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2 0 2 0 UAB School of Optometry Dean’s Repor t
A LETTER FROM THE DEAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 A Letter from the Dean
4 UABSO By the Numbers
6 The Impact of COVID-19
8 Student Success
10 Faculty Excellence
12 Focus on Patient Care
14 Research & Innovation
16 Growth & Development
18 Alumni Excellence
20 Special Honors
and Retirements
Dean’s Group / Executive Committee This past year, instead of celebrating the year times, it remained vital tion. Researchers had grant and contract There were so many silver linings last
success. Renovations of the fourth floor year. Stronger than ever, we wait pa-
of vision, 20/20, faculty and staff spent the to maintain the quality were successfully completed. tiently for the time we can all be togeth-
KELLY K. NICHOLS,
OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO
year reinventing the UAB School of Optometry academic experience that er again, small but mighty!
DEAN experience in response to the COVID-19 our students expect as well. Together, we upheld the UAB School of
Optometry’s long-held vision to make
pandemic. Our school’s culture is accustomed significant contributions to eye and vi-
The UABSO family accomplished im-
CHRIS BOUTWELL, MAc KRISTINE HOPKINS, to change. However, in 2020 the change was portant goals despite challenges, which sion care knowledge and vision science.
DIRECTOR, OD, MSPH, FAAO rapid and continuous to ensure the health and included not being able to gather large Everyone found a way to continue pro- Kelly K. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO
ADMINISTRATION AND ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR viding meaningful service to humanity Dean, UAB School of Optometry
FISCAL AFFAIRS ACADEMIC AFFAIRS safety of faculty, staff, students and our patients. groups at once in person. New faculty
under the guidance of our shared values:
members joined, while several key staff
ADAM GORDON, OD, ELIZABETH STEELE,
The UAB School of Optometry has the great members were reclassified and promot- compassion, collaboration, diversity,
MPH, FAAO OD, FAAO responsibility of training future optometrists ed. Faculty received high honors for excellence, integrity and service.
CHAIR, DEPARTMENT
OF OPTOMETRY AND
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR
CLINICAL AFFAIRS
and vision scientists. So, even in unprecedented their contributions to optometric educa-
VISION SCIENCE
GERALD SIMON, OD
TIM KRAFT, PhD DIRECTOR, STUDENT
INTERIM ASSOCIATE AFFAIRS
DEAN FOR RESEARC
2 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 3
UABSO BY
B Y THE NUMBERS UABSO BY THE NUMBERS
Development & Alumni Education Research
Total Dollars 402 optometrists Ranked 4th
have completed
Raised in residencies at the Nationally
UAB School of in overall research
2019-20: Optometry
funding out of 23 schools
$401,495 18 class members Total funding for 2019-2020
of 2019 matched
into competitive $3.36 million
8 newly endowed scholarships
in 2019-2020 for a total of 65 residencies
197 optometry
2nd in total NIH/NEI
research funding
students
Patient Care
20 doctoral Class of 2024
students
4 dual-degree
students
15,418 819
12 residents in
347 166 60 3.61 321
six programs
Patient Patient Visits Number of Number of Number of Overall Average
Visits at UAB at Western Applicants Interviews Students GPA OAT Score
Eye Care Health Center
4 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 5
R E S P O N S E TO COV I D -1 9 R E S P O N S E TO COV I D -1 9
The Impact of COVID-19:
Rapid Change and Innovation
The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be challenging for the UAB School of Optometry.
Because this was an unprecedented situation, the school experienced rapid change and
disruptions that affected our students, faculty, staff, residents and patients. The silver
lining is that the necessary change ushered in new approaches to classroom education,
clinical education and patient care.
OUR STUDENTS OUR PATIENTS UABSO LAUNCHED
There were no on-site classes for the duration “So much change was challenging initially,” Due to the coronavirus outbreak, UAB care. TelScreens, HIPAA-compliant EYECARE4JUSTICE
of the spring semester, and faculty transitioned said Dean Kelly K. Nichols, OD, MPH, Eye Care was only able to provide digital projection systems connected
to teaching classes online only almost PhD, FAAO. “Leadership had to make the essential patient services from March to cameras showing the patient and In the midst of adjusting to a new
overnight. This marked the first time in the difficult choices to break traditions that to May. Routine care was on hold slit lamp images, were added to exam normal because of the COVID-19
school’s 51-year history that didactic courses are the hallmarks of anyone’s academic during this time. With the closure rooms so that students at home could pandemic, our community and
experience. I am proud that we were able to see what is normally viewed by being nation confronted the ugly truth of
were offered fully online. Courses were taken of the clinic for all routine eye care,
our long legacy of systemic racial
via Zoom to ensure social distancing and the quickly pivot, introducing both new ways of UABSO in-house residents took over physically present.
injustice. This occurred as a result of
safety of faculty and students. teaching and learning. However, I do feel for emergency care to meet the needs
the tragic murders of George Floyd,
the students who were unable to graduate of patients. Less urgent needs were “Despite the pandemic, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and
The NBEO postponed Part 1 of the boards, in person together. Commencement is what evaluated using telephone visits and
students look forward to throughout their
clinical care and learning so many others who have suffered
affecting third year students, and closed the telehealth video conferences. Clinic
Part 3 testing center, affecting several fourth academic career.” staff continued responding to requests continued,” Steele added. and died due to prejudice and racial
injustice in America. In response, the
year students. At the same time, the university for prescription refills, contact lens “Because of the pandemic, UAB School of Optometry launched
suspended clinical care for internal and Strict social distancing guidelines remained orders, questions about appointments we were able to innovate in EyeCare4Justice.
external students for the remainder of the in place throughout the summer and once and other concerns. powerful ways, and have
spring semester. Therefore, students were not the fall semester began. Students returned The initiative was led by the school’s
able to return to externship sites in the spring, to clinical assignments with new disinfection “Clinic faculty and staff had to become
learned that some of the new Diversity Committee. Janene Sims,
and had to complete an alternate, case-based protocols and personal protective equipment innovative and introduce new ways to practices should remain.” OD, PhD, FAAO, associate professor
online curriculum. (PPE), and with partially-virtual participation provide patient care,” said Elizabeth and certified diversity trainer, helped
through HIPAA-compliant Zoom connections. Steele, OD, FAAO, associate dean UAB took unprecedented measures lead this initiative.
