The UAB Department of Ophthalmology has changed its name to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, a move to reflect the comprehensive scope of services the department provides ranging from state-of-the-art patient care, comprehensive education for the next generation of ophthalmologists, and groundbreaking research.
“This recent department change in name reflects the broadening scope and achievements of our faculty,” says Christopher A. Girkin, M.D., MSPH, EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. “The Callahan Eye Hospital and UAB Ophthalmology have an established partnership providing outstanding regional clinical care and in educating the next generation of ophthalmologists. The department has maintained a highly-productive group of researchers, and recent investments in the department have allowed for substantial growth in our research portfolio. This new name now features not only our clinical and educational missions, but also our research accomplishments. It is my sincere hope that the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences continues to develop as a national leader in all aspects of its mission.”
The updated name also aligns the department with other major national and international ophthalmic departments.
The department was originally established at the time the UAB School of Medicine was founded in 1945. The department currently consists of 49 faculty members, 15 residents, and 9 fellows.