PERSPECTIVE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Our Prescription for Change Table of Contents
“There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.” HIGHLIGHTS – Franklin Delano Roosevelt A Look Inside Callahan...... 2
Standing still is never an option for organizations that strive for excellence. In an increasingly competitive and regulated industry such as health care, it’s critical that RESEARCH we continue to deliver high-quality care to an expanding population while increasing Research Growth...... 5 operational efficiencies and attracting more financial support for translational research. Building Momentum: NIH Funding Growth ...... 6 Project MACULA: Eye Site Offers New Insight on Age-Related Macular Degeneration...... 10 The University of Alabama at Birmingham Callahan Eye Hospital and Callahan Eye Hospital Clinics are seeing significant progress in our key areas of focus. Hospital New Research Faculty ...... 12 and clinic volume has continued growing, nearly doubling since 2010. Our ambulatory Physician-Scientist Spotlight...... 13 operations launched a new electronic health record system on Jan. 1, 2016, and we developed plans to renovate areas of the second and sixth floors and expand our PATIENT CARE community locations to accommodate clinic growth. Patient Care Growth...... 15 Thanks to the diligent work of our research scientists, our investigational studies also enjoyed impressive growth during the New Physician...... 17 past five years. In fact, 2015 marked the UAB Department of Ophthalmology’s largest increase in federal research support Employee Spotlights...... 18 in its history; National Institutes of Health funding was up 48 percent from 2014. While government dollars are a critical ROP Screenings Save Vision in Premature Infants...... 21 element in our research activities, we salute the individual donors, alumni, and organizations whose generous support helps UAB Renews Vision for Renowned Sculptor Frank Fleming...... 22 propel our mission of discovering new ways to treat and cure eye disease.
Moreover, we further refined our research recruitment efforts, pursuing scientists whose abilities coincide with our clinical EDUCATION strengths. This improved alignment ensures that we are targeting diseases with the greatest critical need and creates a Education Growth...... 25 pathway for faster translation of research from the bench to the bedside. Training Programs ...... 26 Residents and Fellows ...... 27 In 2015, we unveiled a plan to align and integrate the hospital and clinic operations, which will make the organization more flexible in responding to market changes. This will have a positive impact on funding and support for faculty and staff, as Rural Eye Clinic for Children...... 28 we are merging two high-growth organizations with healthy margins. In short, we are restructuring so that Callahan will not Grandmother’s Vision Struggle Motivates Young Woman to Make a Difference...... 29 merely survive, but also thrive. Graduating Resident Class and Alumni...... 30
Undertaking these changes will help us stay ahead of certain external trends. We are facing a large population of elderly GIVING BACK patients, and with that comes the diseases of aging – including eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts – in record numbers. To meet this demand, we must develop integrated care plans to allow us to handle Best Friends Forever: The Friends of Rudy Organization...... 33 tertiary referrals, surgeries, and continued care for high-acuity patients. We also need to grow a regional network to deliver A Lifetime of Insights Gained From a Few Hours Without Sight...... 40 more localized care in a cost- and quality-conscious manner. Our new organizational model provides capitalization for such growth. FACULTY
Given recent increases in the number of insured, more patients are faced with spending their own money on high- Faculty Listing ...... 43 deductible and cost-sharing coverage. An insured consumer will be a more engaged consumer, using the Internet and Leadership ...... 47 social media to compare outcomes, physician ratings, and prices. At the same time, the third-party reimbursement system Board of Directors ...... 48 is moving toward paying for value rather than volume. Becoming financially integrated will help us respond appropriately and reduce costs while increasing quality. APPENDICES
The strategies we are implementing will allow us to manage these and other trends. If we do this well, the process will be Publications...... 49 transparent to patients, and we will be able to sustain our high standard of care – no matter what challenges arise. Grants & Awards ...... 51 Invited Lectures and Presentations ...... 53
Sincerely, PHILANTHROPY Colorful Agam Sculpture Returns to Callahan Eye Hospital...... 55 Seeing the Impact...... 57 C. Brian Spraberry, MSHA Christopher A. Girkin, MD, MSPH, FACS Vision for the Future ...... 59 President & Chief Executive Officer EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Chair, How to Help ...... 60 UAB Callahan Eye Hospital UAB Department of Ophthalmology Chief Medical Officer, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital 1
HIGHLIGHTS 3
access ophthalmologists UAB to and are the backed by same advanced technology and research that insight basic From reputation. international sustain Callahan’s examsand eye corrective prescriptions cataract to surgery and treatment for chronic conditions, eye UAB Callahan Hospital Eye Clinics serve the community with sophisticated, specialized care in a friendly environment. Our physician faculty members represent every deliver to us enabling subspecialty ophthalmology, of skilled Our highly patients. our comprehensive care to numerous of pioneered development the have clinicians surgical instruments, devices, and procedures that In globe. ophthalmologists around the usedare by addition our Department physician to the UAB faculty, of Ophthalmology includes effective a team innovative, of research basic and scientists. clinical Callahan Hospital Eye was recognizedIn 2015, with two national the important Press from Ganey, awards national health care consulting and research firm that administers HCAHPS and CAHPS surveys for Callahan and compiles the data gathered. Press Callahan Ganey earned the 2015 Pinnacle Excellence of for maintaining Award consistently high achievement of levels for patient experience. also We Press Ganey Guardianreceived Excellence the of 2015 whichAward, honors Callahan for reaching the 95th engagement. employee percentile in ALook InsideCallahan Callahan Hospital Eye Clinics operates locations seven across the greater Birmingham area, which offer timely Callahan Hospital Eye is among the busiest care eye centers in the United States and one only of two Level Centers emergency1 Ocular eye with a 24/7 Trauma department. surgeries perform We more than 11,000 annually in our nine operating suites, while our Lions Eye Clinic provides care eye services underserved to patients. One facilities the of few in the world entirely dedicated to recognized is Callahan ophthalmology, advancements in outstanding patient for and internationally nationally care, treatment trauma, eye of and crucial research disease.in eye Along with Department the UAB Ophthalmologyof only accredited – Alabama’s ophthalmology training program educate – we the next ophthalmologistsgeneration and serve of patients both knowledge translating ophthalmology by field of and the from the bench the bedside. to For moreFor than 50 years, Callahan Hospital UAB Eye and Department the UAB Ophthalmology of have focusedcare on delivering eye and pioneering innovative breakthroughs in the preservation and restoration of areeyesight. closely We aligned, and together are we committed making to a difference health in the eye our of the state, andcommunity, the country.
2 HIGHLIGHTS Invigorated by leadership’s renewed commitment to research, UAB Ophthalmology’s research faculty has enhanced our scientific research abilities in areas that coincide with our clinical strengths . This alignment helps ensure that our research efforts target diseases with the greatest critical need and creates a pathway for quick translation of research from the bench to the bedside .
Focused Growth
From 2010 to 2015, UAB Ophthalmology research faculty has grown from 10 scientists to 18 scientists We now employ 10 DEDICATED RESEARCHERS and 8 PHYSICIAN SCIENTISTS
OUR VIBRANT AND GROWING RESEARCH FACULTY IS MADE UP OF SCIENTISTS AT ALL STAGES OF 9 Full Professors – 2 Associate Professors – 7 Assistant Professors THEIR CAREERS. RESEARCH Diverse Ideas
Our faculty members are exploring new ideas in diverse topics and publishes in all major research areas, including: Health 70% Disparities Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration Gene Therapy Vision & Eye Movements Traumatic Brain Injury IN FACULTY MEMBERS Diabetic Retinopathy SINCE 2012 Myopia/Presbyopia Neuro-Ophthalmology Epidemiology Imaging Vision Impairment 39 faculty members in 2015
Pediatric Vision Impairment Ocular Oncology & Low Vision Retina & Vitreous
IN 2015, THE ACTIVE RESEARCH DEPARTMENT PURSUED 109 PROTOCOLS . Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Many of the most common eye diseases are complicated and require cross-disciplinary collaboration . Our researchers collaborate across campus and across the nation .
4 5 RESEARCH “Our research shows that IOP spikes account for up to BUILDING MOMENTUM: 15 percent of the total IOP energy the eye must absorb,”
RESEARCH Downs says. “This is extraordinary in that IOP spikes NIH Funding Grew Nearly 50 Percent in 2015 represent a previously unknown component of the IOP insult that has yet to be characterized or considered in previous studies. We had no idea that the eye is Diligent work by UAB Ophthalmology research constantly subjected to these pressure spikes, and this faculty led to significant increases in research 2015 Active Awards by Sponsor Type could be a significant contributor to the optic nerve head funding . For 2015, the department achieved damage typical with glaucoma. Our biomechanics work a 48% year-over-year increase in research $213,271 has shown that IOP spikes are likely to be much larger in funding from the National Institutes of Health . the elderly and persons of African descent, which may explain their increased susceptibility to glaucoma.” “These results are commendable, especially considering the challenges of the federal Downs suspects that there are poorly understood funding environment,” says Christopher A . $805,482 disease-related components of IOP that independently Girkin, MD, MSPH, EyeSight Foundation of J. Crawford Downs, PhD contribute to the onset and progression of glaucoma. His Alabama Endowed Chair . “The NIH funding studies will further explore how IOP fluctuations affect the rate for unique principle investigators is about ROLE OF IOP FLUCTUATION IN DEVELOPMENT AND development and progression of glaucoma, especially 25%, so we are pleased that our faculty was PROGRESSION OF GLAUCOMA among high-risk populations. able to achieve an approximately 33% funding MORE THAN rate in 2015 ”. $628,711 J. Crawford Downs, PhD, Vice-Chair of Research, was awarded a three-year, $1.23 million grant from the CHARACTERIZING AMD’S LESIONS THROUGH The more than $3 6. million in funding National Eye Institute to explore intraocular pressure ADVANCED OPTICAL IMAGING received this year from the NIH includes fluctuation as it relates to the development and several existing grants, but three new R01 progression of glaucoma, a potentially blinding disease Yuhua Zhang, PhD, assistant professor, has been awards contributed greatly to that success . $3,905,184 that affects more than 2.2 million Americans. awarded a $1.83 million grant from the National Eye The details of those three awards are Institute to characterize extracellular lesions associated highlighted on the following pages . Downs, a leading ocular biomechanics expert, is director with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common, of the UAB Ocular Biomechanics and Biotransport vision-stealing disease. Program, and he studies the eye using principles FEDERAL INDUSTRY INSTITUTIONS NP AGENCY/ASSOC . traditionally associated with mechanical engineering. He AMD affects more than 10 million Americans and can is exploring the underlying reasons that make the elderly lead to severe vision impairment. To date, effective and people of African descent more likely to develop treatments are available only for the late stages of the 2010–2015 NIH Funding glaucoma. disease. Despite its prevalence, the factors that lead to “It is well-known that IOP and age are the most consistent 3,500,000 $3,300,536 independent risk factors for glaucoma,” Downs says. Yuhua Zhang, PhD “Despite this, many people who present with these risk 3,000,000 MORE THAN factors will not develop glaucoma, while others develop 2,500,000 glaucoma or worsen rapidly at clinically measured normal $2,018,914 levels of mean IOP. This illustrates the need for further $1,897,506 2,000,000 $1,795,678 $1,755,703 research into the underlying causes of this complex, $1,536,461 multifactorial disease.” IN NEW 1,500,000 Lowering mean IOP is the only clinical treatment that has GRANTS 1,000,000 been shown to slow the progression of glaucoma, but little is known about IOP variations. In earlier research, AWARDED 500,000 Downs developed a system to continuously monitor IOP. IN 2015 He demonstrated that IOP does not stay at a consistent 0 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 level as previously thought but instead continually fluctuates, with some 7,000 large IOP spikes occurring *Data obtained from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research per hour during waking hours. 6 7 RESEARCH 8 and hopefully help more children succeed.” children more help hopefully and interventions targeted allow will more knowledge impaired,” “This Dr. visually says. are DeCarlo who tochildren with work trained of teachers resources limited the allocate properly more could we issues, reading for risk at are who impairment vision with of children characteristics identifying “By to evaluate results. used be will III test Johnson Woodcock- of the cluster a few. reading basic The to name shifting attentional and memory, working developmental level, visual-motor integration, of investigation grade. Areas completing first include until annually twice then and kindergarten before evaluated be will study the in Children true.”of is why that understanding to have we need abetter problem that to address order in but to reading, respect with peers sighted their behind lag frequently impairment vision with We children that know readiness. to reading contributes what understand to important is it “Therefore Dr. says. DeCarlo to achieve literacy a has lifelong negative impact,” failure and skill, important an obviously is “Reading impairment. with vision children among readiness to reading contribute that Impairment Reading in Pediatric Vision for Indicators Prognostic Dawn DeCarlo, OD, MS, MSPH MS, OD, DeCarlo, Dawn FACULTY EXCELLENCE FACULTY determine factors processes to and bottom-up top-down both evaluate to Living for Community Administration the from grant $599,879 a awarded was OD, MSPH, MS, DeCarlo, K. Dawn