Vision Science Graduate Program (VSGP) Students experienced classrooms and common for clinical affairs. “Telehealth was during these unprecedented times. In
students continued their research, primarily areas with limited capacities. It also became not part of our service offerings addition to changes to the academic Like other units on campus and
from home, while no new research projects each person’s responsibility to ensure the previously. Because of our responsibility experience, a limited business model within the UA System, the UABSO
on campus were permitted. Research cleanliness throughout the school in order to as healthcare providers, we had to calling for many employees to work Diversity Committee devised a plan
responsibilities occurred only according to the prevent the spread of COVID-19. introduce the option for patients from home and strict social distancing to support the cause of social justice.
specific guidelines provided by advisors. to be seen from home where it was guidelines were implemented. Step one was holding a moment
“Everyone was responsible for their safety of silence in recognition of George
appropriate. The addition of telehealth
These safety measures continued into Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud
All public defenses for VSGP students and the safety of others,” said Assistant also introduced a new learning
2021. Through it all, the UAB School of Arbery and others.
were only open to student mentors and Professor Andrew Pucker, OD, PhD, FAAO, opportunity for our students.”
committees in person. Others were invited FSLS. “Wear your mask, wash your hands, Optometry family proved that although
Optometry leadership made the
to attend via Zoom. be socially distanced and use hand sanitizer When students returned to clinic for it is small, it is indeed mighty, but also
fight for social justice a shared
were instructions we all learned to follow. the summer semester, telehealth and quite resilient. ■
responsibility, and ensured that
Lastly, instead of on-campus spring A daily temperature check and N95 mask other virtual patient care activities the UABSO family lives actively
commencement ceremonies, UAB and requirement was implemented at the school became part of their clinical rotations. and purposefully for integrity,
the School of Optometry hosted virtual in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 From home and in the clinic, they respect, accountability, diversity and
commencement ceremonies. No one can recall in our community and to ensure patient care honed new ways to provide patient inclusiveness every day.
a time when students have been unable to access. This was in addition to the daily checks
gather together and celebrate graduating. required by the university.”
6 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 7
STUDENT SUCCESS STUDENT SUCCESS
POSTDOCTORAL Shannon previously held awarded Kwaku Sydney
RESEARCHER the 2019-2020 Presidency Osei, OD, Madrigal, OD
AWARDED F32 GRANT of UAB’s student division of Vision Science (2020), received
Vision Science Student Sets
Volunteer Optometric Services Graduate NOSA’s
Michael to Humanity (SVOSH) chapter Program Residency
Savage, PhD, which travels to provide free student, the Grant. Madrigal
Her Sights on Outer Space
postdoctoral eyecare domestically and in the 2020 Mike Daley/Essilor Ezell graduated in 2020 and was
fellow, was developing world. Shannon and Fellowship. selected for an Ocular Disease
awarded an Jackson have also held numerous A number of faculty and staff Residency at Bascom Palmer Eye
NEI/NIH F32 officer positions at UAB’s local at the UAB School of Optometry Institute in Miami, FL.
grant to study the relationship NOSA chapter and at the national have received this prestigious
By Brianna Hoge and Satina Richardson between neuronal orientation and level during their four-year fellowship. A total of six faculty VSP AND AAOF
color selectivity in the primary optometric student career. members are previous Ezell SCHOLARSHIPS
visual cortex. Fellows, and seven students have AWARDED
The grant is for three years, VISION SCIENCE received the Ezell Fellowship.
STUDENT RECEIVED Upon graduating, Osei hopes Sarah Kate Day (2021) and
Jessica Jasien, PhD,
totaling $136,823. It has been
She accepted a position as a senior “I am very fortunate that Dr. Downs
20 years since one of these GRANT to obtain a postdoctoral position Whitney Powell (2021) were
a summer graduate
vision scientist with the National and UAB have helped me make the to further his research into awarded the 2020 VSP and AAOF
competitive postdoctoral grants
Aeronautics and Space Administration’s dream of conducting research at NASA Kelli Cannon
from the Vision
from NEI was won by someone in dry eye disease and contact Practice Excellence Scholarships.
Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory a reality,” Jasien said. was one of six lens-related infection. His Over the last 10 years, VSP has
the UAB School of Optometry.
Science Graduate at Johnson Space Center. The research related UAB graduate ultimate goal is to become a
Program, set her sights
Associate professor Lawrence Sincich, to this grant is focused on students tenured faculty in an optometry
In this position, Jasien will use the PhD, is the interim director of the awarded a school/college and make novel
high after graduation.
understanding how the basic
knowledge and experience gained Vision Science Graduate Program in building blocks of vision are Graduate discoveries to advance the field
through her time at UAB and in the the School of Optometry. organized in the brain on a fine Research Scholars Program of tear film and ocular surface
laboratory of Professor J. Crawford scale. The goal is to produce a awards for the upcoming fall research.
Downs, PhD, to research spaceflight Sincich says that Jaisen is a great cell-by-cell map for the functional semester through Alabama provided more than $1 million
associated neuro-ocular syndrome example of what a PhD can do for configuration of the primary Established Program to Stimulate OPTOMETRY STUDENTS dollars in scholarship support
(SANS). a student’s career. “She entered visual cortex. Competitive Research. AWARDED NOSA to hundreds of optometry
UAB with a master’s in biomedical His supervisors for this The Graduate Research SCHOLARSHIPS students. Joining forces with
“SANS is thought to result from engineering and had considerable research are UAB School of Scholars Program is designed the AAOF, scholarships in 2020
an imbalance of intracranial and experience working on clinical studies Optometry professor Lawrence to strengthen and enhance the Dana Shannon were awarded to 48 students for
intraocular pressure that is caused with glaucoma patients in New York,” Sincich and UAB School of research capacity of Alabama (2021) received a total of $182,000, including
Medicine professor Paul EPSCoR institutions by providing the John L. a travel grant to attend the
by the absence of gravity,” said he said.
Gamlin, PhD. support for students performing Howlette and annual meeting of the American
Downs, who works in the UAB
federally funded EPSCoR C. Clayton Academy of Optometry (AAO).
