UAB School of Optometry

12/09/2025

Beta Sigma Kappa hosted its annual Honor Reception recently, recognizing 16 members of the Class of 2028 for their academic excellence. The optometric honor society requires a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 for membership, celebrating students’ dedication and hard work. Congratulations to the newest members!

12/09/2025

Finals week sometimes calls for creative studying! Cristen Knapp helped friends prep for their exam by sketching a detailed retina because sometimes the best way to learn is to draw it out.

12/06/2025

Today marked the last day of clinic for this portion of the Class of 2026. We wish them the very best as they head off to their externships—may this next chapter be full of growth, learning, and success!

At the same time, we look forward to welcoming back their classmates in January.

12/04/2025

Gift of Sight is happening this week at the Western Health Center! ✨ We’re proud to host this incredible event that provides free eye exams and glasses to those in need. A huge THANK YOU to our generous supporters, to Dr. Janene Sims for leading another successful year of Gift of Sight, and to the amazing students and residents who volunteered their time and expertise. Your dedication makes a lasting impact on our community! 💚👓

12/02/2025

In-house residents presented their favorite cases recently, marking their first time delivering COPE-approved lectures. Congratulations to JoAnndria Brown, OD, cornea and contact lenses; Savana Bullard, OD, primary care optometry; and Leah Grant, OD, pediatric optometry, for sharing engaging and educational presentations.

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we celebrate the incredible impact of our alumni and donors. Your dedication, expertise, and support help us advance eye care, education, and research every day.

Because of you, the UAB School of Optometry continues to shape bright futures and improve lives. We are truly grateful for the vision we share.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the UAB School of Optometry!

11/25/2025

This week has been all about giving thanks and celebrating the amazing community we share. From Friendsgiving gatherings to a heartfelt baby shower, we’ve embraced gratitude in every way possible. A huge shoutout to the Class of 2027 for showering Olivia with love as they prepare to welcome the tiniest member of their class family this January! Here’s to friendships, shared memories, and the joy of supporting one another.

11/24/2025

In this week of gratitude, we’re thankful for everyone who supports the Gift of Sight through their time and donations. Today, our students collected contributions from Bud’s Best Cookies and Piggly Wiggly in Midfield. These items will be included in the goody bags each patient receives during our weeklong event. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

11/20/2025

🎉 Happy Henry Peters Day! 🎂 Today, the UAB School of Optometry celebrated the birthday of our founding dean, Dr. Henry B. Peters—a visionary who shaped the future of optometric education.

Dr. Peters became the first dean of UABSO when it opened in 1969, laying the foundation for excellence in clinical care, research, and education. Known for his signature large glasses and bold ties, his legacy lives on, and today’s photos pay homage to that in a fun way! His leadership and dedication to advancing eye health continue to inspire generations of optometrists.

11/19/2025

Jackie Nguyen, OD, has built a career focused on pediatric eye care and academic excellence. She graduated from the University of California Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry in 2021 and is now a clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, where she sees patients in the pediatric and low vision clinics.

In this Q&A, Nguyen shares what inspired her to pursue a residency, why she chose pediatric optometry, what her experience was like at Vanderbilt Eye Institute, and how that year shaped her career.

Dr. Jackie Nguyen discusses her path to a career in pediatrics and optometric education after her residency.

11/18/2025

Looking ahead to another exciting year of connection, celebration, and support for our UABSO community, we invite you to renew your commitment—or join us for the first time—by paying your 2026 Alumni Association dues. Your dues make a difference by funding alumni programs, student support, and professional development opportunities. Thank you for being an essential part of the UABSO family! 💚

Join or renew your 2026 Alumni Association Membership: https://bit.ly/3XF2xml

11/14/2025

Patients can apply today to receive free vision care services at our annual Gift of Sight event on Dec. 1-5. Gift of Sight is UAB Eye Care’s annual event that provides free comprehensive eye exams and glasses for underserved and underinsured patients who may otherwise not receive vision care services throughout the year.

Gift of Sight 2025: UAB Eye Care is accepting applications to provide free vision care Dec. 1-5