Bailey is a 2016 graduate of UABSO who completed her residency in Binocular Vision and Pediatric Optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry/Illinois Eye Institute. She is one of the newest faculty members and was recently named assistant professor. Dr. Bailey provides care and instruction in both the general and pediatric clinics at UAB Eye Care.

Describe yourself in 3 words. Loyal, independent, inquisitive.

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming/current students, what would it be? It’s all about balance! Make time for the healthy things you love—exercise, music, reading, hiking, etc.

Why did you become an optometrist? Improving people’s quality of life daily, treating vision-related barriers to literacy and learning in kids, (usually) no blood or needles, being able to practice before I turned 30 and no on-call! :)

If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why? The ability to fly! For obvious reasons (it’d be awesome).

Is there anything about you that your students or other faculty may not know? I have read 20 books so far this year.

What do you enjoy most in the clinic?  That light-bulb-moment when a student makes a mental connection.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment outside of the field of Optometry? Being there for my only sibling, my sister who is 11 years younger than me, and hopefully setting a good example for her.