Department of Ophthalmology “Since current treatments for glaucoma
and Visual Sciences. “These cephalad merely slow disease progression,
NOSA MEMBERS LED research — totaling about $16 Powell Student
NATIONALLY million a year to Alabama. Founders Award and Dr. Robert OPTOMETRY STUDENT
fluid shifts are exactly what Jessica Jasien wanted to learn more about AWARDED WALMAN
Across the eight EPSCoR PhD- Johnson Pediatric & Vision
worked on in my laboratory at UAB.” what caused it. That brought her granting institutions in the state, Therapy Award. Additionally, OPTICAL COMPANY
Two students from the UAB
into basic research. As a graduate
School of Optometry were named there were 88 GRSP proposal during the NOA Scholarship SCHOLARSHIP
“It’s a perfect fit for the student in Downs’s lab, she was able to
complete detailed mechanistic studies
national leaders of the National applications, and a competitive Awards
statewide review process Ceremony, Katharine Denius (2022) was
experiments NASA is on a primate model of the disease,”
Optometric Student Association
that resulted in 38 awards for Daniele the winner of Walman Optical
doing in astronauts he continued. “With that experience $894,000. UAB received six Ewert (2023) Company’s scholarship. The
in hand, she now joins NASA to help awards — with $25,000 granted received the Dr. award provides $5,000 for
and healthy volunteers understand why astronauts develop for a full award — for a total Charles Comer educational expenses. Walman
on Earth to understand analogous symptoms. Eventually, what of $143,750. These students Community established a
is learned in space will help to develop represent the next generation of Service Award. scholarship
the causes of SANS.” better future treatments for patients (NOSA). Walter Jackson (2021) researchers and innovators for Dylan Cowan program to
back on earth.” ■ was elected president, while Dana the advancement of Alabama’s (2022) received encourage and
The idea of working for NASA is not Shannon (2021) was elected vice high-tech human resource the Wal- assist students
new to Jasien. After obtaining her president. capacity. Mart Project at schools
master’s degree, her first research Jackson has previously served Foresight and colleges of Optometry.
position allowed her the opportunity as the 2019-2020 Chair of UAB’s Scholarship, Scholarships are offered each
to travel to Johnson Space Center. American Academy of Optometry EZELL FELLOWSHIP and Darian year for full-time study at
During those visits, she came to realize chapter, whose mission is the AWARDED Travis (2023) participating schools selected
that it would be an exciting place to advancement of the optometric received the by Walman.
conduct research. profession through research The American Academy of Dr. Marvin
and academia. Optometry Foundation (AAOF) R. Poston Leadership Award.
8 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 9
FA C U LT Y E XC E L L E N C E FA C U LT Y E XC E L L E N C E
Dr. Caroline Pate Named 2020 AOA She also assists the ALOA in
organizing Student Day at
the Legislature. Second-year
Relations Committee, Pate
has helped to develop and has
participated in the Optometric
and as the Faculty and Student
Membership Engagement
Committee/Liaison. Pate is
prepared with the knowledge
and clinical skills necessary to
take care of the patients they
Optometric Educator of the Year students go to the state’s capitol
in Montgomery, to learn about
optometric advocacy and to
Educator’s Exchange on
numerous occasions. She
has attended the AOA
serving as the chair of the
Allied Health Professionals
Education Committee for
will serve, but to trust what
they know and admit what they
don’t, to never stop learning,
meet with their legislators. Pate Congressional Advocacy SECO International as well. and to always put the patient
helped to get this program off Conference in 2008, 2013 and first. I want them to leave UAB
the ground and has been a part in 2017 to help advocate on “One of the unexpected with the desire to become
of it since its inception. behalf of the profession. Pate surprises of academia has been involved in optometry outside
served on the AOA Faculty the opportunity to provide of patient care, to find their
As her involvement within the Relations Committee from service to the profession in so passion within the profession
state association has grown, 2012- 2016. many different ways,” Pate said. — whatever that may be, and
so has her involvement on a “I want my students to leave look for ways to give back.” ■
national level. Through her Currently, she is serving on the UABSO with a love for the
A UAB School of work on the AOA Faculty AOA Membership Committee profession, not only being well-
Optometry faculty
member was named the
American Optometric
Association (AOA)
Optometric Educator NEW VISION THERAPY CLINIC professor in 2016 following the completion Association (SWFOA), PSS Eyecare and the
of the Year for the third CHIEF APPOINTED of a residency in Geriatric and Low Vision
Rehabilitative Optometry at the Birmingham
Florida chapter of the American Optometric
Association.
time in less than five Maggie Bailey, OD, assistant Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
years. Caroline Pate, OD, professor, was named chief DEAN ELECTED TO
NAEVR/AEVR BOARD
FAAO, was the 2020 of the Vision Therapy Clinic At the school, Call is the Primary Care
(VT), a specialty clinic within Clinic director. She is the Clinical Evaluation
recipient of the award. UAB Eye Care that provides of Visual Skills (CEVS) instructor and Dean Kelly K. Nichols,
treatment for children and coursemaster as well. OD MPH, PhD, FAAO,
adults with eye teaming, focusing and tracking was elected to serve on the
“Dr. Pate has a steadfast commitment to the culture created at the school regarding “Not being a native Alabamian, nor an disorders. Patient volume in vision therapy is ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR National Alliance for Eye and
the optometric profession in and outside the importance of residency education. alumnus of UAB, it was a wonderful typically 2,500 visits annually. NAMED 2020 ALOA EDUCATOR Vision Research (NAEVR)
the classroom,” said Dean Kelly K. Nichols. opportunity to become involved in the OF THE YEAR and the Alliance for Eye and
“We are proud to have her on faculty and “I can honestly say that my own residency profession and meet many colleagues from Prior to Bailey, Kristine Hopkins, OD, MSPH, Vision Research (AEVR) Board of Directors in
see every day just how worthy she is of changed my life — it changed my career the state,” Pate said. “Then, I didn’t know FAAO, professor, led the VT clinic for 22 years. Katie Clore, OD, was the class of 2020-2023.
