News

Kelly K. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO, dean of the School of Optometry at UAB, has been named Alabama Educator of the Year by the Alabama Optometric Association.

Apply today to receive free vision care services at the annual Gift of Sight, hosted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry and UAB Eye Care, Nov. 30 - Dec. 4. The event will be held at the Jefferson County Western Health Center, located at 631 Bessemer Superhighway, Midfield, Alabama.

Katherine Clore, OD, professor at the UAB School of Optometry, is retiring after a career dedicated to the school and the optometric profession. Throughout her career, she has been an educator, clinician and leader who helped shape generations of optometrists.

Your vision benefits expire Dec. 31

Om Srivastava, PhD, has been appointed professor emeritus of optometry at the UAB School of Optometry. The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved the appointment Sept. 11, 2026, in recognition of Srivastava's service and years of dedication to the Department of Optometry and Vision Science.

by Tamarreo Tatum

Aric Lyons, Class of 2027, was named the 2026 Armed Forces Optometric Society Student (AFOS) of the Year. An Army Health Professions Scholarship Program student commissioned in 2024, Lyons was recognized for his leadership, academic achievement and commitment to service.

by Tamarreo Tatum

The UAB School of Optometry's Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) chapter expanded its impact during its annual mission trip to Bocas del Toro Province, Panama, providing comprehensive eye care to 468 patients, a significant increase from the 341 patients served the previous year.

by Tamarreo Tatum

Jennifer Carlisle, OD, Class of 2019, an optometrist at Gordy Eye Care in Phenix City, Alabama, has published Super Sight: An Alphabet Coloring Book About Eyes. Designed for children, the book introduces eye care and vision concepts through an A-to-Z format while helping young readers develop motor skills and feel more comfortable about visiting the eye doctor.

Known for her kind, calm and caring nature, Connie Wright retires from the UAB School of Optometry's Office of Student Affairs after 33 years of service to UAB, including 28 years with the School of Optometry.

by Satina Richardson 

Leah Grant, OD, has joined the UAB School of Optometry as an assistant professor. After completing a residency in pediatric optometry at the school in 2026, she chose to remain at UAB, where the experience reinforced her commitment to optometric education.

Jennifer Maples, OD, FAAO, graduated from the UAB School of Optometry in 2004 and has spent the past two decades caring for patients in a variety of clinical settings, with special interests in medical optometry, specialty contact lenses and dry eye disease. Following graduation, she completed a residency at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. She is board certified by both the American Board of Optometry and the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).

Why are children becoming increasingly nearsighted? And why does nearsightedness, or myopia, progress much faster in some children than in others?

JoAnndria Brown, OD, has joined the UAB School of Optometry faculty as an assistant professor. She joined the faculty following her Cornea and Contact Lens Residency at the school and will continue focusing on this specialty.

Mintie Keiser has been honored with the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award for staff, presented by Dean Kelly Nichols. The award recognizes individuals whose exceptional service, dedication and leadership make a meaningful difference in advancing the mission and success of the UAB School of Optometry.

Caroline Pate, OD, FAAO, has received the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award for faculty, presented by Dean Kelly Nichols. The award recognizes exemplary leadership and service to the UAB School of Optometry and honors individuals who make exceptional contributions to advancing the school’s mission.

Annual eye exams are important, especially before the school year starts. “A comprehensive eye exam is about more than determining whether your child can see 20/20,” said Janelle Sventek, O.D., a pediatric optometrist at UAB Eye Care.

by Tamarreo Tatum

Urvi Patel, class of 2028, has been elected trustee of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Executive Council. Her election continues the UAB School of Optometry's tradition of student representation in the organization.

by Tamarreo Tatum

Mason Martin, Class of 2029, has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship through the VSP Vision Student Business Challenge, recognizing his early commitment to private practice and expanding access to care.

The VSP Vision Student Business Challenge helps students nationwide apply business and leadership skills to real-world practice scenarios before entering the profession.