UAB Callahan Eye

01/29/2026

Happy Match Day! We're proud to welcome our new resident class to the UAB Ophthalmology family. This talented group from across the nation is ready to embark on a journey of growth, discovery, and exceptional patient care. Here's to shaping the future of vision science together!

Danny Alevy – Medical College of Georgia
Brenton Bicknell – UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Jonathan Groothoff – Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Farel Hathaway – University of Mississippi Medical Center
Cade Nelson – LSU School of Medicine-New Orleans

01/28/2026

Join next week's UAB Connections Support Group – a clinical service for adults with eye diseases and their families. Led by Laura Dreer, Ph.D., & Molly Whitney, M.S., LPC, experts in behavioral health & low vision rehab, this support group offers eye health info, coping skills, and social activities to adjust to the challenges of living with visual impairment.

Discussion Topics:
"Everyday Living Made Accessible Through Tools, Techniques, & Real-Life Strategies: Ask the Experts" with Marge Lebrick, CVRT, and Jane Bush, CVRT, representing the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS).

"Balancing Safety & Independence" with Mrs. Molly Whitney and Dr. Laura Dreer, Behavioral Health Research & Clinical Services, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

To learn more, contact the group facilitator, Molly Whitney, at (205) 488-0778 or mollycox@uabmc.edu to reserve your spot.

01/26/2026

Glaucoma can progress slowly, but early detection is key to protecting your vision for life. We met with Dr. Wade Joiner, M.D. to discuss what you should know about symptoms, treatment options and more.

🔗 Read more: https://brnw.ch/21wZp6q
📷: Samantha Howerton

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve, most often due to a gradual increase in fluid pressure inside the eye over time. Despite being a leading cause of blindness in the United States, many people don’t realize they have glaucoma until vision loss has already begun.

01/21/2026

We recently opened the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Surgical Skills Laboratory, a state-of-the-art space designed to enhance hands-on surgical training for ophthalmology residents and fellows.

With advanced simulation technology, wet lab stations, and modern teaching tools, the lab allows trainees to build confidence, consistency, and technical skill earlier in their education—before ever stepping into the operating room.

This investment in education was made possible through the generous support of The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama and our partners across UAB.

🔗 Read more → https://brnw.ch/21wZh4g

01/09/2026

Take a look back on our year of progress, innovation, and commitment to visionary care — the 2025 annual report for the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is now live.

🔗 Read the annual report: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/ophthalmology/about/annual-report/2025-annual-report

01/07/2026

Start the new year strong by putting your vision first. Check out these three reasons why January is the perfect time to book your eye exam:

1. Insurance benefits resets
Most insurance providers follow a calendar year schedule, meaning that your deductible and benefits reset on January 1. Make the most of your vision coverage by taking advantage of your refreshed benefits.

2. Booking early = more availability
You don’t always need to be seen for an eye exam immediately. Getting on the schedule earlier gives you more flexibility to keep your year on track.

3. Establish consistent care routines
Good habits build with repetition. Look after your eyes by making routine vision care a yearly practice.

Ready to get scheduled? Add healthy vision to your 2026 goals. Call or text 844-UAB-EYES to started today.

12/16/2025

Read more about Jennifer's amazing treatment journey with Rob Tauscher, M.D., adult strabismus specialist at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye!

Jennifer Creswell underwent two eye surgeries at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye to correct a misalignment caused by a car accident nearly 30 years ago, restoring her confidence and sense of normalcy.

12/15/2025

Glow Wild is open from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. every night until Jan. 4 (except Dec. 24 & 25). Come see why it has been named one of the top holiday attractions in Alabama and across the Southeast. Buy tickets online in advance to save money and time. BirminghamZoo.com.

Thank you to our sponsors - Chase (presenting sponsor) and to our supporting sponsors - Alabama Power and UAB Callahan Eye!

12/10/2025

A huge congratulations to Demetrius as he officially retires from UAB Callahan Eye after 20 amazing years! We are honored to celebrate him and the positive impact he left on his patients and coworkers.

12/03/2025

Congratulations to Rafael Grytz, Ph.D., for being named the Dennis Endowed Professor in Glaucoma Research. An appointment approved in April 2024 by The University of Alabama Board of Trustees, Grytz was formally recognized on November 21 at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Fall Endowment Reception.

Read more: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/news/ophthalmology/grytz-dennis-endowed-professor

12/02/2025

Read more about Jennifer's incredible treatment journey on UAB News!

💚 Twenty-eight years. Three rejections. One doctor who said yes. After decades of living with vision loss from a traumatic accident, Jennifer Creswell found renewed confidence through expert care at UAB Callahan Eye.

Read more at the link in the comments.

11/26/2025

The partnership between Christine A. Curcio, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, and Cynthia Owsley, Ph.D., Professor and Nathan E. Miles Endowed Chair of Ophthalmology and Director of the UAB Ophthalmology Clinical Research Unit spans nearly four decades of pioneering research that has transformed the global understanding of age-related macular degeneration and set the standard for multidisciplinary teamwork in vision science.

From foundational discoveries in retinal aging and dark adaptation to the landmark ALSTAR and ALSTAR2 studies—and culminating in the 2025 ARVO Proctor Medal—their collaboration exemplifies the profound impact of aligned expertise, shared rigor, and sustained mentorship.

🔗 Read more: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/news/magazine/power-of-collaboration