are hoping a telemedicine-based health promotion health are hoping a telemedicine-based Birmingham at of Alabama University the at Researchers PATIENTS GLAUCOMA AMERICAN IMPROVING MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN AFRICAN- photoreceptors.” to the supply blood underlying the in changes indicate and vessels blood of abnormal ingrowth the stimulate may also to “They toxic says. cells compounds,” Curcio these exposing by directly and photoreceptors sensing light- the from wastes to and of key nutrients traffic may lesions vision impact by“These preventing the Curcio’s upon builds work findings. Zhang’s and tissue, donor human in SDD to identify first Owsley, PhD, Curcio, Cynthia and PhD. A. the was Curcio of Christine Ophthalmology: inscientists the Department by eminent two mentored been has imaging, optics adaptive in expertise with engineer optics an Zhang, treatment. to novel approaches inform help could of SDD role the about of AMD. knowledge New progression the assessing to for biometrics and develop biomarkers imaging-based seeks He resolution. unprecedented an at lesions these to related changes retina to built study he instrument an use will AMD. Zhang to advanced progression for risk conferring as recognized recently (SDD), lesions by deposits disease characterizing subretinal drusenoid of the understanding scientific to expand aims Zhang clear. completely not are of AMD progression and development Laura Dreer, apatient. PhD, evaluating medication therapy usually is 1-2 is usually or therapy once eye drops, medication with Standard medications. or non-adherent adherent are patients whether to tool determine dispensing drug aself-measuring employ will Researchers weeks. six for interaction phone followed by weekly Hospital, Eye UAB the at Callahan team research the with visit have will in-person one Participants intervention. health behavioral therapy the and standard telemedicine-based receive will section second The of these. any combination or surgery, conventional treatments, laser medication, therapy, glaucoma including standard with treated be will One sections. into two divided be will subjects Study effort.” same of the deserving is glaucoma We believe nutrition. and health, cardiovascular diabetes, as such areas in wellness and health of their take charge to people getting in “We’vesays. strides great made behaviors,” Dreer own health their for responsibility increased of taking importance the realize and glaucoma of their understanding abetter reach individuals these help and aseed to is plant objective of the “Part training. problem-solving and education, motivational glaucoma includes interviewing, improve intervention multicomponent The adherence. can intervention health behavioral relevant a culturally adults withAmerican glaucoma to determine whether 240 Eye African- recruiting is Institute, National the from Dreer’s study, by afive-year, funded $1.83 grant million of disease. onset the prevent or delay significantly can eyethat drops reducing involves of pressure- use the therapy Standard blindness. to lead can potentially and functioning everyday and of life, independence, individual’s an on quality impact negative have can aserious glaucoma Unchecked, to care.” barriers and finances, loss, memory include age-related for nonadherence “Reasons of Ophthalmology. Department the in professor associate PhD, Dreer, Laura investigator glaucoma,” principal says for medications with nonadherent being for risk increased have at they are that shown studies glaucoma, for risk increased at African-Americans are only “Not Caucasians. are than likely tomore develop glaucoma times three than more are who African-Americans, among blindness of irreversible cause leading the is Glaucoma among older African-Americans with glaucoma. rates adherence improve medication can intervention providers.” eye and care families, their glaucoma, with Americans African- for useful particularly willbe project this from “Information says. population,” of the Dreer segment risk improves a high- among adherence medication glaucoma intervention promotion-based health relevant culturally a whether is to addressed be question practical “The the intervention. receiving group the in improves adherence medication glaucoma 12-monthand whether by determining follow-up visits seven- three-, at assessed willbe study.full Outcomes into the subject the transfer will greater or 75 percent rate of A failure month. one for device the willuse study the in UAB’s at enroll Patients who clinic glaucoma dispensation. of time date the and records and time any one at dispensed are how drops many daily. measures tool twice The eye disease advances toward understanding treating and leverages UAB’s ideas best into tangible would stall thisWithout investment, many of these projects advance novel researchers . ideas UAB from innovation collection to data and necessary critical the drives investment “Philanthropic eye in disease. new developments promising to us allowed investigate investments strategic those turn, In funding. federal secure and data pilot to collect necessary money seed critical the had researchers of Ophthalmology, our UAB Department to the donors lead of several to generosity the Thanks system. the on strain further put of care cost increasing the and demand growing as important increasingly becoming is models delivery care and of new therapies discovery The inadequate. often are treatments and eye diseases, debilitating most of the some for cure no is There high. are stakes The The Power of Philanthropy of Ophthalmology of Department UAB Research, of Chair Vice – J POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS Crawford Downs, .Crawford PhD, .Thus, the power of philanthropy . ” ”
9 RESEARCH RESEARCH 10 of precision they were after. But the result, an open- an they after. were result, the But of precision had to develop new naming systems to achieve the level Messinger, D.C., Jeffrey associate research particularly way, the along team, and her and years, took four Curcio process The to photos the Facebook. uploading as easy alike. It wasn’t as clinicians and toinvaluable researchers prove –could available widely made and classified, annotated, properly –if collected had she tissues and images the that realized ago, Curcio A few years needed. desperately are new treatments and unknown, is cause exact the But deteriorates. macula, the as known retina, of the portion central the when occurs AMD increase. only will numbers those ages, by 2020. population the worldwide As people million 200 almost today and States 15 United the in people million to up older, or 60 age affecting Americans in blindness legal and loss of severe vision cause leading the is AMD (AMD). degeneration macular age-related underlying mechanisms basic the for search eyes her in of donor of Ophthalmology, from hundreds images collected has of Medicine’s UAB the in School Department professor PhD, Curcio, a 14 A. past the Christine During years, Degeneration Macular Age-Related on Site New Offers Insight Eye Project MACULA: advanced understanding of the disease. of the understanding advanced have that discoveries notable to several leading success, aresounding been has Analysis), byUnveiled Laminar (Maculopathy MACULA Project as known website access eye. each for toOCT scans addition in photography fundus ex vivo shows color Project MACULA eye AMD. with adonor of photography fundus ex vivo performing color Jeffrey Messinger associate Research Bottom: living people.”OCT, in observed be they can aresearch now priority, is are doing cells with these and what out “Finding says. Curcio AMD,” in migratory highly is we’ve epithelium retinal analysis, pigment the that learned (teal). lesion of kind “From specific this AMD’s drusen, of contents the examine plus hyper-reflective the for OCT are (top, the in that responsible red, seen yellow), spots (bottom) image amicroscope on cells the toidentify users Projecteye MACULA allows same the on histology and (OCT) tomography Top: coherence optical of Acomparison into some kind of perspective.” kind into some new finding the to put histology toto known back the go helpful is it clinic, the in modality imaging an in recognized know,” is finding asubtle Dr. when “So says. Spaide we don’t plenty is there “As science, in anything with images. histologic in seen features anatomical with OCT on presentation clinical link that papers cited well- several co-writing 2009, since MACULA Project on Curcio with of York. New collaborated has He Consultants at who Vitreous-Retina-Macula practices diseases of retinal treatment and diagnosis the in specialist MD, arenowned Spaide, clinic,” the in Richard agrees imaging of multimodal integration and interpretations in me helped has available images histologic the “Having workforce.” right of the into tools hands the right the putting is “This develop guidelines for for trials, example,” Curcio explains. to information this want ophthalmologists “Leading meetings. clinical to major invitations and articles reviewed journal peer- to numerous led findings These photoreceptors. the supports which epithelium, pigment retinal the and of involving AMD neurodegeneration photoreceptors of the description comprehensive first the and lesion; of anew, description drusen-like major first the drusen; as known disease, the with associated lesions principal of the history anatural of AMD, including pathology the about Curcio’s discoveries major made team histology, the reviewing of systematically process the In 2013. in launched site officially The images. OCT and laboratory both –and references and layer, tissue aglossary of each with along thickness of the measurements exact as –such information critical with tagged was Each controls. 60 and eyes: AMD with 82 142 catalogued team donor Her MACULA. Project started Eye Curcio Institute, National the from grant subsequent a and foundations philanthropic from money seed With to new ideas.” systems test model experimental better eventually, and, new treatments, for trials clinical efficient more diagnoses, to “better lead can clinic the from world the with microscopic Connecting patient images OCT,” in of it all almost to see possible is it says. Curcio histology, microscopic you the if know and layers, tissue delicate in out laid is that disease “AMD adegenerative is with the new machines. they seeing were images patient the interpret clinicians helping for roadmap invaluable an as serve could AMD without of and eyes with images lab annotated accurately Curcio that recognized their high-quality, samples. tissue with researchers basic as structures” same the to see able now “were clinicians that says, Curcio powerful, so was OCT it. behind vessels blood the and retina of the layers the of views all cross-sectional detailed provide It can widelyavailablebecoming to ophthalmologists. practicing was (OCT) tomography coherence optical called new technology ahigh-powered 2000s, of the At close the KNOWLEDGE SHARING bench and clinical science.” to both catalyst avaluable as serving is resource “This IRRF. of the Director Executive Blackwood, Sandra says disease,” degenerative of this interpretations clinical better to expand histopathology AMD of in hopes translation to opportunity extraordinary an as MACULA “We Project saw ground.” the off never would have gotten MACULA Project stages, early the during Diseases Vitreous and Fund Retina in Support Endowed the and of IRRF support pilotcollecting data,” Curcio says. the funding “Without first without grants federal large to obtain isn’t“It possible MACULA’s Project funded creation. which Institute, Eye National the from grant alarge to secure used Curcio that data of pilot collection the award supported IRRF Another MACULA. of Project nucleus the formed which Eye Bank, Alabama the eyes from of donor number a large Foundation Memorial allowedThome Curcio to purchase L. &Della Edward N. the and IRRF the from awards Initial adds. Curcio Diseases, Vitreous and Fund Retina in EndowedSupport the and (IRRF) Foundation Research International Retinal the as such Birmingham-based partners to owes funding private much also project The notes. site, Curcio MACULA Project the host to and create resources and expertise the provided staff CIS and PhD, students, Sloan, his R. Kenneth Professor Associate Sciences. Information and Computer of UAB the was Department contributor invaluable Another needs.” research our meet thus and rapidly of tissue lots obtain to able is eye that bank productive Eye ahighly Bank, like Alabama the aresource with blessed are few people “Very says. she MACULA,” Project at possible discoveries made tissue Curcio points out. “High-quality key partners, several without possible have not would been project The TECHNOLOGY TISSUE, SUPPORT OTHER AND patients.” individual for medicine personalized of goal the advances information This to treated. be need not does what or, treatment cases, some in start to when they know so patient the in presenting are changes how these show physicians also will it images, clinical with changes those links also MACULA Project “Since says. Curcio therapies,” new drug for new targets to allow us develop willhopefully expression gene in on the cellular level changes “Connecting with changes presentation. to to clinical cells variation genetic from of AMD understanding in links create would eyes, this both affecting disease, abilateral is AMD Since of RNA. sequencing robotic and comprehensive for to Stambolian’s other the team sending and MACULA to Project pair eye each one from uploading eyes and of donor anew set obtaining propose They equation. to the to genetics add request afunding submitted recently of Pennsylvania, University the at genetics and of ophthalmology MD, professor PhD, associate For example, Curcio collaborator and Dwight Stambolian, says. Curcio cures, and new treatments of developing goal AMD, ultimate the with to collaborations advance knowledge about important of fostering effect desired the had also MACULA Project CREATING COLLABORATIONS
11 RESEARCH RESEARCH ADVANCED EXPERTISE New Research Faculty Physician-Scientist Spotlight RESEARCH Understanding How Glaucoma Can Impact Driving Ability Ocular Biomechanics Breakthrough in Sight: Brian Samuels, MD, PhD
Glaucoma, a leading Brian Samuels, Expert Joins Faculty MD, PhD, clearly cause of irreversible Recent Collaborations remembers the blindness among Massimo Antonio moment he became older Americans, is Fazio, PhD, joined the • GLAUCOMA RESEARCH: Here in the UAB hooked on scientific characterized by optic UAB Department of Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Samuels research. As a nerve damage and Ophthalmology as an collaborates with some of the world’s leading neurobiology doctoral associated visual field assistant professor. He biomedical engineers, who are seeking a better student, he was toiling defects. Despite its holds a joint appointment understanding of ocular biomechanics and its role away in the laboratory significance in public in the Department of in causing blinding diseases, such as glaucoma. at 2 am when an Biomedical Engineering. While not engineers themselves, Dr. Samuels and safety, the association experiment yielded a As a mechanical engineer, Christopher Girkin, MD, work with biomechanics between glaucomatous key result. visual field loss and Fazio has dedicated his experts Dr. Downs, Rafael Grytz, PhD, and Massimo MiYoung Kwon, PhD motor vehicle collision Massimo Antonio Fazio, PhD career to developing Fazio, PhD, to blend advanced engineering and image “At 2 am I knew a analysis techniques with clinical and surgical glaucoma remains unresolved. customized methods and very small piece of non-contact optical techniques to directly measure knowledge to be at the forefront of glaucoma research. Brian Samuels, MD, PhD information about the However, a recent retrospective, population-based deformations of the optic nerve head and sclera of the universe that no one • MYOPIA RESEARCH: Dr. Samuels works closely study by MiYoung Kwon, PhD, Assistant Professor eye. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how else knew,” Dr. Samuels says. “That is both humbling in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology, and intraocular pressure (IOP) drives structural changes in with Dr. Grytz, who examines the biomechanical and powerful at the same time. Once I experienced that mechanisms that underlie growth and remodeling colleagues showed that older drivers with glaucoma the eye in relationship to age, race, and the presence feeling, it created an inner drive to continue searching of ocular tissues during the development of myopia. are at increased risk for involvement in an at-fault of ocular diseases such as glaucoma. for new discoveries. Even though it has been 13 years Dr. Samuels’ surgical skills and expertise in ocular motor vehicle collision compared to those without since that pivotal moment, I can tell you that discovering physiology pairs well with Dr. Grytz’s expertise in tissue glaucoma. Through his multidisciplinary background in machine something new, no matter how large or small, never gets biomechanics and computational modeling. construction, experimental mechanics, and the old.” Dr. Samuels hopes to help Dr. Grytz find new treatment Published in the journal Ophthalmology, the biomechanical characterization of soft tissues, Fazio options that might prevent the study demonstrated that of the three measures of is able to develop novel imaging machines and Now, as an assistant professor in the UAB Department development of pathologic myopia. visual function – visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, techniques. For example, he invented the world’s first of Ophthalmology, Dr. Samuels – who is trained as both Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometer to measure and visual field – visual field impairment was a basic science researcher and medical doctor – splits • SPACE MEDICINE RESEARCH: Dr. Samuels is part dynamic deformations of the sclera in response to independently associated with an increase in at- his time between the laboratory and clinic. He spends of two different teams working on space medicine high-frequency IOP fluctuations. The interferometer fault motor vehicle collision involvement, whereas 4 days a week in the lab pursuing discoveries that could research. He started collaborating with a group of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were not. This was designed and built at UAB in collaboration with make a difference to the glaucoma patients he sees on scientists and engineers from the Georgia Institute of suggests that visual field loss is the most important Luigi Bruno and Andrea Poggialini of the University his clinic day. Technology (GIT) and NASA in 2013. The grant, headed visual mechanism underlying increased crash risk of Calabria. This work will help UAB scientists and by GIT’s C. Ross Ethier, PhD, uses computational in older drivers with glaucoma. Additionally, it was research collaborators outside UAB better understand Dr. Samuels completed a combined MD-PhD program at modeling to explore why astronauts who spend shown that impairment in the left visual field had the the causal relationship between the biomechanics Indiana University before coming to UAB for a residency extended periods of time in space develop vision greatest relevance to elevated collision rates. of the eye and the development and progression of in ophthalmology. After residency he completed problems. This work paved the way for Dr. Samuels diseases such as glaucoma, myopia, and keratoconus. clinical and research fellowships in glaucoma at Duke to meet Christian Otto, MD, Director of NASA’s Vision These results underscore why it is important for University. This extensive formal training on both sides Impairment and Intracranial Pressure program. Dr. physicians to discuss driving safety with glaucoma “I’m very thankful for the opportunity offered me by of the fence gave him a unique perspective. Samuels’ expertise in neuroscience and ophthalmology patients, as those with glaucoma had a 65% the departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical led to his being invited to join NASA’s Prospective higher rate of involvement in at-fault motor vehicle Engineering, together with the EyeSight Foundation “Clinician-scientists really do live with one foot in both Ocular Health study as a co-investigator. collisions. They also demonstrate why an increased of Alabama,” Fazio says. “UAB is quite a unique worlds,” Dr. Samuels says. “We can bridge the gap emphasis on driving safety is necessary for patients research institute because its tight connection with between understanding the discoveries being made in with severe glaucomatous visual field loss. the Birmingham community serves as a catalyst for basic science research, and we also recognize what research. We have access to a diverse strata of tissue our fellow clinicians need to better treat their patients. “It was really by accident that I ended up becoming Kwon joined the UAB Department of Ophthalmology samples because the population of Birmingham is For this reason, clinician-scientists make great research a clinician-scientist,” Dr. Samuels says. “I applied to in the fall of 2014 after completing a two-year diverse and the community understands the value of collaborators. We can help find ways to translate bench medical school thinking that I just wanted to be an MD, postdoctoral fellowship at the Schepens Eye donating tissue for research. Therefore our research research to clinical practice more quickly.” but I also applied to the neuroscience PhD program Research Institute, Harvard Medical School. Her can be representative of the global population separately as a backup plan. It wasn’t until after I was research is concerned with understanding how eye response to eye disease and treatments. And that’s Samuels conducts independent research examining accepted to both that I learned there was a combined how areas of the brain control pressure inside the program. It was a lucky accident, because I truly enjoy disorders and abnormal visual experience affect quite a sweet deal! We hope the customized, modern, eye to cause the development and progression of my career as a clinician-scientist. Hopefully one day the way visual information is processed in the brain. and advanced engineering methods we are developing glaucoma, and also collaborates on multiple projects the discoveries that are being made in my lab or through Support of the Luke White Fund helped fund will move the field forward. We will be able to test with researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology one of my collaborations will allow me to say that I Dr. Kwon’s initial recruitment and launch her hypotheses that were not possible to investigate and externally. helped patients with glaucoma or other blinding promising vision science career. before due to technical limitations, and the results diseases throughout the world instead of just one from these studies will broaden treatment possibilities patient at a time in my clinic.” in several ocular pathologies.” 12 13 PATIENT CARE 15 0 8 2
TALLADEGA Talladega, AL 35160 109 Coosa Street East Phone: (256) 245-5203 SYLACAUGA 210 W Spring210 Street Sylacauga, AL 35150 Phone: (256) 245-5203 231 0 2 0 8 2 9 5 9 2015 Guardian2015 of Excellence for Award Engagement Employee reached the honors have who clients This award percentile95th for patient experience, employee or quality performance. clinical engagement, or physician Pinnacle2015 of Excellence for Award SatisfactionPatient This three the top is given to award performing organizations category by on the basis of extraordinary achievement. 5 4
Callahan offers excellence in eye trauma, trauma, eye in offers excellence . Callahan .
Suite 201 Suite VESTAVIA Delivering the same outstanding vision care associated with UAB Callahan Central Alabama. throughout locations convenient Hospital to Eye 1
Phone: (205) 325-8620 1 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 1009 Montgomery Highway N I Suite B Suite K A T O 2 to 18 N O ST. VINCENT’SST. U R POB I, Suite 222 CHILDREN’S SOUTH CHILDREN’S 81 to81 100 < to 4019 to 6441 65 to 80 OUTPATIENT CLINIC OUTPATIENT Birmingham, AL 35243 O Phone: (205) 325-8620 B 2660 10th Ave. South 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road Birmingham, AL 35205 Phone: (205) 383-1003 M BIRMINGHAM CAMPUS VIA A T S Treating more than 98,000 ophthalmic patients each year, year, each patients 98,000 than more ophthalmic . Treating E 5 V 6 1 3 1 3 5 6 R 5 14.46% 9 E 6 5 V 4 O O H EYE HOSPITAL D UAB CALLAHAN CALLAHAN UAB L E Birmingham, AL 35233 9.26% I Phone: (205) 325-8620 37.18% 1 Suites 406, 409, and 601 1720 University Boulevard F 1 R I A
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E 9 MEDICAL WESTMEDICAL B 5 985 9th Avenue SW Bessemer, AL 35022 PLEASANT GROVE Phone: (205) 481-7870 31.85% retinal, vitreal, cornea, cornea transplant, glaucoma, cataract, laser cataract, oculoplastics, orbital reconstruction, surgeries and pediatric eye Age Range Patient 2015 By offering the most advanced clinical practice, treatments, and technology, the experts the at technology, and treatments, practice, clinical advanced most the By offering quality highest the provide Ophthalmology of Department the and Hospital Eye UAB Callahan services care vision of continuum state the and in room emergency eye 7 days-per-week 24-hour, only the operates hospital the region the in Center Trauma I Ocular Level only the Clinics Hospital Eye UAB Callahan HUEYTOWN
PATIENT CARE PATIENT 14 PATIENT CARE 17 Top: Operating room expansion project rendering. rendering. project expansion room Operating Top: Bottom: Surgery waiting rendering. area joined Department the UAB Ophthalmologyof as an assistant ADVANCED EXPERTISE professor. An alumnusprofessor. Ophthalmology the of UAB residency program, he has more than years experience of 10 as care an eye specialist. Blackstone our gladly“We department,” to welcome says Dr. Christopher Girkin, MD, Department UAB the Ophthalmology. of Chair of Alabama of Endowed Foundation EyeSight “He was an outstanding resident and built a thriving practice in the Sylacauga community. By joining the department, Blackstone will help us continue Dr. advance to our clinical and missions.” educational J. WAID BLACKSTONE, WAID J. MD, Dr. Blackstone joined Callahan the Hospital He UAB Dr. sees Eye patients Clinic physician at his network 2015. on April 1, office locations. Sylacauga and Talladega As a comprehensive ophthalmologist, Blackstone treats a variety Dr. conditions eye of ranging from exams routine eye moreto diseases complex eye such as glaucoma He is and a member diabetic the retinopathy. of American Academy the Ophthalmology, Americanof Medical Association, the Alabama Academy and Ophthalmology, of the Medical Association the of state Alabama. of New Physician Operating Room Expansion Project Demand for advanced care eye and specialty surgery Theis University growing nationally. Alabamaof at Birmingham Callahan Hospital Eye and Clinics seen have substantial collectively growth almost since doubling 2010, volume and serving more than 98,000 patients and their families in 2015. With the aging population, this demand will continue to Callahan Hospital Eye projectsgrow. percent a 21 increase and in all surgical procedures eye and 2018 between 2013 another percent through 25 2023. increase for 2018 meet this growing demand, CallahanTo is expanding its operating rooms, doubling new eight building facility by This expansionthe number 16. will enable to Callahan meetto the growing demand and provide quality care patientsto and families, recruit and expand faculty, new research initiatives that will inform diagnostic new tools and treatments in the future. This expansion project will also enable Callahan accomplish to its mission being of a leader in the preservation and restoration vision of through excellence in clinical care, education, and research. 98,104 2015 91,151 2014 Surgery room per cases locations clinic Convenient central Alabama throughout 2015 in patients clinic New 2015 in visits clinic Total + + 83,645 2013 7 74,483 1,200 12,000 HOSPITAL Surgeries at at Surgeries UAB Medicine Medicine UAB CALLAHAN EYE are performed at 1 in 1 in 4 65,211 2012 64,074 2011 Emergency Department Emergency visits in 2015 2015 in surgeries Cataract Lowest OR room turn time Surgery 2015 in cases in the nation
1 OF ONLY 2 1 OF ONLY
Ocular Trauma CentersOcular Trauma LEVEL 1
2010 63,239
2010–2015 Patient Volume for UAB Callahan Eye Hospital and Clinics and Hospital Eye UAB for Callahan Volume Patient 2010–2015 5,799
4,931 Dedicated Eye Care Facility Eye Dedicated 20,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 100,000
OVER 11K OVER 1 MINUTE
16 PATIENT CARE PATIENT PATIENT CARE 19 Tell us aboutTell where youare from and yourpast experience. I am from Abuja, Nigeria. I came the United to States in on a school visa.very A March 1978 nice lady named Mrs. Drake provided me then with a place shelive, to helped me find Hospital. a job at the Eye I first worked in the cafeteria serving patients. When it closed, thetook I position as a PCA, and the rest is history. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work at Callahan Hospital? Eye Working with patients, talking and praying with them to help them feel at ease andknow that everything to will be alright. Some ask name, me my and when them I tell it’s Then say they they the angel.” “Oh, like Gabriel say, they co-workers.know will be they my I also okay! love I look forward coming work to every to here. day What’s on your iPod (or other device) right now? Bob Marley and other reggae music sports team: Favorite areI know you expecting choose me to the Alabama Crimson Tide or the Auburn Tigers, soccer. but I like Do you have a memorable travel experience and/or a destination? vacation favorite Rachael,I went Nigeria back to in visit mother, to my talk to with hug her, Nigeria. To I was so see happy to her. and see to her faceher, brought heart. my to joy Then to see brothers my and sisters, I cried. you, I tell I had not been home years. in 20 I did not see get to dad my before he died, but I did see mom. my This was such a blessing to me. What do you like to do in Birmingham when you are not working? Woo. walking atI exercise dog, the gym. my Woo I love a Great Pyrenees,She’s so I really enjoy the attention get whenwe are we on watch our I also to walks. like wrestling, and reading bible. my In the health care profession, there are those moments when it seems like everything’s going south. What gets you through the day when that happens? First, I pray about it, then wife about I talk my to these things. She can me make laugh, which eases always any tension. She often treat me tells to others I would the way be treated, to becauselike us of any might be in the same day. one situation GABRIEL AGBALI Unit: UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Assistant Care Patient Title: Job What do youlike to do in Birmingham when you are not working? going fishing,I love and spending time spouse with my and family. In the health care profession, there are those moments when it seems like everything’s going south. What gets you through the day when that happens? When it seems everything like is going south, I always remember that I am here for a reason. My reason is to provide the best service possible patients. to the end At percent. tried 100 I know that give I have to theof day, Is there a particular experience, event, or person on the job that stands out asspecial? Our entire clinic staff stands out because it takes a team sure make the jobto is done. What Gabe’s colleagues are saying about him: “Gabe available is and always ready help at to any moment. He has mentored and trained staff PCA in his years here at Callahan, imparting little bits all of his knowledge. His infectious “can-do” attitude is noticed and surgery felt by staff and our patients. On the rare occasion he does decide he off, is a day greatly take to missed. Callahan Hospital Eye has been blessed the over suchyears Brandye a dedicated have to Leigh employee.” Maddox, RN, Surgical Services Manager “Gabe is the kind employee of who exemplifies the compassion also the kind our show that patients. we He’s healthof care worker who takes pride in everything do we here. Gabe puts total effort every into task, no matter how Brianbig Callahan Spraberry, UAB or small.” Eye CEO, Hospital
When did you know you wanted to have a career in medicine, and was there any particular event or interest? your prompted that experience When I was younger a career I knew have that I wanted to in the health care field. After witnessing father my face various health issues and seeing doctors, nurses, and medical assistants him the best give treatment possible and making him comfortable I knew that I and happy, as well. in that life impact way wanted to someone’s What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work at Callahan Eye Hospital? family. more Callahan,At than It’s a job. it’s us aboutTell a personal hero, mentor, or teacher who you. inspired has I had a high school teacher name Mrs. Betty Smith who inspired a good me. She me told that always I have heart helpingand people. I love She said if I held that I on to Thatwould go in life. a long stuck way with me. What’s on your iPod (or other device) right now? Sam Smith “Stay With Me” What are your favorite TV shows, authors, or movies? TVMy favorite is show “In the Heat the of Night” (yes, I am My old called show a new school). I love “Empire.” author/writer andfavorite poet Angelou. is Maya sports team: Favorite Alabama Tide Roll) (Roll Do you have a memorable travel experience and/or destination? vacation favorite Cancun, most is Mexico, my memorable vacation. It firstwas my getting time ever on a plane and traveling thoughout the of country. Even I was afraid because of foreign to heard had I about traveling things bad the all countries, it was an experience that I would not trade for anything in the world. The resort was amazing, and the people were extra friendly.
