2023 Annual Report

Message from the Chair

The year 2023 will be a year I will always look back on with great pride and humbleness as I proudly took the position as permanent chair of the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. I am extremely proud of the things we were able to accomplish during the 18 months I was interim chair, and I am honored to lead the department as we work to continue the trajectory of becoming a destination for eye care in all of our mission areas.

In this folder, you will see a snapshot of what we accomplished in 2023 – from living out our mission of providing access to care for people in central Alabama with the opening of our 20th clinic location to the outstanding work our research team has produced and published to a new international rotation that allows our residents to provide care for patients around the world.

You will hear from our first-ever cornea fellow and catch up with alumni who write about their residency experiences and how their time here laid the groundwork for their success. You will also learn more about our ALSTAR2 program and meet another exceptional class of residents who are eager to make a positive impact in the world of ophthalmology.

On the clinical side, 2023 was another record-breaking year as we treated more patients than ever before in our clinics, operating rooms, and emergency department. While we are proud of these numbers, I am more astounded by the work our team does to ensure our patients are provided the highest level of care. Our team does an outstanding job of taking care of our patients while also providing them and their families with exceptional patient experiences.

UAB Callahan Eye is a special place, and I am truly grateful to our faculty, physicians, researchers, and staff for their dedication and commitment to preserving and restoring the vision of our patients and curing the world’s blinding diseases.

Brian C. Samuels, MD, PhD
EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair
Dennis Endowed Professor in Glaucoma Research
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Education 

Meet Our First-Year Residents

The introduction of an integrated internship year marks a pivotal shift, extending the residency program to four years. Designed to provide a holistic foundation, the internship curriculum incorporates common areas of medicine outside the realm of ophthalmology, strategically targeting fields that routinely intersect with eye care. We are thrilled to introduce our current class of resident interns, who are poised to contribute their energy, dedication, and fresh perspectives to our dynamic ophthalmology community.

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UAB Ophthalmology Launches Cornea Fellowship

In a significant expansion of its educational programs, the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences introduced a cornea fellowship for the 2023-2024 academic year. This one-year fellowship joins existing programs at UAB and in Birmingham in glaucoma, low vision, neuro-ophthalmology, retina and oculoplastic surgery, enriching the department’s offerings to aspiring ophthalmologists.

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Broadening Horizons: UAB Ophthalmology Residents Gain Global Perspective in Nicaragua

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is taking its residency program to new heights by incorporating international rotations into the curriculum. In an effort to provide residents with a broader perspective on ophthalmology, our 2022-23 third-year residents recently completed a one-week international rotation in Nicaragua, focusing on cataract surgery and the practice of ophthalmology in a foreign setting.

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Research

Publications and New Grant Awards Demonstrate Research Productivity

Our research faculty have demonstrated exceptional contribution to the field of ophthalmic research through their authorship of 94 publications in the 2023 fiscal year across 50 distinguished, peer-reviewed journals. This impressive body of work underscores the commitment to advancing ophthalmic knowledge and an impactful role in diverse scientific discussions. Their collective efforts further solidify the department’s reputation as a leader in vision research and innovation.

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Pioneering Research to Transform Early Detection of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) threatens detailed vision in millions of older persons globally. While current treatments aim to prevent or stabilize advanced disease, the quest for early intervention remains paramount. Christine A. Curcio, Ph.D., and Cynthia Owsley, Ph.D., MSPH, esteemed researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), are at the forefront of groundbreaking research with the NIH-funded Alabama Study on Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration 2 (ALSTAR2).

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Rafael Grytz, Ph.D. Awarded Tenure

Rafael Grytz, Ph.D., associate professor of ophthalmology in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, has been awarded tenure. Dr. Grytz joined the department in 2012, and he is proud of his work over the last 10 years. “I’m honored to receive tenure, because, to me, it shows the confidence our department has in me and my laboratory. It means a lot,” said Dr. Grytz.

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Celebrating the Career of Dr. Dawn DeCarlo

After a distinguished career, Dawn DeCarlo, O.D., Ph.D., MS, MSPH, is set to retire from the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation. Her journey, marked by dedication and groundbreaking contributions, has left a lasting mark on the world of optometry.

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Alumni Check-in 

Dr. Scott Gauthreaux, class of 1998

As a proud alumnus of the UAB Ophthalmology residency program, class of 1998, my journey in the field of ophthalmology has been both fulfilling and rich in experiences. Looking back, it’s the camaraderie with my fellow residents and the dedicated instructors who shaped our learning that stand out in my memory.

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Dr. Kathleen Gee, class of 2008

Joining the UAB Ophthalmology residency program class of 2008 was the start of an incredible adventure filled with camaraderie, mentorship, and the kind of excellence that turns education into a lifelong treasure. Looking back, what stands out the most is not just the medical knowledge gained but the lasting bonds forged and the upbeat atmosphere that made every day special.

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Philanthropy and Clinical

Quarterbacking Children's Health Foundation Kids Zone Unveiled at UAB Callahan Eye

The Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation Kids Zone was unveiled in the Suite 410 Clinic at UAB Callahan Eye. This milestone stands as a testament to the profound impact generated by a robust collaboration between the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation, the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, and the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama. The event not only celebrated a generous half-million-dollar partnership but also showcased the unwavering dedication to transforming pediatric care at UAB Callahan Eye.

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A Local's Mom's Perspective

When it comes to our children’s eyecare, we, as parents, take it very seriously. Birmingham is fortunate to have so many eyecare options, but how in the world do you choose the best fit for your family? Thankfully a local mom, Jennifer Drake, is here with Birmingham Mom Collective (BMC) to tell her story and why she loves UAB Callahan Eye!

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