About
At the Clinical Eye Research Facility (CERF), housed within the UAB School of Optometry, we continue a proud legacy of innovation and discovery in vision science. As our scope and impact grow, our clinician scientists remain leaders in clinical research—designing, executing, analyzing, and reporting studies of all sizes and complexities. From extramurally funded projects and single-site investigator-initiated trials to large, multi-site industry-sponsored protocols, CERF is equipped to deliver excellence at every stage.
Our work spans all ages,
with specialized expertise in:
Pediatric eye development and myopia control
Age-related retinal biomarkers in neurodegenerative and vascular diseases
Ocular surface immunology and dry eye disease
Research Capabilities
Clinical Research Capabilities
CERF offers dedicated clinical research space, experienced personnel, and a flexible environment built to support a wide range of study designs.
Located within the UAB School of Optometry, our 1,250-square-foot facility includes four exam lanes, three specialty testing rooms, administrative offices, secure storage, a waiting area, and space for team and sponsor meetings. We also embed trials within UAB Eye Care when protocols benefit from a real-world clinical setting.
Translational Research Capabilities
Our translational research program links clinical observation with molecular and imaging-based investigation.
Using multimodal approaches across human studies, cell culture, and animal models, CERF supports deeper investigation of complex eye and vision questions. Our team also benefits from access to the UAB Vision Science Research Center and wet lab resources that strengthen translational research in ocular disease.
Areas of Emphasis
CERF advances eye and vision research through focused, patient-centered areas of study. These research areas support earlier detection, better treatment, and improved long-term outcomes.
Pediatric Ocular Development
How children's eyes grow, function, and change over time.
Dry Eye & Sjögren’s Disease
Tear composition and systemic factors linked to dry eye.
Refractive Error Correction
Glasses and contact lens solutions for different ages and needs.
Ophthalmic Imaging & Biomarkers
Advanced imaging for earlier detection and treatment monitoring.
Myopia Control
Treatments that may slow myopia progression in children and teens.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Early retinal changes linked to diabetes and vision loss.
Contact Lens Performance
Lens materials and care systems that affect comfort, vision, and eye health.
Retinal & Neurological Health
Retinal signs associated with neurological disease and degeneration.
Ocular Surface Physiology
Tear film, epithelial health, and gland function that support visual comfort.
Our Researchers
CERF brings together clinician-scientists with expertise across ocular surface disease, pediatric vision, refractive care, retinal health, imaging, and translational research.
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Assistant ProfessorEdmund Arthur
OD, PhD, FAAO
- Retinal imaging, diabetic eye disease, Alzheimer’s biomarkers
- View Research
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Safal Khanal
OD, PhD, FAAO
- Myopia, refractive development, ocular growth
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Professor and DeanKelly K. Nichols
OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO
- Dry eye, ocular surface disease, tear biomarkers
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Associate ProfessorTamara S. Oechslin
OD, PhD, FAAO
- Pediatric optometry, binocular vision, vision therapy, vision and learning
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ProfessorJanene Sims
OD, PhD, FAAO
- Introduction to clinic, compulink, primary care optometry, community eye care, vision screenings, providing eye care and education to underserved areas
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Associate ProfessorCandice I. Turner
OD
- Ocular pharmacology, Clinical skills and methods, Clinical management
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Associate ProfessorSandra E. Wang-Harris
OD, MPH, FAAO
- Community Eye Health, Low Vision, Ophthalmic Optics, Contact Lenses and Special Needs Populations
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Associate ProfessorJillian F. Ziemanski
OD, MS, PhD, FAAO
- Sjogren's syndrome, dry eye, MGD, glaucoma diagnosis and management, retinal imaging, assessment of systemic diseases relevant to optometry, recognition and management of in-office emergencies using simulation
- View Research
Participate in a Study
Help advance eye care by joining a clinical research study at CERF.
Our studies explore eye health across the lifespan, from pediatric vision development to dry eye, retinal disease, and other age-related conditions. Participants may receive study-related eye exams, access to advanced imaging, and the opportunity to contribute to research that improves patient care.