MACKENZIE RUSH Clinic, Hospital Eye Callahan UAB Unit: Suite 601 and Children’s Hospital South Job Title: Lead Office Representative Surgery Coordinator & Employee SpotlightsEmployee What Mackenzie’s colleagues are saying about him: Mackenzie is routinely the first get here to and last to He ensuresleave. that everyone has a good patient experience and really takes ownership his of area. Mackenzie is proactive in solving daily issues that arise a wealth knowledge of on allin the front- clinic. He’s end operations and is widely regarded as a resource for everyone. “Mackenzie is an integral part team. He my of does everything he can help often me, to without being asked, and patients my often comment on his efficiency and professionalism. Every with day Mackenzie is a good MD Lolley, Virginia day!” us aboutTell where you are from and your past experience. I am from a small Alabama. in Lowndes town County, I came Birmingham to attend to I Miles College in 2001. began career my at Brookwood Hospital as an Clerk ER in In 2008 2002. I was given the opportunity work as to a surgery coordinator Callahan at Hospital UAB Eye and beenI’ve here since that time. I knew first on my that day I was at home. UAB CallahanUAB Eye Hospital and Clinics are proud of our diverse, highly skilled work force. Theseprofessionals provide interviews informal following The care. patient advancing to community dedicated close-knit a form some insight, both professional and personal, about a few staff members who exemplify our mission to provide restoration. vision and care eye award-winning innovative,
18 PATIENT CARE PATIENT PATIENT CARE 20 ophthalmology. afamily, to in work Ireturned starting After school. of high out UAB at right nursing in Ibegan assistant. medical or to Iwanted anurse be Iknew school high In experience that prompted your interest? or event particular any there was and medicine, in acareer have to wanted you know you did When 11 years. for 19 for Callahan at technician years, ophthalmic I’ve an as worked I’m Vestavia Alabama. Hills, from experience. past your and from are you where Tell about us Swanner, MD doctors.” Jason and patients ofour by all trusted is and leader anatural is She staff. and to patients both teacher agreat is She unsurpassed. are technician ophthalmic an as skills Her decade. past over the thrived has service glaucoma the reasons ofthe one is “Regina She’s physician’s the hand. really successful. right to be needed they have that resources the all certain always making members, faculty with communicator excellent an is Regina shorthanded. is clinic another when calls phone to in make filling patient evenor just employees with development, training or professional She’s clinic. the in any role always to other willing help assume basically can and versatile extremely is Regina her: about saying are colleagues Regina’s What Job Title: Lead Ophthalmic Technician Technician Ophthalmic Lead Title: Job 409 and 406 Hospital Eye Callahan Unit: CUMMINGS REGINA the best! the to Ilove none. with Iwork that second are outcomes surgical and set skill Their EyeUAB Hospital. Callahan at doctors amazing to the for work privileged very I feel special? as out stands that job the on person or event, experience, aparticular there Is satisfaction. patient great is which priority, myon main focused Istay impression. lasting and first agreat making in pride Itake great unto Lord. the done is Ido Everything happens? that when day the through you gets What south. going everything’s like seems it when moments those are there profession, care health the In stores. furnishings home in shopping and markets flea Ilike at to antiquing go area. the in restaurants different new and discovering I enjoy working? not are you when Birmingham in do to like you do What Alabama Favorite team: sports Sensibility,” Women” “Little Time,” in “Somewhere “Serendipity,” and “Sense movies? or authors, shows, TV favorite your are What Bible The noteworthy? anything read, recently you have or reading, you Are basis. adaily on vision patients’ our to work restore improve of our and part integral to an be Iget means That outcome. eye the agreat for assessing and measuring in role IhaveI know important an EyeHospital? Callahan at work your of aspect rewarding most the What’s
Nursery in the UAB Women & Infants Center. UAB the in Women &Infants Nursery Care Continuing the at week each infants premature 20-30 rounds for screening who bedside ophthalmologists share Callahan MD, of several one Cogen, worse,” Martin says getting are which and better getting are which to see them we so have to watch onto severe of stages, the go will all of ROP stages milder with babies “We can’t tell which typical. is even or blindness loss visual permanent of degree some 4-5, to stage progresses and untreated left is If ROP recommended. is treatment likely and more becomes loss visual where threshold –the condition of the 3 stage milder, to 1-2 crucial the stage willprogress ROP own. However, their on to tend do with heal apercentage develop ROP, infants premature all Not who many and weight. and of age extremes toward smaller the sharply increase ROP of developing likelihood and severity pounds).3.3 The 1,500 (about than grams less and weeks 34 under babies exclusively premature in almost It occurs blindness. and impairment vision lifelong in result can and childhood in loss of visual causes common most the eyes among –is both in 1942, in occurs diagnosed usually –which ROP First severe cases. in detachment to retinal lead and wrinkle, shrink, can that tissue scar causing often retina, the in vessels blood toxic is to underdeveloped Oxygen by half. outcomes negative cut helping is ophthalmologists Eye Hospital by UAB Callahan conducted program ascreening but (ROP), of prematurity retinopathy called acondition from loss of visual risk increased an face babies Premature Infants Vision in Premature ROP Screenings Save up with permanent visual loss due to due ROP.” loss visual permanent with up ended baby has UAB, at asingle not so or year past the by half,” outcomes bad the to cut able Dr. “In says. Cogen we have but been effective, 100 is percent treatment “No of cases. number asmall in affected is vision peripheral though treatment, with associated risk little very is There annually. States United the in infants 400-600 in blindness causes ROP treatment, effective Even increasingly with 10 of cases. percent roughly in treatment medical to require severe enough is year, by each ROP it and affected are infants premature Eye 14,000 to Institute, National the According to 16,000 Center. Medical Center, Baptist Princeton Medical and Vincent’s Hospital, Brookwood Medical Center, Grandview St. including hospitals, area other at week each infants premature screen also colleagues Dr. certain and Cogen done,” be should Dr. says. Cogen combination,ideal the timing, in and they what order –the Avastin laser how the to with out combine figuring now is right edge cutting “The vessels. blood retinal immature of the Avastin development the to halt called inhibitor factor agrowth using have started physicians few years past the in ago, and adecade than more began therapy Two Laser available. are ROP for treatments treatment. to in conduct brought are Callahan from specialists 3, retinal stage to have reached observed is If ROP stage. its determining or of ROP signs for looking ophthalmoscope, eye indirect an with each observes and drop adilating applies physician the anurse, from help With quick. and simple relatively is process screening The Center. &Infants Women UAB at the Care Nursery Continuing apremature screens retinopathy for prematurity of infant MD, the in Cogen, Martin
21 PATIENT CARE PATIENT PATIENT CARE
“It’s important for “It’s completely eccentric.” Swanner says. “Only Frank, people suffering from being the artist he is, would respond that way. I put in a
PATIENT CARE PATIENT toric (specially shaped) lens to correct his astigmatism, cataracts to know that and with the cataract surgery this left him with 20-20 the treatment is a very vision that was crystal clear. But he told me right away that he liked the way his art looked through the brown common, very safe tint of the remaining cataract in his left eye. I immediately thought of the Impressionist artist, Claude Monet, who procedure . It usually Jason Swanner, MD had cataracts.” takes less than 10 minutes to complete . Swanner is alluding to the change in Monet’s work after Ophthalmologists in the state, most his vision became impaired during later years. Regarded of whom receive training at Callahan as the father of Impressionism and most famous for his masterwork Water Lilies, Monet was treated for cataracts Eye Hospital, establish practices in by several ophthalmologists, with varying success. At communities all over Alabama where one point in his ongoing treatment, after being fitted with glasses specialized for cataracts, the artist described the they perform this procedure every day ”. new, brighter colors he saw as “terrifying.”
