UAB School of Optometry

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/

08/25/2025

Sam Pierce, OD, Class of 1988, has been named executive director of the Alabama Optometric Association (ALOA). With an extensive history of service to the optometric profession, locally, statewide, and nationally, Pierce is well-prepared for this opportunity, which marks a full-circle moment in his career. A former private practice owner, Pierce brings a clear vision for the future of the ALOA—the only entity in Alabama solely focused on the optometry profession and advocating for patients.

Sam Pierce, OD, Class of 1988, has been named executive director of the Alabama Optometric Association (ALOA). With an extensive history of service to the

08/21/2025

Camille Kim, a UAB optometry student, and Luke Denton, a UAB dentistry student, first met on the bridge heading to their shared gross anatomy class—a course taken by students from both schools. Their first date? Einstein Bros. Bagels on campus. In April, Luke brought their story full circle by proposing on that very same bridge. ❤️

08/20/2025

Professor Lei Liu, MS, PhD, FAAO, has retired after 19 years of service to the UAB School of Optometry. His research and teaching interests focused on human psychophysics, binocular vision, eye movement, and low vision.

Liu’s path to academia was inspired by his upbringing. “I was born and raised on a university campus, and my parents were educators,” he said. That early exposure to education shaped a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching and discovery.

Professor Lei Liu, MS, PhD, FAAO, is retiring after 19 years of service to the UAB School of Optometry.

08/19/2025

The UAB School of Optometry offers three dual-degree programs, allowing students to pursue a master’s in public health (MPH), business administration (MBA) or vision science (MS) while earning a Doctor of Optometry degree. Gavin Buba, Class of 2027, is working toward an OD/MS. In a Q&A, he shares why he chose this path.

The UAB School of Optometry offers three dual-degree programs. Gavin Buba, Class of 2027, is working toward an OD/MS and shares why he chose this path.

08/14/2025

Also a graduate of our Advanced International Optometry Degree Program, Keyur Savla, OD, (third from left) has successfully defended his dissertation titled, "Optical Characterization of Multifocal Contact Lenses Used for Myopia Control." His doctoral thesis committee and others were on hand to provide support. Congratulations, Dr. Savla!

08/12/2025

In addition to new students and residents, the school has welcomed three assistant professors: Drs. Andrew Plaxco, Mallory Wright and Heidi Henandez.

Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Plaxco was a civilian optometrist for the U. S. Army under the Defense Health Agency. He also has clinical experience with the Virginia Department of Corrections, private practice ophthalmology, private practice optometry, and retail optometry.

Dr. Wright grew up in Charleston, SC, and graduated summa cm laude from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a minor in Sociology. She went on to earn her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, where she graduated as co-valedictorian. Dr. Wright completed her Primary Care residency at the UAB School of Optometry before joining the faculty.

A Birmingham native, Dr. Hernandez graduated from UABSO in 2023, then completed an advanced two-year optometric residency in neuro-ophthalmic disease at The Eye Institute at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Drexel University. During residency, Dr. Hernandez managed complex neuro-ophthalmic cases and collaborated with specialists in neurology, neuro-radiology, and neurosurgery. From her experience at UABSO and throughout her time at The Eye Institute, she developed a passion for teaching and clinical instruction to inspire future optometrists.

08/12/2025

New semester, new vision! The Fall 2025 semester is officially underway at the UAB School of Optometry. Welcome back, Blazers! Here’s to a season full of focus, growth, and clear perspectives.