Current Studies
Title: Novel Retinal Biomarker Development in Early Alzheimer's Disease
PI: Edmund Arthur, OD, PhD, FAAO
Contact:
Asantewaa Aboagye-MacCarthy, OD, FAAO
Email: aaboagye@uab.edu
Phone: 659-253-5313
Title: Efficacy of Vevye Ophthalmic Solution for the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
PI: Jillian F. Ziemanski, OD, PhD, FAAO
Contact:
Sindhu Gurrala, BDS, MPH
Email: SOeyes@uab.edu
Phone: 205-975-3881
Title: Pilot Test of a Novel Wavelength-Based Method to Control Childhood Myopia
PI: Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, FAAO
Contact:
Sindhu Gurrala, BDS, MPH
Email: SO-winkstudy@uab.edu; sgurral2@uab.edu
Phone: 205-975-3881
Title: Delaying the Onset Nearsightedness Until Treatment (DONUT) study
PI: Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, FAAO
Contact:
Mary Maloof, BA
Email: OPT-donutstudy@uab.edu; memaloof@uab.edu
Phone: 205-934-9959
Title: The Role of S-cone Neural Activity in Eye Growth Regulation and Refractive Development
PI: Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, FAAO
Contact:
Sindhu Gurrala, BDS, MPH
Email: sgurral2@uab.edu
Phone: 205-975-3881
Title: Effects of Defocus and Wavelengths on Axial Length and Choroidal Thickness in Humans
PI: Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, FAAO
Contact:
Sindhu Gurrala, BDS, MPH
Email: sgurral2@uab.edu
Phone: 205-975-3881
Title: A Randomized Trial to Evaluate Sequential vs Simultaneous Spectacles plus Patching for Amblyopia in Children 3 to <13 Years Old (ATS22)
PI: Natalie West, OD
Contact:
Jenifer Montejo, MPH
Email: jeniferm@uab.edu
Phone: 205-996-0203
Title: A Randomized Trial of Dichoptic Treatment for Amblyopia in Children 4 to 7 Years of Age (ATS23)
PI: Nicholas Onken, OD
Contact:
Jenifer Montejo, MPH
Email: jeniferm@uab.edu
Phone: 205-996-0203
Title: A Randomized Trial of Dichoptic Treatment for Amblyopia in Children 8 to 12 Years of Age (ATS24)
PI: Nicholas Onken, OD
Contact:
Jenifer Montejo, MPH
Email: jeniferm@uab.edu
Phone: 205-996-0203
Title: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Spectacles with Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (H.A.L.T.) MAX Technology or 0.05% Atropine to Slow Progression of Myopia in Children (MTS2)
PI: Katherine K. Weise, OD, MBA
Contact:
Jenifer Montejo, MPH
Email: jeniferm@uab.edu
Phone: 205-996-0203
Plan Your Visit
Parking for Study Participants
Free, dedicated parking is available in the lot adjacent to the UAB Eye Care building.
- Entrance: From University Blvd, turn into the lot just before 18th Street South.
- Access: Press the intercom button at the gate and provide your name to enter.
- Note: Do not use the driveway for the Eye Foundation Hospital, which is located next to the UAB Eye Care entrance.
Parking for Study Sponsors
Sponsors cannot access patient parking and should use one of UAB's paid parking garages.
- Convenient visitor parking is available at the 14th Street Parking Deck (Cooper Green Parking Deck), located at 14th Street South and 7th Avenue. Public parking is accessible on Level 2 and above, with pay-by-the-hour options.
Henry Peters Building
1716 University Blvd,
Birmingham, AL 35233
Driving Directions
Phone: (205) 934-6734
Partner With Us
CERF welcomes partnerships that move eye research forward.
We collaborate on investigator-initiated studies, clinical trials, and ongoing research efforts that advance innovation in eye health. Whether you are exploring a new study or looking for a research partner, our team is ready to connect.
To get started, email our Director of Clinical Research at SOeyes@uab.edu .