– Jason Swanner, MD Fleming recalls that he remained somewhat concerned about how he would see colors if the procedure to treat the other cataract was as successful as the first. He waited a few weeks before having the left eye treated. “No one had to tell me the importance of Frank’s Now he admits that he shouldn’t have worried. vision,” Swanner says. “I’m a fan of his amazing work. He had pretty severe astigmatism, and very significant “After I had the left eye treated, my eyes adjusted,” UAB Renews Vision for brunescent cataracts.” Fleming says. “The brightness sort of calmed down. It was amazing; it did not destroy my interpretations of Renowned Sculptor Brunescent cataracts are a condition in which the colors. It was an unbelievable change for the better.” nuclear or central portions of the lens have become Top: Frank Fleming’s “The Storyteller” fountain is located in the heart of Five Points Frank Fleming South in Birmingham, Alabama. Bottom: UAB Medicine patient and Birmingham artist hardened and brownish in color. In advanced stages, the “It does sound dramatic,” Swanner says. “But it’s Frank Fleming is pleased with his restored vision and view of the world. brown pigmentation can make the lens almost opaque. important for people suffering from cataracts to Although such an advanced condition may present know that the treatment is a very common, very safe Vision is precious to all of us, but for people who are doctors at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital to restore his complications for surgery, a successful procedure can procedure. It usually takes less than 10 minutes to especially oriented toward visual stimulus, or whose diminished eyesight. improve vision from the category of legally blind to complete. Ophthalmologists in the state, most of whom livelihood is dependent upon exceptional visual acuity, normal. Fleming’s treatment was a success, although it receive training at Callahan Eye Hospital, establish healthy vision has perhaps a deeper significance. UAB Fleming was diagnosed with cataracts several years resulted in an odd twist, according to both doctor and practices in communities all over Alabama where they Medicine patient and Birmingham artist Frank Fleming ago and at that time it was noted that he probably would patient. perform this procedure every day.” can attest to that. require surgery within 3-4 years. During a December 2014 exam, however, it became apparent that the “After the first cataract was removed in January, the Fleming is pleased with both his restored view of the If the bronze sculptural fountain at Five Points South cataracts had quickly become much worse, he says. vision in my right eye was instantly clearer and brighter world and his close view of the work he is currently were the only major work Fleming had ever produced, than it ever had been,” Fleming says. “I wasn’t sure I was doing. he would still be a local celebrity and a key figure in the “As my cataracts got worse, I had simply adjusted to ready to see the world in such brightness. I could close Birmingham arts scene. That bronze work, titled “The living with them,” Fleming says. “But there was concern the right eye so that through my left eye, which still had a “I am thrilled with the results of the procedure Dr. Storyteller,” has become an iconic Birmingham landmark that the new severity of the cataracts, especially in my cataract, everything seemed kind of warm and peaceful.” Swanner performed,” he says. “Before that I had about commonly known as “the fountain.” left eye, and we knew I would have to do something five or six different pair of glasses I swapped back and soon.” Fleming laughs as he relates this story, recognizing the forth while working with the bronze sculptures. Now I can Fleming, however, has crafted thousands of pieces in humorous and eccentric quality of such a response to a see every detail without all that trouble. But you know clay, ceramic, and bronze for a body of work that spans Fleming was referred to Jason Swanner, MD, FACS, successful eye surgery. Swanner also sees the peculiar I’m a nature lover and a gardener, too. I was watching some 40 years and has earned international acclaim. at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. That was a happy set humor in this scenario. blue jays this morning, and I am probably not quite half It goes without saying that his exquisitely detailed art, of circumstances for Fleming and Swanner; they are a football field away but I can see the blue feathers and which features whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-like neighbors, and Swanner has collected a few bronze the white feathers. I grow some spectacular lilies, and at animal figures and themes of nature and fantasy, requires pieces by Fleming. about 100 feet away I can see each petal.” good vision for up-close work. Nonetheless, that point was recently made “clearer” when Fleming called on
22 23 EDUCATION The ONLY OPHTHALMOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM IN ALABAMA
RESIDENTS PROVIDED COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE FOR NEARLY 9,000 LOW- EDUCATION INCOME ALABAMIANS IN 2015.
4% 2% 9% 27% Career Path for Residents During the past 10 years our residents have chosen the following specialties: 10%
COMPREHENSIVE ...... 15 RETINA ...... 11 CORNEA...... 10 OCULOPLASTICS...... 6 10% GLAUCOMA...... 6 PEDIATRICS...... 5 NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY . . . . 2 20% GLOBAL EYE HEALTH ...... 1 18%
24 25 EDUCATION 26 physicians at the meeting was contagious, and it was rewarding to bring some of that energy back to back Birmingham.” energy of that some to rewarding was it bring and contagious, was meeting the at physicians that,” Kevin to just do young Bray, of other resident says energy MD. “The opportunity an provided congressmen our with meeting and patients, our affect that decisions policy on to informed be physicians for important is “It Mid-Year the attended 2015,In ophthalmologists Forum. 400 than more to of Academy’s Trustees. the body Board advisory policy the as Council’s the role about learn and guests special are ambassadors Meeting, Hill. Capitol At on Council the keyand staff legislators with visits for ophthalmologists seasoned with Day, paired Advocacy are residents the Congressional During At the Mid-Year facing hot ophthalmology. about topics issues and sessions attend Forum, the Advocacy Ambassadors protecting their patients’ vision beyond the room.” operating in engaged they become hoping we are careers, their in early to advocacy ophthalmologists future these exposing “By of Ophthalmology. UAB in Department professor MD, assistant by government,” Rhodes, regulated Lindsay says highly is that environment care health changing arapidly in advocacy of physician importance the about learn they also that vital is it training, their during of ophthalmology aspects surgical and clinical the about learn UAB the residents “While atophthalmology both the state national and levels. involvement in organized and action of political importance the about careers their in fellows early and residents to educate 2004 in created was of Program, the which Advocacy part as Ambassador attend ambassadors Academy of Council meeting. resident Alabama Ophthalmology The Day, Advocacy Mid-Year the Congressional the and sessions, Forum Mid-YearThe including activities events and several features Forum profession. chosen their facing issues to critical exposed are and lawmakers group’s the for Mid-YearAmbassadors with they interact where Forum, to travel to Washington, D.C., residents UAB Advocacy Ophthalmology as two for year each atrip sponsors of Ophthalmology Academy Alabama The Representing Residents track if they choose. research in-depth amore in participate can interested Additionally,department’s renowned researchers. those the with project aresearch complete and subspecialty clinical every from faculty with train Residents Children’s of Alabama. and UAB Hospital, Services, Health Mercy Green Cooper Center, Medical Veterans Affairs Birmingham the as such facilities various at experience diverse offers also program The cases. to of volume varied ahigh trainees exposes Eye UAB Hospital, the at Callahan located room, 24-hour eye region’s emergency The dedicated only of ophthalmology. excel any in area to needed experience the trainees provides program of well-rounded The ophthalmologists. generation next the for of knowledge foundation exceptional an offers and state the in program training ophthalmology only the is fellows. It and residents, students, medical for programs UAB provides training comprehensive Ophthalmology Training Programs for students after their first year of medical school. of medical year first their after students for fellowship research asummer as or school, of medical year intensive two-month experience during the or second third an is activity, which ascholarly either as available are opportunities inophthalmology the research future. These they to if want pursue to determine necessary experience This competitive provides program students medical the students interested in either or laboratory clinical research. medical for of ophthalmology areas all in opportunities research offers of Ophthalmology Department The OPPORTUNITIES STUDENT MEDICAL neuro-ophthalmology,glaucoma, retina. and oculoplastics, in available are Fellowship opportunities surgery. in program, fellows are given increasing responsibility the yearlong Throughout Services. Mercy Health Green Center, Cooper Medical and Veterans Affairs Birmingham the Eye UAB Hospital, at Callahan clinics outpatient at and room operating the in residents with role supervisory Fellows have a experience. fellows extensive UAB offers practice, to clinical career. ahigh-volume arewarding As pave way can the UAB with Ophthalmology A fellowship PROGRAM FELLOWSHIP Residents and Fellows and Residents THIRD-YEAR RESIDENTS THIRD-YEAR John Parker, Jr., MD Ryan Burton, MD MD Burton, Ryan Pooja Godara, MD Pooja Godara, David Neely,David MD Carter Kirk, MD Kirk, Carter Kevin Bray, MD Glaucoma Rushil G. Rao, MD G. Rushil
Cornea Cornea Jason Crosson, MD MD Crosson, Jason Retina Retina SECOND-YEAR RESIDENTS Deepthi M. Reddy, M. MD Deepthi Elizabeth Keeble, MD Keeble, Elizabeth Michael Rolfson, MD Rolfson, Michael William MD Gannon, Austin Gerber, MD Austin Adam Quinn, MD Quinn, Adam FELLOWS Retina Retina Jay P. Glover, MD Retina Retina Jordan Spindle,Jordan MD Oculoplastics Arthur “Jordan”Arthur Stanley, MD FIRST-YEAR RESIDENTS Katherine Orman, MD Orman, Katherine Kristen Jijelava, MD Jijelava, Kristen Daniel T. Daniel MD Kasuga, HongVan Le, MD Peter Daniel, MD Peter Daniel, Retina
27 EDUCATION EDUCATION 28 astronomically difficult,” Cogen says. In ophthalmology ophthalmology In says. Cogen difficult,” astronomically to be going was this that was reaction initial “My MD, skeptical. was he Cogen, Martin ophthalmologist toclinic UAB pediatric of atravelling eye idea the care proposed first Haddox when but success, aresounding become has clinic The of glasses. pairs free children 55 provided 2015, In onsite. new glasses LensCrafters their to get choose eyeglasses prescribed are who children Crafters, Lens with apartnership Through Kevin Bray,residents: Parker, MD, Jack and MD. 2015 the MD, two with staffed along Bernal, clinic Arciniegas UAB Anne-Marie ophthalmologist pediatric to eyethe them.” care to far, that go can’t afford or we so bring transportation don’t have provider. either care parents of the Many to to eye get an ahalf and hour an as much as drive may have to children and ophthalmologist, an or optometrist an not is there areas these “In America. Savers CEO Haddox, of Sight Jeff says process,” visual the through learned is up growing learns child a of what percent Eighty important. vitally is “Vision optometrists. there orwhere ophthalmologists are no practicing County, Ala., eye Perry in exams free received children 2015, to eye April In have care. 80 access than more not otherwise would who to children services care eye to up bring teamed UAB Ophthalmology and year,For 10th the America Savers consecutive Sight Children Rural Eye Clinic for
very far.” far.” very community, they don’t in, their in havepatients to travel We thing. the get “And important the said. really is that get it shopping,” all done one-stop right as here Cogen we can glasses, need who patients of the bulk the “For class. in board the see kids helping as such problems, common most the on attention its focused team the resources—if of alot good—despite limited accomplish they could that Dr. clinic, convinced was first the Cogen eye After clinic. rural first the to hold equipment enough however, persisted, Haddox gathered team the and eye exam.” a state-of-the-art to You do cuff. of alot equipment pressure need a blood and astethoscope and bag ablack as it’s simple as not special clinic in Perry County, Ala. Parker, Jack residents and (middle), Kevin MD and Bray, (bottom), MD eye perform exams at a (top), MD Bernal, Arciniegas Anne-Marie ophthalmologist pediatric Eye Hospital Callahan UAB of the National Institutes of Health. This study aims to aims study This of Health. Institutes National of the Aging on (ALSTAR), Institute by National the funded Degeneration Macular Age-Related Early on Study Owsley, PhD,Curcio, Cynthia and PhD, Alabama the and Christine A. work members with faculty ophthalmology Wake at University, will student Forest amedical Aseem, impairments.” vision for options improve treatment help also but care provide only not Ican so research well as as like Iwould practice future, to involved be clinical both in the “In says. adults,” older Aseem including people, of lives disadvantaged the in impact make apositive to vision my with humanitarian science in my interest to combine ability the with me provides “Ophthalmology vision research. and aging in interest her to continue Ophthalmology of UAB the in Department researchers with work will Aseem Research, Aging in Federation American the summer, from afellowship This through adults. older for care and to improve treatment adesire and knowledge for athirst both sparked Aseem’s curiosity and deficits. care of treatment because condition acurable from suffering be might adults older how other many wondered Aseem of life. quality and vision grandmother’s her improved significantly surgery cataract asimple later years Many vision. her todo restore could doctors Afghan nothing was there and herself, for meals simple to prepare well enough to see unable was complete grandmother independently daily tasks. Her to loss, of vision because struggle, grandmother her watched Aseem Fazila Afghanistan, in girl ayoung As Owsley, Cynthia and PhD. PhD, Curcio, A. Christine members faculty working ophthalmology with Fazila Aseem Woman Make to Difference a Young Motivates Struggle Vision Grandmother’s the emergence of AMD.” emergence the for to us biomarkers lead will imaging autofluorescence of addition The now well are documented. lifestyle and ALSTAR the in health, study, vision, patients’ these participation to their “Due patients,” says. study Curcio ALSTAR in of degeneration stages earliest very the detect by AMD. Fazila’s us willhelp affected most project cells way retinal the to monitor asuperb is “Autofluorescence ideally,and, away disease. to devastating this prevent of treatments generation to next the willlead work this of AMD, stages the earliest hopeful that understanding on focusing is UAB Ophthalmology of research, lines ALSTAR the other and Through study extensive. is loss vision when disease, of the stages later the until begin cannot available, it is AMD for treatment Although care.” early to seek able are patients AMD so of AMD, emergence earliest the for biomarker diagnostic apotential of setting prospect the excited about also am Owsley,” and Curcio field—Drs. the in “I says. Aseem scientists brilliant of two supervision the to AMD, under aging normal from of transitioning assays functional and imaging autofluorescence of clinical basis subcellular the to study opportunity unique the provides it because ALSTAR the my with work to want “I continue project Americans. of millions for loss vision central causes that a disease (AMD), to degeneration susceptible macular age-related more adults older make certain that factors risk uncover competition Aseem wins top prize at poster summer fellowship.summer Owsley, of her PhD,Curcio, Cynthia and PhD, part as A. Christine with did she work the highlighted poster Aseem’s winning information. and ideas exchange and research their to present Symposium Research AMA the at gathered country the across from Fazila Aseem ADVANCED EXPERTISE ADVANCED residents, and fellows and residents, students,Medical 13November Atlanta. in Symposium, held Research Association 2015 Medical American the at presentation imaging poster category won the Aseem Fazila
29 EDUCATION EDUCATION 30 Congratulations to the 2015 Graduating Resident Class! Visit uab.edu/acrs for moreVisit details and registration! MAY 13 – 14, BIRMINGHAM 2016 WESTIN •THE 2016 ANNUAL CLINICAL SYMPOSIUM &RESEARCH SAVE THE DATE! Where Our Are Alumni? OUR GRADUATESOUR PRACTICE OPHTHALMOLOGY ACROSS NATION. THE with Parker Cornea) Rao, (cornea MD fellowship Specialists of Alabama) UAB/Retina at fellowship (retina to Jay right: Glover,From left MD Department ofOphthalmology) Department UAB at fellowship (glaucoma Oklahoma) of Eye Institute-University McGee Dean at fellowship care eyeJewel Sandy, (global MD Eye Physicians) Montgomery Donnithorne, MD (joined ; Ryan Burton, MD MD Burton, ; Ryan A PRESENCE ACROSS PRESENCE A STATES UNITED OUR ALUMNI HAVE ALUMNI OUR ; Katherine ; Katherine South Carolina South TOP 5STATES ; Rushil ; Rushil OUR ALUMNI CALL HOME: CALL Alabama ; Georgia Florida OF THE Texas
ophthalmology and uveitis and ophthalmology neuro- well as as degeneration macular treatment options and research in age-related highlighted residents, and faculty latest the with the presentations Ophthalmology by UAB DO David Kaufman, speakers,guest Daniel F A special thank you to esteemed the two . Their lectures, along lectures, Their . Martin, MD, and Martin, .
