By Sunkanmi Arogbokun, OD, FAAO
Second-year student, UAB PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program
Dr. Arogbokun receives his confirmation as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry from Academy Board of Directors member Nancy Wong, OD, PhD, FAAO.The year has been a defining period of growth, learning, and gratitude in my PhD journey in Rehabilitation Science, with a strong focus on low vision and rehabilitation research. I entered the program with a background in optometry, having completed five years of clinical practice in Nigeria, including three dedicated to low vision care. Practicing in an African context shaped my clinical perspective and deepened my commitment to addressing functional vision challenges in underserved and diverse populations.
A major milestone this year was obtaining IRB approval for my PhD thesis, marking my transition into independently conducted human subjects research. I continue to benefit greatly from the guidance of my committee members, whose ongoing feedback strengthens my approach to research design, ethics, and methodological rigor.
This year was marked by strong scholarly productivity. I submitted three manuscripts, serving as first author on two: “Fall Risk Assessments for Individuals with Visual Impairment: A Scoping Review of Questionnaire-Based Tools” and “Approaches to Low Vision Care in Patients with Uveal Coloboma: An African Perspective.” I also collaborated on a third manuscript with experts in rehabilitation research.
In September, I presented my work at the International Society for Low Vision and Rehabilitation Research meeting in Florence, Italy. The year culminated in clinching my fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry in October, reaffirming my commitment to advancing equitable, evidence-based low vision rehabilitation across global contexts.
I am deeply grateful to my program and faculty, whose structured training, openness, and commitment to student development created an environment where learning and inquiry could truly thrive. I am also thankful for the academic and social communities that welcomed me and helped me settle into a new academic system, providing encouragement, stability, and a sense of belonging throughout the year.
I am profoundly appreciative of my supervisor, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Beth Barstow, PhD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA, whose mentorship, clarity, and unwavering support have been central to my development as a researcher. I also sincerely thank Lulwah Almulhim, PhD, MSOT, PT, for her generosity, guidance, and peer mentorship before she successfully completed her PhD in Rehabilitation Science.
