UAB School of Optometry

10/09/2025

This is World Sight Day! Today, we celebrate the global importance of eye health and recognize the incredible impact of those who’ve chosen the path of optometry.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or already making a difference in the field, your commitment to helping the world is what makes our community so powerful.

10/08/2025

We’re proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of UAB School of Optometry alumni who were honored at the Alabama Optometric Association Conference last weekend. Dr. Samara Perryman was named ALOA Young OD of the Year, Dr. David Parker received the ALOA OD of the Year award, and Dr. Valencia Wells was sworn in as president. Each honor was presented by fellow alumnus Dr. Tim Ansley, now past president. These recognitions reflect the excellence, leadership, and dedication that define our UABSO community. Congratulations to all!

09/30/2025

Daniel Creech, 40, feared glasses might affect how he speaks and moves, but his vision was changing. With help from Dr. Janene Sims at UAB Eye Care, Daniel received custom lenses that support both his vision and his independence. He’s one of many benefiting from the UAB Eye Care + United Ability partnership, bringing accessible eye care to those who need it most.

Patient finds new vision through the UAB Eye Care and United Ability partnership

09/25/2025

Swetha Ravichandran, M.Optom, FAAO, and Sourav Datta, M.Optom, doctoral students in the Vision Science Graduate Program at the UAB School of Optometry, have been named 2025 William C. Ezell Fellows by the American Academy of Optometry.

Swetha was selected as an American Academy of Optometry Foundation Ezell Fellow, while Sourav was named an American Academy of Optometry Fellow, his second time receiving this prestigious honor.

Swetha Ravichandran, M.Optom, FAAO, and Sourav Datta, M.Optom, doctoral students in the Vision Science Graduate Program at the UAB School of Optometry, hav

09/24/2025

On Wednesday, Community Eye Care (CEC) teams were busy serving across Birmingham, conducting Head Start vision screenings at Oxmoor Valley, participating in a Protective Life Health Fair, and providing care at the Bright Ideas Clinic with the Alabama Traumatic Brain Injury Foundation. Three locations, one day — a powerful example of CEC’s commitment to community health!

09/17/2025

Carolene Botha, MD, a master’s student in the Vision Science Graduate Program, has been awarded a grant through the Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research program, with additional support from the National Academy of Sciences. The funding will support her work developing and building affordable retinal fundus cameras to improve diabetic retinopathy screenings and improve outcomes in underserved communities.

Carolene Botha, MD, a master’s student in the Vision Science Graduate Program, has been awarded a grant through the Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research program, with additional support from the National Academy of Sciences. The funding will support her work developing and building affordable retina...

09/16/2025

Bryan Williams, OD, FAAO, FSLS, practices optometry at Insight Complete Eye Care in Fort Worth, TX. After earning his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry, Williams completed a cornea and contact lens residency at the UAB School of Optometry, which deepened his clinical expertise, providing the knowledge to introduce and grow a contact lens specialty at his current practice.

In this Q&A, he shares insights into his residency journey, the impact it had on his professional goals, and advice for optometry students considering a similar path.

In this Q&A, Dr. Bryan Williams shares insights into his residency journey and advice for optometry students considering a similar path.

09/10/2025

The Vision Science Graduate Program proudly welcomes four new doctoral students: Binesh Gautam, Ruby Adikah, Kwadwo Appiagyei, and Rahul Negi. Each incoming scholar holds a Doctor of Optometry degree and brings a global perspective to the program’s commitment to advancing vision research and clinical excellence. They are pictured with Dr. Lawrence Sincich, the program director, and Kristi Smith, the program manager. Welcome to UABSO!

09/09/2025

SVOSH student members and faculty delivered vital eye care during a recent outreach effort, helping hundreds of patients with vision needs and urgent conditions. The group provided care to 342 patients, dispensing 652 pairs of spectacles and sunglasses, along with five low vision devices. Nearly 100 referrals were made for advanced eye conditions. Among the patients was a woman diagnosed with acute angle-closure glaucoma. A private ophthalmologist has agreed to perform laser surgery later this month. The group spent time learning, teaching optometry counterparts and working alongside their hosts. There was fun too!

09/04/2025

JoAnndria Brown, OD, cornea and contact lens resident, is featured in "Memphis to the Mountain", a powerful new three-part documentary series that follows the journey of nine unique individuals from South Memphis as they embark on a challenging expedition to climb a 4,800-meter rock tower in Mount Kenya 12. The series premieres on Hulu and Disney+ on September 5, 2025. Watch the trailer and make plans to tune in: https://youtu.be/1n1VdAfWAmg

09/03/2025

Fafa Anuwa-Amarh, a student in the Vision Science Graduate Program (VSGP), is the first author of a newly published review article titled “Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Sjögren's Disease.” This report examines the manifestation of MGD in Sjögren's Disease, explores potential pathophysiological mechanisms, and reviews current management strategies aimed at addressing SjD-related MGD, highlighting the need for further research to improve treatment outcomes. Dr. Ziemanski served as the senior author. Read the article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1613263/full

08/28/2025

Jillian Ziemanski, OD, PhD, FAAO, associate professor, has been published. She collaborated with other ocular surface disease experts across the country on this multicenter clinical trial on Miebo®. This study evaluated patient-reported outcomes early in treatment with perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution. The article is titled "Early Effects of Perfluorohexyloctane Ophthalmic Solution on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Dry Eye Disease: A Prospective, Open-Label, Multicenter Study.” Read the article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39985746/