Alumni Challenge Fund Project Project Fund Challenge Alumni at 205.325.8526. 205.325.8526. at office development our uab.edu/giveoph contact or visit fund, To challenge to alumni the make agift everything. today. change can Your to UAB Ophthalmology gift to Fund Challenge a Alumni the gift Ophthalmology consider fellows. Please and residents recruit help and program our bolster will projects of these Both • • are: Fund willsupport Challenge key Alumni two the initiatives years, coming the In programs. training our for of support source integral to an be Fund continues Challenge Alumni The program.”the training that invigorate resources provides vital support “This professorship,” of Dr. this holder says. Read inaugural to the MD, be Read, PhD. honored am by “I Russell Training, Residency Ophthalmology held currently in EndowedProfessorship Cooper Lorayne and Max the create helped Recently, gifts alumni fellows. and residents our for education quality highest the providing are we ensures alumni of our generosity collective The
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS need to be successful. to successful. be need they with the resources trainees technological provide and lab practice to surgical our updates through program training surgical our enhance to continue we could support, alumni With edge. cutting the on and competitive program our keep to support alumni for need the creates equipment of pace rapid in advancement The and technology NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND EQUIPMENT: field. our in a leader interaction with one-on-one and through lectures provides. Trainees would expand their knowledge already program our mentoring outstanding the to dimension additional an add would opportunity This trainees. the with time to spend specialist renowned anationally bring we could support, alumni With experience. training of arobust part important an is knowledge tacit Gaining VISITING PROFESSORSHIP:
31 EDUCATION GIVING BACK GIVING
GIVING BACK
John Parker, MD, performs an eye exam in Nicaragua.
Best Friends Forever
Through the Friends of Rudy organization, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital and affiliate clinic staff take the gift of vision care to Nicaragua — and get back much more than they give .
32 33 GIVING BACK 34 Granada, Nicaragua, and as various hospitals, churches, churches, various as hospitals, and Nicaragua, Granada, to trips mission Dr.After successful many Vargas made Brookwood Medical Center. at now He practices metabolism. and of endocrinology subspecialty the in afellowship and medicine internal in 1969 in aresidency for States to United the came Dr. Vargas Anative of Nicaragua, Ala. of Birmingham, Vargas, MD, (Rudy) Rodolfo 1990s by Jose early the during basis informal hoc, ad an on FOR initiated was communities. world’s of the to poorest residents funding clinic and resources, treatment, to medical providing dedicated Rudy, organization Of Friends anonprofit is as known Inc., commonly Health, FOR Nicaraguan in crisis. populations for care health of providing rewards and value the firsthand experiencing a global perspective, gained has professionals of these each world, of the areas to neediest of eye the excellent one care bringing By ever will granted. for take that Health Nicaraguan (FOR) of Rudy Friends in have who participated staff support and nurses, However, technicians, doctors, of the none commodity. precious equally an is care vision to access that is societies, fortunate more in especially recognized, readily of life. Less fact recognizable That’s instantly an gift. aprecious is vision Healthy trip toNicaragua. avolunteer during patients with aphoto for take topose time staff Eye Hospital Callahan UAB patients, and the room functions as both a pre-op and and apre-op both as functions room the and patients, we examine where clinic It’s there. aone-room hospital Today, the outside clinic the at done is work of the most adoctor. was he think would him saw anyone who that so awhite coat in to airport back the smuggled actually was us with worked who volunteers of the One on. going still was revolution the because tense was Everything rocks. on sheets washing was staff The non-existent. almost were facilities The of Granada. city the out wiped almost ahurricane after right mission my on first there I travelled Michael A report. annual this for experiences their shared individuals of those Some need. in most communities Nicaraguan to the resources other and equipment, treatment, to bring February travelling each mission, remarkable this in annually have participated clinics affiliate and CEH at staff and physicians various then, Since in Nicaragua. time clinic to develop afull- plans formalized and 2002 in nonprofit a as incorporated officially organization The Granada. in hospital to asmall of physicians teams with trips mission FOR organized resources, provide and grow funding to continued area Birmingham the in individuals and .Callahan, MD doesn’t develop properly, which their impacts ability vision ago. their If they aren’t treated, years many society our in regarded sometimes were disabilities with kids or way children the deaf much disabilities, developmental they have though as treated culture, that in ostracized are eyes) (crossed have who strabismus still, children Worse net. there’s safety existence; ameager financial no face area this folks in eyesight, make Without aliving. least at they can where to back apoint to people get We try forFOR the changes made better. numerous has upgrades. equipment and of materials plenty provided we have over even years limited, the still though are Resources off. cut is water the supply whatever reason, for when, it use we so could boiled and in water brought We nesting. have even clinic, the in birds had insects or rodents may be There February. in there dry and hot day. per It’s 20 We surgeries about do area. post-op Michael Callahan, MD, with two strabismus patients. strabismus two with MD, Callahan, Michael communitiespoorest . clinic funding to residents of the world’s and resources, treatment, medical organization dedicated providing to known Friends as Rudy, Of is anonprofit . Inc Health, Nicaraguan FOR
, commonly commonly , I recommend to anyone who gets the chance. the to gets anyone who I recommend It’s then. opportunity since an year every Nicaragua Dr. food. and to invited me to go has Parker gifts us to bring to hospital back the they come would but little, have so families It’s Their gratitude. humbling. so their of expressive so they are surgery, asuccessful undergo patients After community. of that gratitude and warmth the is me touches and always that amazes thing The world. the in areas impoverished most of the one is This food. for trash top through of boxes digging or on sleeping children we see would walked to hospital the day we Each to building. the adjacent aclassroom in up sunlight. bright under time next The we set courtyard the in up we set were because difficult was year first The national hospital. day the at first the during transplant corneal and surgery cataract for patients 200 about tohad do. We screened we of things number sheer of the because much so like Ifeel Ilearned point. that at of months acouple only for working say, been you might Ihad course, because Dr. with acrash was Parker to John trip My Nicaragua TechnicianOphthalmic Katherine Burleson Fuchs, place. first the in into Igot medicine reasons of the one is of thing kind That appreciative. so are there people The to it person. athank-you in me me bring present note and to was day.chair, all sun the in purpose sole outside, Her a in sitting been day. of the had end woman the dear This at her Isaw then you.’ surgeries, some with We continued day to all waited see has ‘There’s who saying here alady visit, arecent to during me coming staff of our one recall do. I my in field people many help. Ithink needed people where toI’ve to go places the always ayearning had atoll eyes. the on takes that climate sunny a hot, life in difficult extremely an living well as as care, medical to of due lack is tissue cataract of the toughness the Ithink chisel! and Youcataracts.” ahammer need almost “Nicaraguan them Icall strabismus. correct and cataracts to are remove Iperform procedures main two The life. of ameaningful prospects bleak the compounds greatly and education to an get
35 GIVING BACK GIVING GIVING BACK 36 or I should say, return. in Ishould or us they taught what gave people with what those back, wonderful impressed I’m But as there. just to value people the tremendous of something of giving apart be Icould that thrilled and country, this of in course, doing were teams our work the of proud Iwas surgery. before agurney on patients get to was my job there, Iwas Once hospital. the at service of Dr. years 30 from for Callahan agift was project Rudy of Friends the in to participate to Nicaragua visit first My Cindy Manager Ratliff, Office Parker,Right: John procedure. asurgical performs MD, (left), staff. (center) clinic MD MD Vargas, and Rudy with Callahan, Above: Michael – Cindy Ratliff they taught us in return people gave back, or Ishould say, what impressed with what those wonderful to the people there giving something of tremendous value and thrilled that Icould of be apart were doing in this country, of course, “I was proud of the work our teams .But I’m just as .” touched by her immediate understanding of sharing. of sharing. understanding immediate by her touched so Iwas book. coloring the enjoy could of them all that so room the in afew children to crayons and other page one giving was girl to. up was precious she what This see to room the in Iwent free amoment Ihad given. When was she book coloring of the pages by the all one one, out, tearing was girl alittle Inoticed morning one Then “having enough.” of terms in always Iwas it. thinking about Iworried books, coloring and of crayons number right the always just had we miracle by even some though and child, toy each for I became concerned about having an age-appropriate days. toys other some or on crayons, books and or coloring Babies, Beanie enough have barely Iwould that apparent became it quickly and toys, donated to was distribute of my tasks One me! with love Iwould home children; all to them have brought the And ameal. we invited to not were share where home asingle past walking Idon’t recall generosity; we have. instant Forhave example, blessings the don’t who those from lessons many so We learned
37 GIVING BACK GIVING GIVING BACK 38 the people we go down there to we help. down I’ve there go 15 made people the 16 or than experience the from we more Ithink get and others, to help have instinct innate here some of us most I think Richard M smile. bigger amuch with Nicaragua from I returned to him for say, thing anice was tellThat me you, let but ‘Just FOR the group, said, with he I travelled your smile.’ if offer Icould Dr. world the in asked what Callahan to my touch family. continue Ifirst that and When forget, never Iwill that lessons beautiful many So Itook. as me with back gifts many as That’s like why Ifeel Ibrought assignments. classroom for that about wrote stories my Both grandsons meals. us offered had who parents group, the yet for their was to it make rocks agame and sticks with they playing were that poor so villages the in kids Isaw that baseball, play who myboth grandsons, told Ialso there. children the with books coloring and crayons her share could to she if to me ask came she to trip Nicaragua, Later, my next before I returned. just when girl little that about I told my great-granddaughter Right: Clinic volunteers prepare volunteers day. the for Right: Clinic patient. aclinic with poses Fuchs Above: Katherine Burleson .Feist, MD are engaged in every aspect, from examining patients patients examining from aspect, every in engaged are residents The we there. of do what Teaching part abig is surgery. retinal to all at performing cases retina treating we not have from gone participating, Ihave time the been In tremendous. been has of Rudy of Friends success The days. never early have the in we could treated take cases to now able we so are place, in put and there shipped resources to more we get improved able were things as but to hospital, the equipment to transport difficult It was Sandinistas. and Contras the with wars the from shape terrible in still were roads the and closed, was eye hospital national the few years, For first the visits. work, they have on. work, to back nothing fall to If they can’t death. see of life or amatter be can vision low Nicaragua, in patients our for but of course, change, alifestyle means condition Aserious vision-impaired. are they if of support to kinds all have access patients where Callahan, at granted take for might we otherwise what for You appreciation patients. many areal so gain can for outcomes excellent they get that but to setting, that well so respond doctors how our It’s just not impressive, to done. be needs what do and it with roll you just there Down procedure. every or visit, patient every treatment, every with issues regulatory are there and resources, unlimited almost with environment care health to I’m amodern accustomed circumstances. less-than-ideal under done gets how with much taken most Iwas Ithink experience, wonderful entire the Of tasks. organizational or that’s care patient whether with hands, of pair extra an I’m really need. just doctors the materials whatever locate and schedule surgery the with I assist and surgery, for dressed or undressed get them go, help to they need to get where member. patients Ihelp staff 2011. in to was trip Ecuador first Our I’m amedical not Resources Human AVP Burleson, Karen get back home. we after physicians better us FOR makes with experience of Rudy. the Friends with around, All experience their on who have to retina decided become based specialists UAB at residents We two havea new interest. least at we excel gain where or area an discover We might also circumstances. trying under alittle, to with alot do learn we can Nicaragua like it’s places in patients, only treating in us support and participate can who colleagues many so with and Eye Hospital, Callahan at here resources many so with we’re Because fate throws us. at blessed circumstances whatever with It’s to comfortable be how we learn cases. difficult more and fewer resources, equipment, less with place, unfamiliar an in procedures performing than asurgeon as confident you more makes Nothing we treat. cases the all on We by side side work surgeries. and procedures to performing candidates surgical for screening and
