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School of Optometry

UAB Eye Care

Dry Eye Relief Clinic

With expert faculty in the area of dry eye and ocular surface disease, UAB Eye Care is pleased to offer specialty dry eye services to those who deal with the irritating and often debilitating symptoms of dry eye disease.

Dry Eye Relief Clinic Optometrists

Optometrists specializing in dry eye disease evaluate patients using state-of-the-art equipment in dry eye diagnostics and therapeutics. Our diverse faculty includes internationally renowned clinician scientists who have worked to raise awareness of dry eye disease, improve diagnostic instruments and release new therapeutics for all types of dry eye disease. Collectively, our UAB Eye Care team has more than 30 years of experience in performing FDA clinical trials and our own independent research to help bring patients relief to their symptoms.

 

  • LipiFlow treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction

    More than 25 years of clinical research shows that meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the primary cause of dry eye disease and that it can be treated. Gland blockages can be removed to restore proper gland function and reduce the progression of MGD, provided your gland structure is healthy. LipiFlow is the only FDA-cleared treatment that properly heats the inside and outside of the eyelids while providing a gentle massaging action to properly remove gland blockages. Most patients receiving treatment notice improvement with symptoms over time but may need regular treatment every one to two years. The treatment is virtually painless and takes less than 12 minutes. To find out if this treatment is right for you, call our clinic at 205.975.2020 to schedule an appointment or request one online.

  • Understanding MGD and dry eye disease

    Research shows that the leading cause of eye discomfort for more than 86 percent of patients with dry eye disease is not necessarily due to a lack of tear production but to a blockage of the tiny glands in the eyelids known as the meibomian glands. When the eye blinks, the glands release a mixture of oils that acts as the front line of protection for the tears, lubricating the surface of the eyes. When these glands become blocked, production of the necessary oils to protect the watery layer on the tear film is compromised thus causes this watery layer to evaporate and leave the eye surface exposed.

    A routine check for MGD as a part of any eye exam is recommended. MGD is a progressive disease but can be managed effectively if detected in its early stages. If left undetected, over time results can be long-term structural damage of the glands and even permanent gland loss. When MGD occurs, the protective oil that normally flows from the meibomian glands slows or stops.

Directions and Parking

1716 University Blvd
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: (205) 975-2020

UAB Eye Care is conveniently located in the heart of the UAB campus at 1716 University Blvd and offers free, dedicated parking for our clinic’s patients in a lot adjacent to our building. Street parking may also be available, and UAB employees or downtown Birmingham residents may be able to walk to our clinic.

From I-65/University Boulevard intersection: Head north on University Boulevard. Continue north approximately one mile and stay in the left lane. Turn left into our parking lot just before 18th Street South. Press the intercom button at the gate, and tell the operator your name. You will then be given access to the parking lot. Note: Do not take the driveway for parking at the Eye Foundation Hospital, located to the right of the UAB Eye Care driveway.

From Red Mountain Expressway: Exit the Red Mountain Expressway onto University Boulevard heading south. Turn right into our parking lot just past 18th Street South. The parking entrance is the second driveway on the right. Press the intercom button at the gate, and tell the operator your name. You will then be given access to the parking lot. Note: Do not take the driveway for parking at the Eye Foundation Hospital, located to the right of the UAB Eye Care driveway.

Patient and Visitor Information

  • Emergencies

    If you have an emergency after normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm) or during a holiday, please call (205) 975-2020. You will hear instructions on how to contact the on-call doctor.

    If you call after hours and it is not an emergency, you can leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

  • Fees, Insurance and Billing

    UAB Eye Care accepts many medical insurance plans, including BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Medicare, Medicaid and VIVA. We are also a provider for vision plans such as VSP, Southland, Avesis and Superior.

    Call (205) 975-2020 for more information.

  • Online Patient Registration and Registration Portal

    In order to expedite the appointment check in process, you can register as a UAB Eye Care patient.

    Register as a New Patient

    If you are an established patient, you can access your patient portal.

    Patient Portal
  • Patient Forms
  • UAB Student and Employee Perks

    At UAB Eye Care, students and employees are more than visitors, they're family. Our goal is to be your go-to destination for all your eye care needs.

    UAB Undergraduate and Graduate Student Perks:

    • 25% off out-of-pocket expenses for eyewear purchased without vision insurance
    • 50% off out-of-pocket expenses for contact lens evaluations, fits and refits
    • 50% off out-of-pocket expenses for specialty services such as dry eye procedures, vision therapy and myopia control

    UAB Employee Perks:

    • 25% off out-of-pocket expenses for eyewear purchased without vision insurance
    • Payroll deduction, which allows university employees to pay over time

    Note:

    • UAB student and UAB employee perks cannot be combined.
    • Patient is responsible for the full sales tax before perks are applied to eyewear
    • Perks do not apply to insurance copays, deductibles or coinsurance.  

    Perks details can be found here.

  • What to Bring to your Appointment

    In order to help your optometrist assess your general health and the health of your eyes, please bring these items with you.

    • Your insurance card(s)
    • If you need a referral from your primary care physician, you must obtain it before you can be examined.
    • Your driver's license
    • A list of your current doctors
    • A list of any current health problems
    • A detailed list of medications you are taking
    • All eyeglasses and/or your contact lenses, and any previous eye prescriptions from the past two years.

    You may also want to bring a list of questions or problems you may have so that we can answer any concerns during your appointment.

Schedule an Appointment

Call (205) 975-2020 or schedule your appointment online.

Register as a New Patient Patient Portal