receiving this esteemed honor.” path, put amazing mentors and colleagues what amazing leaders in optometry the Hopkins launched the service after joining the named the 2020 Alabama
into my life that I still keep in touch with state of Alabama has in the profession. faculty in 1998. Optometric Association The mission of NAEVR is to achieve the best
The associate professor and the director of today, and helped me become a more Their mentorship has been invaluable.” (ALOA) Educator of the eye and vision care for all Americans through
residency programs first served as residency confident and well-rounded doctor,” ASSISTANT PROFESSOR RECEIVED Year. Clore is a longtime advocacy and public education for eye and
supervisor for Family Practice at UABSO she said. “It is my hope that each of our Pate has served as the ALOA’s Education UAB TEACHING AWARD UAB educator. After vision research sponsored by the National
receiving her Doctor of Optometry degree Institutes of Health (NIH) and its National Eye
in 2008. At that time, she was the direct UABSO graduates that pursues residency Committee Chair for four years and
Terri Call, OD, was awarded from UAB in 1982, she joined the optometry Institute (NEI), Department of Defense (DOD),
mentor to seven residents. As residency education will finish out their residency produced very successful meetings for the
the UAB 2020 President’s faculty as a primary care clinical instructor. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and
director since 2014, she has mentored with similar sentiments.” association. She continues to share her
Award for Excellence in other federal agencies. AEVR works to ensure
and worked with 69 additional residency expertise in the CE arena by serving on the
Teaching. The award is She is a proven leader in the field of the best eye and vision care for all Americans
graduates, several of whom have become Leading by example, Pate is committed ALOA Education Committee. optometric education. Clore is a past through the education of congressional
based solely on outstanding
faculty colleagues at UABSO or at the to volunteering within the profession of president and board member of ALOA. Clore legislators, government policymakers,
accomplishments in
school’s affiliated residency sites. optometry locally, statewide and nationally. She has also served on the ALOA’s Student currently serves as chair of the Association coalition partners, the media and consumers
teaching as demonstrated, in part, by her
She became involved in the Alabama Affairs Committee as a liaison between thorough knowledge of the subject area and of Contact Lens Educators (AOCLE). She is a about the value of eye and vision research.
Because of her leadership, each year the Optometric Association (ALOA) and the the association and the student leadership exemplary classroom instruction. manuscript reviewer for Review of Optometry
percentage of students from UAB entering Birmingham Area Optometric Society and faculty. Pate was named the Alabama Online, and a course review for several Few optometrists have been tapped to serve
residency programs exceeds the national immediately after completing her residency Optometric Association’s Young OD of the Call earned her doctor of optometry degree organizations, including the Southeastern as board members.
average. Pate believes the percentage of at UAB. These organizations shaped who Year in 2014 and the Alabama Optometric from the UAB School of Optometry in Educational Congress of Optometry
students pursuing residencies speaks to she is as an optometrist. Association’s Educator of the Year in 2019. 2015. She joined the faculty as an assistant (SECO), the Southwest Florida Optometric
10 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 11
F O C U S O N PAT I E N T C A R E F O C U S O N PAT I E N T C A R E
“I was in total shock; how could my
A Mother’s Journey: healthy baby, not be able to see and
potentially be completely blind?” Monk
said. “I broke down and started crying. As
Diagnosed as Blind, I looked up, Dr. Weise had tears in her
eyes and I could tell she was concerned
Baby Receives Hopeful
about Mary and myself. She reassured me
that we would find out exactly what was
happening with Mary.”
Future, Thorough Care Weise then referred Mary to neurologist
Jayne Ness, MD, PhD, at Children’s of
Alabama. After an MRI at age nine months,
Mary was diagnosed with Cortical Visual
Impairment (CVI).
Twin sisters Mary and 6-12 months. The program is designed to
“This virus is really rare, but is becoming
Emily are fighters! The
ensure that eye and vision care becomes
increasingly recognized,” Ness said. “They
an essential part of infant wellness care to
girls were born at 36 improve a child’s quality of life.
both contracted the virus and for reasons
we don’t understand, Mary was affected
weeks and contracted a more severely than her twin sister. Vision
brain infection caused
“A comprehensive eye exam by an
problems are often the first clue that
experienced pediatric optometrist or
by parechovirus at three ophthalmologist can uncover not only eye
something is going on with a baby’s brain.
Vision has early milestones. It’s invaluable
weeks old. When the problems, but also problems where vision
to have someone with expertise evaluate the
girls were six months
experts can use the eyes as a window
child if milestones are being missed.”
to the brain,” Kathy Weise, OD, MBA,
old, their mother, Tara FAAO, director of pediatric optometry
With Weise’s help, Monk was able to get
Monk, noticed her babies services, said.
Mary involved with Early Intervention,
weren’t hitting their vision Monk took both girls for an eye exam at age
where she receives vision, physical,
development milestones eight months.
occupational and speech therapies.
at the same time. The babies were seen by optometry
“Our Pediatric Optometry Service is part
THE MONK FAMILY
of an extensive network that includes
students, Weise and Tamara Oechlslin,
Mary did not follow the spoon when being specialists like Dr. Ness, developmental
OD, PhD, FAAO.
fed cereal and didn’t open her mouth until therapists and other healthcare providers
who work together to improve the well-
the spoon touched her lips. Emily, on the During the appointment, Emily had a slight GIFT OF SIGHT CHANGED, UAB EYE CARE INTRODUCED CLINIC ONE OF FIRST WITH DAILY
being of the child,” Weise said. “Our goal
other hand, watched the spoon and was eye turn, but was fine developmentally. CONTINUED DURING PANDEMIC TELEHEALTH CONTACT LENS TO SLOW MYOPIA
ready to eat. is to do whatever we can for our patients
Mary’s exam, however, had a different
to have the best outcomes possible.”
outcome. Her exam revealed that she could
Concerned, Monk took her baby girls be blind because of the parechovirus the
to their pediatrician for an evaluation. With guidance from the team at UAB Eye
babies experienced as newborns.
The doctor suggested that Mary may Care’s pediatric clinic, Mary has progressed.
be developing behind her sister and to
bring them back for another evaluation
“I remember talking to her “Mary has improved so much since we
at age nine months. The worried mother and using words like ‘visual started therapy,” she said. “She is able to do In its seventh year, the Gift of Sight is the UAB Eye Care introduced telehealth eye UAB Eye Care was one of the first clinics in the
her own ‘crawl’ and get where she wants to school’s biggest charity event. Organizers care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, country to have MiSight® 1 day contact lenses,
remained highly concerned. Not sure what impairment’ and ‘difficulty
to do next, she spoke with Jeanine Spoors, go. We are currently working on standing. held the event despite the COVID-19 allowing patients to receive eye care without a daily wear, single-use contact lens that slows
her cousin and a UAB School of Optometry
seeing,’ ” Weise said. “I struggled She can also drink from her cup and finger pandemic and provided free comprehensive leaving home. the progression of myopia.
third year student. to find the right words.” feed some food. She has so much potential eye exams and glasses to 227 low-income
and we want to encourage her to work hard and underinsured patients. Even though the
to achieve her goals. The girls turned two 2020 event wasn’t held over the typical
Spoors told her about UAB Eye Care’s Weise understood the impact the diagnosis
on July 3rd, 2020. The past two years have three-day period, more patients were served
InfantSEE program. InfantSEE, managed would have on Monk and what this
flown by! We are hopeful that as Mary overall than in the previous years. Instead of a
by Optometry Cares®, provides free prognosis meant for the baby, as well as
grows older, we will continue to see her multi-day event, patients became part of the
comprehensive eye exams to children ages her mother and family. clinic schedule at Western Health Center from
grow and improve.” ■
early-November to early-December.
