leadership and service, making significant contributions to the profession of optometry. 

“It was an honor becoming the 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year,” Branch said. “To be chosen by my peers for this award means so much because of the high esteem I hold for my fellow alums.”    

As ALOA president-elect, Branch believes that it is her duty to protect the profession of optometry. “It took tremendous effort from our predecessors to pass legislation to give us the scope of practice we have today,” Branch said. “We have the responsibility to put forth that same effort for the optometrists who will come after us.”

Branch finds fulfillment in providing service in rural areas. In collaboration with non-profit organizations, her team was able to provide care to 700 patients in September.

“One thing that gives me a moment of reflection and reset is volunteering in underserved      areas.” Branch said. “Those moments really have an impression on me. The skills and knowledge that we have as optometrists are gifts to be shared, not just tools for a job. Volunteering gives me that opportunity to shift my focus. No pun intended.”

Through her dedication to optometry and community service, Branch embodies the spirit of a distinguished alumna as the 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year.