Ermlia Miranda Martinez Olivar, Joel of Mother Miranda Joel of Ortega, Father Miranda Gabriel appreciative are. know how we Extranjera our family on operated that member Medica Brigada of Please member let every written express don’t words sufficiently. what understand can your that heart hope To to we left finalize, that say have only we inmembers similar situations. sharingas with families other family have that appreciation you seefit,of in the way such authorizewe you to use these sincere lines the patient is progressing positively, very and Additionally, would we like you to know that instruments to fulfill this marvelous act. your specialists team of you and the being miracle Jesus Our Lord of Christ, with consider this we is operationThat why a a costly operation. for such pay to the and country of out travel difficultvery to collect the funds necessary our family of member it been that would have every and everyone opinion of isIt the general live we in remote and income very location. important to people low very are of us, we as your valuable time to this is that so act immense gratitude appreciate for dedicating and objectiveThe this of letter is to express our into February, 2015. Granada Extranjera Medica thankfully who Brigada came surgical intervention the performed by was transplant in acornea of his The right eye. afortuneBluefields, was who beneficiary and lives who years with us 15 inof Punta Gorda, Martinez, adolescent Miranda an Joel Oscar family of and the parents members We are Patient Grateful a from Letter
39 GIVING BACK GIVING “It gives us a little bit of perspective ADVANCED EXPERTISE
GIVING BACK on what our patients go through and what they encounter in their everyday Lions Clinic Expansion Brings lives . We get some insight about how More Capacity, New Equipment much their visual impairment affects The Alabama Lions Eye Clinic, housed in the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, has again expanded its space their everyday activities through as part of an ongoing effort to provide greater access to underserved Alabamians in need of eye care. It’s something as simple as sitting another small but significant example of how Callahan down to eat dinner ”. is giving back to the community. A full remodeling of the clinic was completed in July – Ryan Burton, MD 2014, allowing for better management of patients in the emergency department and at the Lions Eye Clinic, while also providing additional emergency capability. “It’s figuratively an eye-opening experience,” Read says. The renovated space features new exam chairs, “We get so caught up as doctors in the technology and including two designed to allow wheelchair access, the science of taking care of people that we forget about and an array of new diagnostic equipment. This latest the human aspect of things. So it’s an incredibly valuable improvement now provides an additional lane. experience, even if it’s just for one night.” For a clinic that treated more than 4,000 patients last “It gives us a little bit of perspective on what our patients year, any additional space makes a positive impact, go through and what they encounter in their everyday according to Dara Cook, an ophthalmology technician lives,” says Ryan Burton, MD, a UAB ophthalmology for the Lions Eye Clinic. resident. “We get some insight about how much their visual impairment affects their everyday activities through “This addition gives a total of six lanes, one of which something as simple as sitting down to eat dinner.” we use for workup,” Cook says. “The new room has already made a huge difference in our ability to handle Dinner in the Dark gave diners some understanding of what it means to be visually impaired. Each table in the Rojo private dining room held two or the flow of patients. During one shift we now have three blindfolded participants, along with a support the ability to see as many as 35 or more patients on DINNER group member with a real visual impairment. Volunteers in the average.” stood by to assist, but were told to let the participants dark learn for themselves. Kristen Jijelava, MD, has also seen immediate benefits A Lifetime of Insights Gained From from the addition of the new lane. “It’s been incredible going from table to table and watching the interactions with the support group “It has shortened wait times, increased the number a Few Hours Without Sight members, their family members, the residents, of patients we can see in a day, and allowed for more A few hours without sight. technicians, and the doctors,” Dreer says. “This is an patient-physician interaction,” Jijelava says. “Overall, A lifetime of insight. For 23 Birmingham diners one June evening in 2015, above it; salsa at 11 o’clock. Volunteer wait staff at Rojo educational experience for all of us that cannot be the clinic runs more smoothly since the addition, and Dinner in the Dark was a real eye-opening experience, patiently read dinner choices to the diners, excluding from duplicated in a doctor’s office or at Callahan all of us – patients, staff, and physicians – are very especially since the diners were blindfolded. The event the menu fajitas, and, by default, any sizzling hot plates. Eye Hospital.” grateful.” gave sighted individuals some understanding of what it means to be visually impaired. Spatial relationships were confused. Most diners had It was educational and challenging for sure, but the night The addition of the new lane is one more chapter in a no idea where they were in the restaurant, or even was also fun. seven-decade history of partnership by which Lions “Dinner in the Dark was designed to raise awareness which direction they were facing. Many said good Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), the Lions Clubs about what it is like to live — just for a brief moment — communication was a must. Nonverbal cues were not “I wanted a salad, but ordered finger food because I was of Alabama, and Callahan have provided vision care with an eye condition that interrupts basic activities such possible, but conversation — and listening — improved. sure I wouldn’t be able to negotiate getting salad into my to underserved populations. Through the Lions Club’s as eating,” says Laura Dreer, PhD, associate professor No one wasted time looking at their smartphone. Most mouth,” says Torrey DeKeyser, executive director of the efforts to secure funds, and with the dedication of staff in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of of all, diners realized that losing the sense of sight is EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, which funded the event. and faculty, the Lions Eye Clinic expands its capacity to Alabama at Birmingham and the event organizer. profoundly challenging. “I didn’t dare scoop up salsa with my tortilla chips; I just help patients regardless of their socioeconomic status. dipped. A couple of people told me they felt as if they The event, held at the popular Highlands neighborhood “I’ve come to appreciate the amount of memory it takes were dropping salsa on themselves,” and I told them, restaurant Rojo Birmingham, was hosted by UAB to recall where things are,” says participant Russell Read, ‘Well, you actually are.’ Fortunately, we had bibs.” Connections, a support group for people with visual MD, professor of ophthalmology at UAB. “It was difficult are also fun and challenging. We want to branch out and impairments. Among the participants were caregivers of to navigate to where my water glass was, and to find the Afterward, Dreer proclaimed the first-time event a do this again, for the public, our residents, trainees and members of the group, along with UAB ophthalmologists, tortilla chips while not sticking my fingers in the salsa.” tremendous success and said UAB Connections has technicians, and our support group members and their residents, and technicians. plans to expand the concept. families.” Read was one of several UAB ophthalmologists who Each was blindfolded outside the restaurant and then led participated, realizing that this was an unprecedented “We’ll build on this in the future and host other events Dr. Read sums up the overall response from the inside to a table. They were told to envision their place opportunity to better understand the reality their at other restaurants, or stage different activities,” Dreer participants: “I’m in awe of people who have to deal setting as a clock: knife at 3 o’clock; water glass just patients face. says. “We might do things with recreation or leisure that with vision loss all the time.” 40 41 MICHAEL A. ALBERT JR., MD CHRISTINE A. CURCIO, PHD FACULTY EDUCATION: EDUCATION: Medical School: West Virginia University School Doctoral Training: University of Rochester of Medicine Postdoctoral Training: Boston University, School Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham of Medicine; University of Washington School Fellowship: Retina Consultants of Alabama of Medicine TITLE: Associate Professor TITLE: Professor CLINICAL SPECIALTY: Retina and vitreous RESEARCH INTEREST: Age-related macular degeneration, validation of clinical imaging
ANN MARIE ARCINIEGAS-BERNAL, MD EDUCATION: DAWN K. DECARLO, OS, MS, MSPH Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham EDUCATION: Residency: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich. Doctoral Degree: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Fellowship: W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University School of Optometry of Michigan Master’s Degrees: University of Alabama at Birmingham TITLE: Assistant Professor Residency: Hines Central Blind Rehabilitation; CLINICAL SPECIALTY: Pediatrics Chicago West Side Veterans Administration Medical Center TITLE: Director, UAB Center for Low Vision RITA ARMITAGE, MD Rehabilitation; Associate Professor EDUCATION: CLINICAL SPECIALTY: Low vision rehabilitation Medical School: University of Kentucky RESEARCH INTEREST: Low vision rehabilitation, Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham pediatric vision impairment TITLE: Assistant Professor CLINICAL SPECIALTY: Comprehensive J. CRAWFORD DOWNS, PHD EDUCATION: FACULTY LISTING J. WAID BLACKSTONE, MD Master’s Degrees: Tulane University EDUCATION: Doctoral Degree: Tulane University Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham Postdoctoral Fellowship: LSU Eye Center, Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham Louisiana State University TITLE: Assistant Professor TITLE: Vice Chair of Research; Director, Ocular CLINICAL SPECIALTY: Comprehensive Biomechanics and Biotransport Program; Professor RESEARCH INTEREST: Ocular biomechanics, glaucoma
MICHAEL A. CALLAHAN, MD EDUCATION: LAURA DREER, PHD Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham EDUCATION: Residency: University of California, San Francisco Master’s Degree: University of Hartford Fellowship: Indiana University Doctoral Degree: Central Michigan University TITLE: Professor Postdoctoral Training: Duke University Medical Center; CLINICAL SPECIALTY: Comprehensive University of Alabama at Birmingham TITLE: Associate Professor RESEARCH INTEREST: Adjustment to chronic health MARTIN S. COGEN, MD conditions; development of health promotion EDUCATION: interventions Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham Fellowship: James Hall Eye Center/Scottish Rite ANDREW W. EVERETT, MD Children’s Hospital EDUCATION: TITLE: Chief of Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology Medical School: University of South Alabama and Strabismus, Professor Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham CLINICAL SPECIALTY: Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship: University of Alabama at Birmingham and Strabismus TITLE: Assistant Professor CLINICAL SPECIALTY: Comprehensive
R. JEFFREY CRAIN, MD EDUCATION: MASSIMO ANTONIO FAZIO, PHD Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham EDUCATION: Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham Master’s Degree: University of Calabria, Calabria, Italy TITLE: Director, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Doctoral Degree: University of Calabria, Calabria, Italy Center Ophthalmology Service; Associate Professor Postdoctoral Fellowship: Devers Eye Institute, CLINICAL SPECIALTY: Comprehensive Portland, Oregon TITLE: Assistant Professor RESEARCH INTEREST: Ocular biomechanics, glaucoma 42 43 FACULTY 44 mechanisms in myopia, keratoconus, and glaucoma and keratoconus, myopia, in mechanisms health disparities glaucoma, Medical Officer, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital; Professor Professor Eye Hospital; Callahan UAB Officer, Medical San Diego San California, of Eye Center, Shiley University University; School of Optometry Optometry of School Brook Stony RESEARCH INTEREST: TITLE: Postdoctoral Training: Doctoral Degree: Master’s Degree: EDUCATION: PHD GRYTZ, RAFAEL SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Doctoral Degree: EDUCATION: OD GORDON, SARAH RESEARCH INTEREST: SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MD, GIRKIN, CHRISTOPHER A. MSPH, FACS RESEARCH INTEREST: TITLE: Postdoctoral Training: Doctoral Degree: EDUCATION: PAUL PHD D. GAMLIN, SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MD FOWLER, PRISCILLA SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: M.FEIST,RICHARD MD Portland, Oregon at Birmingham Assistant Professor Professor Assistant Professor Assistant Service; Cornea Director, Professor Associate Assistant Professor Professor Assistant EyeSight Foundation of Chair; Chief Alabama Professor Professor
