Alston Callahan, M.D., FACS, painted by Everett Kinstler in 1986Sight Savers America has named Alston Callahan, M.D., FACS, and Michael A. Callahan, M.D., FACS, as the 2026 Hall W. Thompson Heroes for Sight, recognizing two generations whose leadership and dedication have shaped the future of eye care in Alabama and beyond.
The annual honor recognizes individuals or organizations whose impact on children’s eye care has been both lasting and profound. Sight Savers America will celebrate the Callahans at its 2026 Hero for Sight event in May, with installation on the organization’s Hero for Sight Tribute Wall in July at UAB Hospital-Callahan EyeUAB Hospital-Callahan EyeUAB Hospital-Callahan Eye.
The recognition highlights the enduring legacy of Dr. Alston Callahan, a pioneering ophthalmologist whose vision helped transform eye care in the Southeast. After World War II, Callahan organized and chaired the first Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at what is now the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine and later founded the Eye Foundation Hospital, which opened in 1964 and would eventually become today’s UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye. He also established an ophthalmology residency program that continues to train future leaders in the field.
Over the course of his career, Callahan advanced surgical techniques, helped pioneer ophthalmic plastic surgery and authored numerous publications while lecturing internationally. In 1997, he founded the International Retinal Research Foundation, dedicated to advancing research to combat retinal diseases.
Michael A. Callahan, M.D., FACSHis son, Michael A. Callahan, continues that legacy today as professor of ophthalmology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and director of ophthalmic plastic surgery at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye. A nationally respected surgeon and educator, he has spent decades advancing patient care, mentoring young physicians and supporting initiatives that expand access to vision services.
Throughout his career, Michael Callahan has served in numerous leadership roles, including president of the medical staff at Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital and president of the International Retinal Research Foundation. His humanitarian efforts include global surgical mission work with ORBIS and more than 15 years providing eye care in Nicaragua.
The Hero for Sight Tribute Wall, located in the first-floor lobby of UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye, has honored individuals advancing vision care since 2014. The 2026 installation will feature artwork by Shellyann Siddoo, a blind artist who creates powerful paintings inspired by her own journey of resilience after losing her sight in a lab accident.
Since 1997, Sight Savers America has worked to ensure children across Alabama receive essential eye care services, from their first pair of glasses to advanced treatment for severe vision impairment. Through partnerships with organizations such as UAB Callahan Eye, the nonprofit helps connect families with clinics, vision aids and surgical care at no cost to qualifying patients.
The 2026 recognition celebrates the Callahan family’s enduring influence on the field of ophthalmology and their shared commitment to improving vision and expanding access to eye care for future generations.
Learn more about the 2026 Hero for Sight awardees.