Media contact: Savannah Koplon
Kathy Weise, O.D., MBA, FAAOKathy Weise, O.D., MBA, FAAO, professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Optometry and director of UAB Eye Care Pediatric Optometry Services, has been awarded the 6th Annual Hall W. Thompson Hero for Sight Award from Sight Savers America.
The Hall W. Thompson Hero for Sight Award is given annually to an individual or organization that has made a profound impact on children’s eye care.
Sight Savers, a nonprofit organization based in Pelham, Alabama, offers programs that provide children with exceptional eyecare including eye examinations, eyeglasses, specialty glasses, vision therapy, low-vision evaluations, electronic video magnifiers, optical vision aids, other treatments, and referrals for surgery and other ophthalmological services. The services are provided — at no cost to children from low-income families. UAB has had a partnership with Sight Savers for more than 20 years.
“This honor represents a true team effort by UAB Eye Care, students, faculty and administration,” Weise said. “A child who gets an eye exam at UAB Eye Care through Sight Savers America helps us and our students go on to help exponentially more children. There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing a child light up when he discovers better vision for the first time and knowing that we have improved the quality of life for a child.”