12 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 13
R E S E A R C H & I N N O VAT I O N R E S E A R C H & I N N O VAT I O N
Dr. Jason Nichols Honored
for COVID-19 Papers 1 2 3 4
The American Public Health Association
(APHA) recognized Jason Nichols, OD,
MPH, PhD, FAAO, associate vice president for
research and professor at the UAB School of
Optometry, with its 2020 Vision Care Section
(VCS) Outstanding Scientific Paper Award.
Nichols was one of five of the world’s most
prominent ocular scientists to receive the
Important Considerations for Contact Lens
Practitioners” is among the top 0.2 percent 1 RESEARCHER SELECTED
AS NIH PEER REVIEWER
The goal of the research is to determine
factors that lead to age-related cataracts,
delineate the limits and boundaries of in
vivo vs. in vitro experiments on the retina.
NICHOLS
award. Two papers published by the group as of all research scored by the analytics service principally of lens structural proteins An additional aim will be to detail how a
the COVID-19 pandemic took root provided across all disciplines. They have received Marina Gorbatyuk, PhD, associate professor, (crystallins) that undergo aggregation and novel form of cone activation—via pulsed
NAMED AOA timely, evidence-based guidance to address widespread attention in more than 40 was invited by the National Institutes of subsequent precipitation that are inducible by infrared 2-photon excitation—may be used
LEGEND
and correct misinformation regarding safe countries, generating over 6,000 medical, Health (NIH) to serve as a peer reviewer in genetic mutations, and by their age-related for improved spatial stimulation of cones.
post-translational modifications. The results
4
contact lens wear. scientific and mainstream media stories the study section for the Biology of the Visual
with a potential reach eclipsing 6 billion. Systems Study Section, Center for Scientific will be of significant therapeutic value to delay GRANT RENEWAL FOR
In 2020, Dr. Jason Nichols “These papers were of significant importance The findings spurred the most cohesive Review. The appointment is for four years and the development and progression of age- RESEARCH ON IMAGING
received the Contact Lens to the ophthalmic community as they were alignment on a single public health issue by places Gorbatyuk at the heart of the NIH’s related cataracts, the most common causes AND STIMULATION OF
grant process. of blindness. PHOTORECEPTORS
Cornea Section Legends among the first to make evidence-based contact lens manufacturers, educators and
3
Award from the American recommendations for eyecare practitioners fitters in the last decade.
Optometric Association According to the NIH, membership on a study GRANT RENEWAL FOR Lawrence Sincich, PhD, associate professor
as they navigated the early days of COVID-19
(AOA). This award is section represents a major commitment CONE DYNAMICS RESEARCH and interim director of the graduate program,
in their clinical practices,” Nichols said. Lyndon Jones, DSc, director of the Centre received a grant renewal of $1.02 million from
given to optometrists who of professional time and energy as well as
for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) Timothy Kraft, PhD, professor and interim the NIH, continuing his research on imaging
demonstrate intellectual a unique opportunity to contribute to the
Their papers, “The COVID-19 Pandemic: at the University of Waterloo, initiated the associate dean for research, received a and microstimulation of photoreceptors, the
depth and passion toward national biomedical research effort. Study
Important Considerations for Contact Lens project and was lead author of the first paper. sections review grant applications submitted grant renewal of $464,046 from the NIH, cells in the eyes that allow people to see.
contact lenses, cornea or
Practitioners” and “The Ocular Surface, Mark Willcox, DSc, director of research at to the NIH, make recommendations on the continuing research about the comprehensive
refractive technology and
Coronaviruses and COVID-19”, and authors the School of Optometry and Vision Science applications to the appropriate NIH national quantification of cone dynamics. The cost Cell-resolved imaging can deepen the
quest for continued learning
were honored with the award during at UNSW (Sydney), headed up the second advisory council or board, and survey the for all four years is $1.77 million, and this understanding of how each cell contributes
and firm foundation of basic
APHA’s virtual 2020 Annual Meeting in late paper, with Karen Walsh, MCOptom, status of research in their fields of science. notice is the award of year two of the four to signals that create the visual world and
and clinical sciences of
October for contributing “significantly to the professional education team leader and years. Lawrence Sincich, PhD, associate how disease might alter such signals. With
2
contact lenses and anterior
segment. Recipients also
advancement of eye/vision care in the public clinical scientist at the CORE, Nichols and R01 GRANT TO STUDY professor and interim director of the Vision the development of adaptive optics retinal
must exhibit exceptional health field.” The gathering is the largest Philip Morgan, PhD, director of Eurolens CATARACT DEVELOPMENT Science Graduate Program, is the co-principle imaging that assesses how photoreceptors
public health conference in the world. Research at the University of Manchester, investigator of the project. function, Sincich is hopeful that it can be used
leadership skills and
contributing to both. ■ Researcher Om Srivastava, PhD, professor, to detect the earlier stages of retinal disease
mentoring, innovation and
Both papers hold the highest ever hopes to slow the progression of age-related The primary aims of this grant are to generate for patients.
desire to advance research.
Altmetric scores for the journals in which cataracts, the most common causes of a more comprehensive characterization of
they were published, regardless of topic. blindness in the world. He was awarded a cone photoreceptor physiology in cone- This grant continues a Bioengineering
$1.57 million, four-year R01 grant from the dominated animals, including primates. Research Partnership with the University
Moreover, “The COVID-19 Pandemic:
NIH to study the mechanism of age-related These data will be used to develop a complete of California–Berkeley, the University of
cataract development. theoretical model of response properties California–San Francisco and Montana
based on cone phototransduction which will State University.
be of great use to vision scientists and may
14 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 15
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
FACULTY PROMOTED TO PROFESSOR NEW PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY INTRODUCED
Drs. Marina Gorbatyuk, Tim Gawne and A residency at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute (VEI) in Nashville, TN, was launched, bringing the
Caroline Pate were promoted to professor. Each total number of residency programs available at the UAB School of Optometry to seven, with
talented professor makes a unique contribution a total of 12 positions. This is one of two pediatric residencies available. The other is in-house
to UABSO. Gorbatyuk’s research focuses on the at UAB Eye Care, the clinical arm of the UAB School of Optometry.
biochemistry and molecular biology of degenerating
UABSO Welcomes Largest
photoreceptors. Gawne’s primary research interest The residency, which has one position available, began undergoing the accreditation process
is in the neural circuitry that actively controls eye during its first year. The opportunity trains competent and compassionate optometrists who
growth during infancy and childhood. Pate’s area of provide high-quality, evidence-based pediatric eye care and are prepared for a career in a
Class in its History
focus is eye diseases of the anterior segment. She medical and/or academic setting.
also serves as the director of residency programs.
