The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Surgical Skills Laboratory at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye represents a transformative investment in surgical education for the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Opened in December 2025 following a year-long renovation, the laboratory expands hands-on training opportunities for residents while also supporting fellows and faculty.
Designed to elevate UAB’s education mission, the modernized space integrates advanced surgical simulation technology with expanded wet lab capacity. Residents can now participate in immersive, standardized surgical training and structured skills assessment in a low-risk environment that mirrors real-world clinical scenarios. Multiple wet lab stations, high-resolution visualization and integrated video capabilities allow for live demonstration, recording and detailed feedback, enabling trainees to build technical precision, confidence and consistency before entering the operating room.
Infrastructure upgrades, including improved workflow design, secure access and enhanced safety protocols, further strengthen the lab’s role as a dedicated education hub. The expanded capacity allows multiple learners to train simultaneously, significantly increasing access to simulation-based surgical experience and reinforcing UAB’s leadership in comprehensive ophthalmic training.
Advanced Training Technology
The lab features an immersive surgical simulator, providing standardized, module-based training in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. Detailed performance metrics and sequential skill progression allow trainees to build proficiency through repetition and objective feedback.
Multiple wet lab stations are equipped with surgical microscopes, foot pedals and high-resolution displays. Integrated video capabilities support live demonstrations, recording and structured feedback, enhancing both in-person and virtual instruction.
Together, these tools allow residents and fellows to practice surgical techniques, refine fine motor skills and prepare for increasingly complex cases in a safe, high-impact learning environment.
Impact on Education
The Surgical Skills Laboratory strengthens every stage of ophthalmic training at UAB. Residents gain earlier exposure to surgical techniques, fellows refine advanced skills and faculty leverage cutting-edge tools for teaching and curriculum development. The modernized infrastructure also improves workflow, safety and collaborative learning.
By integrating simulation, wet lab practice and structured feedback, the lab advances UAB Ophthalmology’s longstanding commitment to excellence in graduate medical education — ultimately enhancing patient care across Alabama and beyond.
Philanthropy is the Key to our Progress
The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Surgical Skills Laboratory was made possible by the generosity of The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, the International Retinal Research Foundation, Inc. and other donors committed to advancing ophthalmic education and patient care.
To support educational innovation and programs like the Surgical Skills Laboratory, please visit our Give page or contact the department for more information.