FACULTY LEARNED A
NEW TEACHING METHOD
CEVS faculty prepared to introduce
students to VRmagic binocular simulators.
With 60 new students and two It also helped that the Henry Peters Building can now
accommodate a higher number of students. During renovations,
Fifty students were admitted for the first time
in 2012. This remained the maximum number
With this addition to the clinical learning
experience, students will experience
returning students, the UAB completed in 2020, classroom, pre-clinic, locker room and lounge of students prior to reaching 60 entering high-end virtual reality technology and
School of Optometry’s class
space was added or increased. This includes a new simulation students in a single class in 2020. real-time tissue simulation. There’ll be a
lab on the fourth floor. Existing common areas throughout the highly-immersive training experience. This
of 2024 is the largest class in building were updated or made larger as well. Nichols views the recent increase as one that’s technology will be a great compliment to
in keeping with why the optometry school was traditional teaching.
the school’s 51-year history. Due to COVID-19, the entire class was unable to meet in person established 51 years ago.
during the calender year. Orientation was held virtually for one NEW FACULTY WELCOMED TWO NEW CLINIC SITES ADDED
“While 2020 might be known as a year of challenges, our week, with only CPR certifications being held at the Henry Peters “The school exists because there was a need
recruitment cycle for the class of 2024 was a notable exception,” Building in very small groups. With the exception of labs, their for optometrists in Alabama,” she said. “Even Juan “Jenny” Huang, PhD, Cahaba Medical Care’s West End location
said Dean Kelly K. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO. “We did not classes were online or hybrid courses. Still, administrators didn’t though our footprint now extends outside OD, MPH, joined the faculty and the metro area location of the Alabama
notice any less enthusiasm from the class of 2024. the state, the need still exists to ensure the in late-2019 as an assistant Regional Medical Services (ARMS) became
experience any difficulty in filling our class at UAB this year. With
availability of eye and vision care in both rural professor, tenure track. additional sites for students and doctors to
the leadership of Dr. Gerald Simon, along with determination
Connie Wright, Student Affairs program manager said, “They were and metropolitan areas. What has changed provide weekly care in the community.
from the entire Student Affairs team and admissions committee,
we were able to go above and beyond with both class size and the as enthusiastic as any other first year class and we were just as is our ability to effectively educate and train
excited to have them become part of the UABSO family.” a greater number of students than before.” Jillian Ziemanski, OD, MS,
quality of the matriculating students.”
PhD, FAAO, was hired as a
Class sizes at the UAB School of Optometry have changed several Because our class sizes remain smaller than full-time assistant professor,
The class of 2024 has an average GPA of 3.61 and the Optometry tenure track. Ziemanski first
Admission Test (OAT) scores well above the national average. times over the years. Nine students were admitted to the first class most optometry schools, I have no doubt
joined the faculty in 2017 as a
in 1969. However, Henry Peters, OD, MPH, founding dean, had his that our students will still be able to form
research assistant professor.
“Because the number of qualified applicants was so great, we sights set on admitting 40 students once the school was established. the lifelong friendships and relationships
decided to accept students, rather than wait-list them,” said Gerald with instructors that result from a close-knit Natalie West,
Simon, OD, director of Student Affairs. “Their qualifications “Although it was Dr. Peters’ goal to admit 40 students by the mid- family atmosphere. We don’t anticipate we OD, and
greatly influenced our decision to grow the class.” 1970s, this didn’t actually occur until 1978,” said John Amos, OD, will always have a class this size. This was Keisha Brown,
former dean and professor emeritus. “Over the next several decades truly a remarkable recruiting year. We are OD, joined
this was, within one or two students, the number admitted.” confident the class of 2024 will carry on the as assistant
hallmark excellence and family spirit that professors.
defines UABSO.” ■
16 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 17
A L U M N I E XC E L L E N C E A L U M N I E XC E L L E N C E
“As I like to say, I grew up working on the
family farm,” he said. “I’ve done every job at
DR. PAUL BATSON NAMED UABSO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
2020 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
the office: painter, plumber, optician, etc., CONTINUES IMPACT
so it was natural for me to always want to Paul Batson, OD, class of 1998, was named
The Alumni Association has served the UAB School of
be an optometrist and follow in my father’s the 2020 Alumnus of the Year by the UAB
Optometry in many ways over the years. Even given the
footsteps. My father was very much a mentor School of Optometry Alumni Association.
challenges of 2020, the association was able to have
and inspiration for both my brother, Jim H. In addition to being an alumnus, he has been a part-time faculty
several impactful accomplishments:
Day, Jr., OD, and myself.” member in ocular disease for nearly two decades.
Batson serves as Center Director for VisionAmerica’s Birmingham • Completed the pledge of $25,000 to UABSO for
While reflecting on how optometry has
office where he specializes in the diagnosis and management scholarship support
evolved since 1920, Howard Day said that
of complex eye diseases as well as the pre- and post-operative • Completed the Dr. L. Don Snellgrove Endowed
the profession of optometry has changed
management of a variety of surgical procedures. Scholarship in Optometry
significantly, but has remained the same
when it comes to patient care. Optometrists His contributions to students at the UAB School of Optometry • Awarded six existing endowed scholarships to
still practice at the highest level their license have been immeasurable. Batson has been a faculty member deserving students
allows, using the latest technology. for 17 years. • Converted previously pledged AOSA student travel
funds to attend the AOA/OM into scholarship dollars
Day Eye Care has grown to include five He is a member of the American Optometric Association, Alabama to aid students
optometrists and an MD. Howard Day’s Optometric Association and the Birmingham Area Optometric
Society. Batson has served as Chairman of the Continuing • Recognized Dr. Paul Batson as the 2020 Alumnus of
wife, Sharon Day, OD, UABSO class of 1987,
Education Committee for the Alabama Optometric Association and the Year and Dr. Thomas Pinkston as our 2020 Young
is one of the optometrists on staff. The two
is a past president of the Association. Alumnus of the Year
met as students at UABSO and have been
married for 33 years. They remain involved • Hosted and helped fund the networking alumni reception
In 2003, he was recognized by his peers as the Alabama Young at the 2020 SECO in Atlanta, GA
with the school in a number of ways. For
Optometrist of the Year. Batson was also recognized by his peers in
instance, the couple has endowed the Day
2015 and awarded the Alabama Optometrist of the Year Award for None of these achievements would be possible without the
Alumnus’ Day Eye Care
Family Endowed Scholarship in Optometry
his outstanding services on behalf of the profession and the visual financial support of graduates through their membership
and sponsored some of the new school welfare of the public. and donations to the UABSO Alumni Association.
renovations. Sharon Day is currently the
Celebrates 100 Years
Alumni Association’s president-elect.
DR. TOMMY PINKSTON
“The many ways that Drs. NAMED 2020 YOUNG UABSO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Howard and Sharon Day support ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR BOARD OFFICERS 2019-2020
On November 7, 2020, Day Eye Care celebrated an our students and our school are
epic milestone—100 years of providing eye and vision Tommy Pinkston, OD, class of 2012, was President Secretary/Treasurer
appreciated beyond measure,” said named the 2020 Young Alumnus of the
Bill Tillman, OD (‘86) Sharon Day, OD (‘87)
care. It was on this day in 1920 that Frances J. Day, Dean Kelly K. Nichols, OD, MPH, Year by the UAB School of Optometry
Andalusia, AL Gardendale, AL
Sr., OD, received his reciprocity license in Alabama PhD, FAAO. “It is clear the family Alumni Association. President-Elect Immediate Past President
allowing him to open the optometry practice. is passionate about optometry. After earning his doctor of optometry degree from UAB, he
Candice Turner, OD (‘03)
Birmingham, AL
Caleb Gardner, OD (‘08)
Greenville, AL
They live in the present while completed a residency in ocular disease and refractive surgery
with Woolfson Eye Institute in Atlanta, GA. During his residency,
preparing for their future and the
Pinkston became involved with the Georgia Optometric Society
Howard Day, OD, Next, World War II began, and Frances futures of others.” MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Joel Jenkins (‘83)
and facilitated the beginning of their young OD program in 2013.
UABSO class of Day was diagnosed with hypertension. Athens, GA
Term Expiring 2020
1987, is Frances He passed away in 1945 at 50 years old. Howard Day said the future is bright Pinkston also volunteered with the Greater Atlanta Optometric
Jamie Hill (‘09) Term Expiring 2022
Day’s grandson. He His two sons, however, were able to for optometry. Society. As a result of his involvement, in 2015 he was named Charleston, SC Tim Ansley (‘14)
shared that obtaining sustain the family business. F. J. Day, Jr., Young OD of the Year by the Georgia Optometric Association. Helena, AL
the license wasn’t OD, had joined the practice after serving “Never before has there been such Susan Persall (‘01)
easy. However, as an optometrist in World War II. Not In 2016, Pinkston moved to North Carolina to join his classmate, Hartselle, AL Haley Perry (‘09)
need for our services,” he said. “Visual
during the 1920s long after in 1950, Jim H. Day, Sr., OD, Aimee McBride, OD, in private practice. He and McBride Fletcher, NC
requirements will continue to expand with
own Haywood Family Eye Care, a growing private practice in Term Expiring 2021
Birmingham was booming. joined as well. computerization of just about all aspects of
Waynesville, NC. Gussie Branch (‘16) Samara Perryman (‘17)
our lives. And the technology to help our Oneonta, AL Troy, AL
“Things were great until the depression Howard Day has worked at the practice patients will grow as well. For my fellow and Their practice has been in Waynesville since 1955 and has
came, and I have letters where he had since childhood and owns the practice future optometrists, my father would say, experienced tremendous growth over the past few years. Brooke Kaplan (‘12) Valencia Wells (‘09)
to work out payments with equipment today. ‘Treat your patients like they’re friends and Mountain Brook, AL Birmingham, AL
suppliers to stay afloat,” he said. family and they’ll send you their friends and Pinkston’s commitment to being an advocate for the profession
family.’ I know my grandfather would be continues in North Carolina. He was elected president of the
proud of optometry today.” ■ Mountain District Optometric Society in 2019.
18 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 19SPECIAL HONORS & RETIREMENTS SPECIAL HONORS & RETIREMENTS
FAC U LT Y & S TA F F DR. FELTON
PERRY RETIRED
Dr. Felton Perry, OD, joined the faculty
part-time upon graduating from the UAB
Another highlight for Perry was working on
the Black Belt clinic initiative to provide eye
RETIREMENTS
School of Optometry in 1974 as a part-time and vision care in Alabama’s poorest region.
AFTER 45 YEARS clinical assistant professor while operating He partnered with Mary Jean Sanspree,
a private practice. He provided leadership PhD, former director and associate scientist
as director of Community Eye Care from of education and research in Vision
1996 to 2018, becoming the longest-serving Science Research, and Shirley Wilson, EdS,
director of CEC. He was director of the Black Belt Adult Eye Care Clinic project
University Optometric Group from 2012 coordinator, on the initiative. This program,
to 2017. Within the Alabama Optometric begun in 2002, continues today and has
Association, he rose through the leadership provided care to more than 13,000 patients
ranks and served as President in 1986-87. in underserved communities.
Perry also served the profession as a member
of the Optometric Peer Review Committee His passion was always patient care,
for the Alabama Medicaid Agency. especially as an attending doctor for CEC,
the community outreach arm of the UAB
Amongst his career highlights are being School of Optometry.
named Optometrist of the Year by the
Alabama Optometric Association and “Giving back to the community was always
serving on the Alabama Vision Services something I felt like was important,” he said.
board of directors. This organization “I am an Alabama native, and when I went
eventually became VSP Vision Care. to the UAB School of Optometry I was able
to benefit from in-state tuition. Part of my
Trana Mars Debbie Barnes Scelelar “BB” Jefferson Vicki Fetui “I had a chance to be involved in the growth tuition was paid for by the state, so I wanted
26 YEARS 18 YEARS 21 YEARS 14.5 YEARS
of VSP from a state by state level all the way
to the national level,” he said.
to serve the community to pay that back.
Optometry has been good to me.”
After 26 years of service, Trana Mars retired certification during her tenure at UABSO. August 31st. “There are so many things I will
from the UAB School of Optometry. She miss about being at the school. It has become
joined UAB Eye Care as a receptionist in 1994 Scelelar “BB” Jefferson retired after 21 years a part of my life watching and hopefully Research, Visual Neuroscience and the
and became the first clinic coordinator. Mars of service at the UAB School of Optometry. helping these young interns grow into fine DR. MICHAEL Journal of Comparative Physiology. He
found her permanent home in pediatrics. She She joined the school as a title cashier, and young doctors,” Vicki says. “At times I feel
LOOP RETIRED had 46 papers and abstracts along with
AFTER 42 YEARS
reflects fondly on being part of the COMET held several other positions within UABSO. In like an intern myself, still learning new things 22 invited presentations.
study, working closely with Dr. Wendy 2008 she became a member of the CEC team from doctors here who have become more
Marsh-Tootle to help build the number of as program coordinator. She earned the CEC than just doctors, but also my friends. And After 42 years at the UAB School of Among his other career highlights is
participating patients. The team would pack clinic coordinator title in 2011, a position she the staff…what on earth can I say about the
Optometry, Michael Loop, PhD, associate receiving first place study section rank
up Dr. Marsh-Tootle’s station wagon to travel held until retirement. BB was the heart of Gift staff? Some people here have been mainstays
professor of Optometry and Vision order grants at the National Institutes of
and conduct screenings. of Sight, UABSO’s largest giving event, since it and ‘go tos’ and have helped me with so many
Sciences, retired effective April 30th. Health and National Science Foundation.
began six years ago. things through the years. And some have
In 1987, he received fan mail from
Debbie Barnes, optician, has retired after 18 become my lifelong friends. I will forever be
Loop joined the school’s faculty in 1978 Nobel Laureate Torsten Wiesel, who
years of service to the school and patients. Following 14.5 years at UAB Eye Care and the grateful for my years and experience here at
Barnes held her American Board of Opticianry School of Optometry, Vicki Fetui retired on the School of Optometry.”
as an assistant professor of Physiological won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Optics and Psychology following a three- Medicine 1981 for discoveries concerning
year stint as a visiting assistant professor information processing in the visual
in the Department of Physiology and system. Torsten wrote to say that he
Biophysics at the University of Illinois at greatly enjoyed reading Loop’s article in
Urbana-Champaign. In addition, he held the Journal of Physiology and requested a
DR. ROBERT KLEINSTEIN postdoctoral positions at the University of copy. Torsten was grateful that the article
NAMED PROFESSOR EMERITUS Virginia School of Medicine and Florida clarified a number of issues for him.
State University.
Robert Kleinstein, OD, MPH, PhD, retired UAB School of Optometry professor, was
Loop also proudly graduated 11 master’s
appointed Professor Emeritus in the Department of Optometry and Vision Science
During his tenure at UAB, Loop had 46 students and eight PhD students.
by the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System. Kleinstein retired in
publications in journals such as Vision
2019 following 45 years of service. When starting his career, Kleinstein said he never
imagined that this title would be bestowed upon him.
20 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 21SPECIAL HONORS & RETIREMENTS SPECIAL HONORS & RETIREMENTS
Multidisciplinary Sjögren’s Syndrome “The question I have is what can we
The 2020 Springer Clinic and the Kensington Vision and learn about prevention. How can we find
Lecture honored Research Centre’s Therapeutic Contact
Lens Clinic.
the Sjögren’s patients early enough to
prevent the destruction of the lacrimal
Toronto-based gland? How can we prevent meibomian
optometrist Barbara Through the years, she has charted the gland obstruction? What is good
Caffery, OD, PhD, evolution of how optometrists prescribe
contact lenses.
preventative dry eye hygiene and does
diet matter?”
FAAO. During her
lecture, titled “Corneas, When she entered the profession, a The first Canadian woman to serve as
Contact Lenses and contact lens appointment would last
one hour as doctors measured and
president of the American Academy of
Optometry, Caffery believes optometrists
the Vale of Tears,” tried various lenses and calculated. have the responsibility of asking
she noted the current Now contact lens fittings are done questions and thoroughly observing
leading matters of quickly with little measuring unless
the patient is receiving specialty lenses
their patient’s in order to understand the
history of eye disease and to question
concern being faced by like scleral lenses. One thing that has clinical norms.
optometrists as well as not changed, despite technological
the role of optometrists advances in contact lens materials and
disposability, is the rate of contact lens-
“There is so much to question in every
observation that we make,” she said. “We
in unveiling the natural related infections. The only change is are the finest observers of the eye and we
history of eye disease. that daily disposable contact lenses have need to use our collective observations to
lowered the rate of serious infections. As unveil the natural history of eye diseases.
According to Caffery, one of the a result of this knowledge, she believes Clinical research is important. There are
important current challenges is optometrists should prescribe daily diamonds in every chart.”
understanding how devices, such as lenses more frequently.
computers, tablets and cellphones, Caffery is the 22nd Springer Lecture
change our eyes over time. Are we Caffery has noted how the treatment and honoree. Due to the COVID-19
creating dry eye disease through our evaluation of Sjögren’s syndrome have pandemic, the December 11th lecture
lifestyles? Another matter worthy of changed as well. was held live via Zoom. ■
focus is the need for more optometrists
to contribute to the understanding of eye “Most important to me has been the
disease through clinical research. recognition of Sjögren’s syndrome by ABOUT THE SPRINGER LECTURE
optometrists,” Caffery said. “I hope
that my thesis work contributed to The lecture is supported by the Nathaniel
“Our offices serve all communities so
E. Springer Memorial Fund, which was
the social and ethnic differences can be that. Then came the evolution of the
established in 1999 to bring distinguished
analyzed,” she said. “This will greatly definition of dry eye disease through the
visual scientists or clinicians to the School
contribute to our understanding of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society.
of Optometry to share knowledge with
prevalence and natural history of dry We learned about inflammation,
faculty and students.
eye, for example, in all populations.” recognized symptoms and understood
the complexity of the disease.” The fund was created by Donald Springer,
Caffery is a known expert on contact lens O.D., who was instrumental in the founding
and Sjögren’s syndrome. She completed She added that today’s treatments are of the School of Optometry and a leader in
directed at the known pathophysiology
Caffery Featured as 2020
her PhD program in Vision Science at optometry in Alabama and the U.S. along
the University of Waterloo in 2009 upon with anti-inflammatories and with other members of the Springer family,
defending her thesis titled, “Sjögren’s autologous serum tears, for example. We in memory of Springer’s father Nathaniel E.
have also recognized the importance of
Springer Lecture Honoree
Syndrome: A Clinical and Biochemical Springer. Donald Springer died in 2011.
Analysis.” Currently, she is a member the meibomian glands.
of the University Health Network
22 2020 EDITION UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY DEAN'S REPORT 23You can also read