University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham at Alabama of University of at Birmingham Alabama University Infirmary Ear Eye and Illinois, of University Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Institute Eye Wills University of Iowa of University University of Arkansas Arkansas of University Alabama South of University Birmingham at Alabama of University Ruhr University Bochum, Germany Bochum, University Ruhr Birmingham, at Alabama of University York New of University State Ruhr University Bochum, Germany Germany Bochum, University Ruhr Primary eye care Primary Glaucoma Cornea vitreous and Retina Growth and remodeling remodeling and Growth into research basic and Clinical Neural control of eye of movements control Neural Devers Eye Institute, Eye Institute, Devers Alabama of University University of Miami; Montreal Neurological Institute Institute Neurological Montreal Miami; of University Pennsylvania CLINICAL SPECIALTY: SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MAYS,ANDREW MD SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MD O.JOHN MASON, SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: LOLLEY,VIRGINIA MD, FACS RESEARCH INTEREST: TITLE: Postdoctoral Training: Doctoral Degree: EDUCATION: PHD KWON, MIYOUNG SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MD B. KLINE, LANNING SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: D. WADE MD JOINER, Harvard Medical School Medical Harvard Institute, Eye Research Schepens Assistant Professor Professor Assistant Professor Professor Associate Associate Professor Professor Associate Professor Associate Professor Assistant McGill University McGill of at Birmingham Alabama University University of at Birmingham Alabama University Birmingham at Alabama of University Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Eye Institute, Palmer Bascom York New Infirmary Ear Eye and University of Florida Florida of University Philadelphia, Eye Hospital, Wills University of at Birmingham Alabama University Duke University University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham at Alabama of University Birmingham at Alabama of University Tulane of School Medicine University University of South Alabama Alabama South of University University of Minnesota of Minnesota University Retina and vitreous vitreous and Retina Comprehensive Neuro-ophthalmology Glaucoma Low vision and brain research research brain and vision Low Glaucoma University of Southern California; California; Southern of University methods for care delivery, such as telemedicine telemedicine as such delivery, care for methods includingdiseases, uveitis and macular degeneration populations underserved for quality and access care eye improving driving; and vision eye disease; and diseases nerve Ophthalmology Residency Training Residency Ophthalmology Professor Administration; Research of Chair Vice Unit; Research Clinical Director, Professor Assistant Clinical Southern California Southern Michigan State University Michigan RESEARCH INTEREST: SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: LINDSAY MD RHODES, RESEARCH INTEREST: SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: EDUCATION: W. MD, PHD READ, RUSSELL RESEARCH INTEREST: TITLE: Postdoctoral Training: Doctoral Degree: Master’s Degree: EDUCATION: OWSLEY,CYNTHIA PHD, MSPH RESEARCH INTEREST: SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowships: Residency: EDUCATION: DO NAGIA, LINA SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MD MULLINS, SARA SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MD MCCOLLUM, CECIL JAMES School ofSchool Medicine Max and Lorayne Cooper Professor for for Professor Cooper Lorayne and Max Nathan E. Miles Chair of Ophthalmology; Professor Assistant Services, Emergency of Director Assistant Professor Professor Assistant Instructor University of at Birmingham Alabama University of Washington Seattle University NV Vegas, Center, Las Medical Valley Hospital of at Birmingham Alabama University of at Birmingham Alabama University University of at Birmingham Alabama University of University Eye Institute, Doheny Duke University Koch Eye Associates, Warwick, RI; RI; Warwick, Eye Koch Associates, Northwestern University Feinberg Shreveport Sciences Health LSU Birmingham at Alabama of University Cornell University Cornell University of at Birmingham Alabama University Glaucoma Uveitis/ocular disease inflammatory Neuro-ophthalmology Comprehensive Emergency services; cornea Health services research; novel novel research; services Health Role of in ocular complement Aging-related vision impairment optic and Neuro-ophthalmic Northwestern University in the development and progression of glaucoma glaucoma of progression and development the in University of Miami Miami of University Electrophysiology Services; Professor Electrophysiology Services; Professor Associate Harvard School of School Medicine Harvard lens services School of Optometry Optometry of School College ofCollege Medicine CLINICAL SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: Internship:Medical School: Medical EDUCATION: DO S.VAPHIADES, MICHAEL SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: THOMLEY, MD MARTIN SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: C. MD, SWANNER, JASON FACS SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MD, FACS SKALKA, HAROLD RESEARCH INTEREST: SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MD, PHD C. SAMUELS, BRIAN SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Doctoral Degree: EDUCATION: OD, FAAO ROSENSTIEL, CAROL University of Miami University Chief, Neuro-Ophthalmology and Chief, Neuro-Ophthalmology Professor Professor Assistant Service; Lens Contact Director, Associate Professor Professor Associate Professor Loyola University Eye Institute, Palmer Bascom Birmingham at Alabama of University York New University of at Birmingham Alabama University Michigan State University Michigan Infirmary, Ear Eye and Massachusetts York New University Duke University Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Eye Institute, Palmer Bascom University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham at Alabama of University Alabama South of University York New University University Indiana University of New England England New of University University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, at Alabama of University Neuro-ophthalmology Neuro-ophthalmology vitreous and Retina Glaucoma Electrophysiology Glaucoma contact and eye care Primary Brown University University Brown Role of the central nervous system system nervous central the of Role
45 FACULTY FACULTY 46 TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY PHD MS, MCGWIN, GERALD TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY NATALIA PHD KEDISHVILI, TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY PHD JOHN JOHNSTONE, TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY BRADLEY,VIRGINIA PHD TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY JOEL BERRY, PHD TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY PHD BALL, K. KARLENE TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY G. M. ANANTHARAMAIAH, PHD & Molecular Genetics & Genetics Molecular Sciences Information of Engineering Biomedical Department Medicine &Geriatric Gerontology of Division Professor Professor Professor Associate Professor Associate Research Professor Associate Professor Chair; Professor & State University University & State RESEARCH INTEREST: SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Fellowship: Residency: School: Medical EDUCATION: MD, FACS WITHERSPOON, C. DOUGLAS RESEARCH INTEREST: TITLE: Postdoctoral Training: Doctoral Degree: EDUCATION: SHU-ZHEN WANG, PHD in the mammalian eye mammalian the in Johns Hopkins University School of School Johns Medicine Hopkins University Eye Institute, Wilmer University; & State Professor Professor Professor University of at Birmingham Alabama University University of Tennessee of University Department of Epidemiology Department Department of Biochemistry and Computer of Department of Psychology Department Engineering, of School UAB of Psychology Department of Medicine, Department St. Louis University St. Louis Virginia Polytechnic Institute Polytechnic Virginia Retina and vitreous; ocular trauma trauma ocular vitreous; and Retina Retina and vitreous; ocular trauma trauma ocular vitreous; and Retina Photoreceptor regeneration Virginia Polytechnic Institute Polytechnic Virginia Secondary Faculty Secondary TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY YONG PHD ZHOU, TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY PHD VISSCHER, KRISTINA TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY PHD D. TWA, MICHAEL TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY PHD SLOANE, MICHAEL TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY PHD SLOAN, R. KENNETH TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY PHD PITTLER, STEVEN TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY KELLY OD, PHD MPH, NICHOLS, TITLE: APPOINTMENT:PRIMARY PHD MURPHY-ULLRICH, JOANNE Pulmonary, & Allergy Critical Care Medicine Sciences Information Assistant Professor Professor Assistant Professor Assistant Professor Professor Assistant Professor Associate Professor Center; Research Science Vision Director, Professor Optometry; of School UAB Dean, Professor retinal imaging; macular degeneration age-related Auckland University, New Zealand New University, Auckland Postdoctoral Training: Beijing Institute of Technology; RESEARCH INTEREST: TITLE: Doctoral Degree: Master’s Degree: EDUCATION: PHD ZHANG, YUHUA SPECIALTY: CLINICAL TITLE: Residency: School: Medical Master’s Degree: EDUCATION: MD, MS YEE, JEFF Associate Professor Professor Associate Assistant Professor Assistant Medical Director, Lions Eye Clinic; Eye Clinic; Lions Director, Medical Department of Medicine, Division of of Division Medicine, of Department of Neurobiology Department Optometry of School UAB of Psychology Department and Computer of Department Department of Vision Sciences Optometry of School UAB of Pathology and Cell Biology Department University of South Florida South of University University of California-Irvine University Tianjin University, Tianjin China Chinese Sciences Academy, Chinese Sciences China UCLA Comprehensive adaptive optics high-resolution Larry “Dale” Brown, MD Brown, “Dale” Larry UAB Callahan Eye Hospital &Clinics Eye Hospital Callahan UAB Matthew MD Albright, Gwendolyn Boyd, MD Jonathan Cappel, MD Executive Director, IT Infrastructure Brandon Brooks, MD Artemus Cox III, MD Cox III, Artemus Lucy Chapman, MD Jason Crosson, MD Crosson, Jason Jack Crawford, MD Richard Cross, MD Cross, Richard Bradley Coker, MD Callahan Eye Hospital Medical Physicians Staff Ryan Almeida, MD Almeida, Ryan Tekuila MD Carter, William Baker,William MD Pankaj Desai, MD Desai, Pankaj Kristin Bains, MD Bains, Kristin Ryan Burton, MD Burton, Ryan Evans Bailey, MD LACINDA RIESLAND LACINDA CRNA, MNA, MSHA MNA, CRNA, MYRA AULTMAN,MYRA Chief Nursing Officer Nathan E. Miles Chair of Ophthalmology Vice of Chair Research Administration Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology, CYNTHIA OWSLEY, PHD CYNTHIA UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Clinic Eye Hospital Callahan UAB MARTIN S.MARTIN COGEN, MD
Christopher Harmon, MD Christopher Harmon, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital &Clinics Eye Hospital Callahan UAB Michelle Downing, MD Mark Mandabach, MD Mark Christopher Kelly, MD James HunterJames Jr., MD Michael Froelich, MD Froelich, Michael Marc Michelson, MD Michelson, Marc RETT GROVER, MSHA RETT George Dumas, MD Dumas, George Jeffrey Dobyns, DO Dobyns, Jeffrey JASON SADLER, CPA SADLER, JASON Promil Kukreja, MD Kukreja, Promil James Kimble,James MD Joel Feinstein, MD Stephen Kelly, MD Stephen Kathleen Gee, MD Gee, Kathleen Susan Eiland, MD Eiland, Susan Jeffrey Fuller, MD Jeffrey John Long, MD Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer Tyler MD Hall, Faculty Leadership Faculty Staff Leadership Staff
RUSSELL W. READ, MD, W.PHD READ, RUSSELL J. CRAWFORD DOWNS, PHD DOWNS, J. CRAWFORD Max and Lorayne Cooper Endowed Endowed Lorayne and Cooper Max Professor for Residency Training
Vice Chair of Research of Chair Vice AVP Human Resources/Risk Management Resources/Risk Human AVP UAB Callahan Eye Hospital &Clinics Eye Hospital Callahan UAB Matthew MD Oltmanns, Benjamin Roberts, MD Roberts, Benjamin MARTIN SMITH, MSHA SMITH, MARTIN Darrell Prestridge, DO Prestridge, Darrell Jeffrey Simmons, MD Simmons, Jeffrey KAREN BURLESON, KAREN Douglas Shaw,Douglas MD Alethia Sellers, MD Alethia Sellers, Robert Morris, MD Morris, Robert Mathew Sapp, MD Sapp, Mathew William Potter,William MD Gary Monheit, MD Gary Roland Short, MD Roland Short, Ronald Roan, MD Operations Administrator Mark Phillips, MD Phillips, Mark Mark Powell, MD Mark John Parker, MD David Miller,David MD John Owen, MD Owen, John Peter Nagi, MD Nagi, Peter CCP, CBP
VIRGINIA LOLLEY,MD, FACS VIRGINIA Director of Medical Student Education UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Clinic Eye Hospital Callahan UAB JASON SWANNER, MD
Medical Director,Medical CASSANDRA J. PAGE, PHR CASSANDRA Matthew Vicinanzo, MD Senior Director of Development Andrew Velazquez, MD Vinodkumar Singh,Vinodkumar MD
Marsha Wakefield,Marsha MD JACKIE WOOD,JACKIE MED Adam Sperduto, MD James Sparrow, MD Sparrow, James Brant Wagener,Brant MD Benjamin Tuck, MD Benjamin Robin Walters, MD Executive Director of HR Jeremy Smith, MD Smith, Jeremy Joshua Smith, MD Smith, Joshua Mark Tavakoli,Mark MD Bailey Tayebi, MD Sandra Sipe, MD Mercy Udoji, MD Udoji, Mercy Stacy Wade, MD David Skier, MD David
47 FACULTY 2015 – 2016 Board of Directors Publications APPENDICES
LEADERSHIP The UAB Callahan Eye Hospital and Ophthalmology Services Foundation would like to recognize the members of their AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION DIABETIC RETINOPATHY boards of directors for their dedicated service. Their leadership and guidance have positively impacted the growth and Ach T, Tolstik E, Messinger JD, Zarubina AV, Heintzmann R, Tapley JL, McGwin G Jr, Ashraf AP, MacLennan PA, Callahan K, success of both organizations, and we greatly appreciate their invaluable contributions. Curcio CA. Lipofuscin re-distribution and loss accompanied Searcey K, Witherspoon CD, Saaddine J, Owsley C. Feasibility by cytoskeletal stress in retinal pigment epithelium of eyes with and efficacy of diabetic retinopathy screen among youth with age-related macular degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology diabetes in a pediatric endocrinology clinic: A cross-sectional CALLAHAN EYE HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY Visual Science 2015. PMID 25758814. study. Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome 2015. PMID 26136849. JOAN C. RAGSDALE, JD DANNY MARKSTEIN, IV Curcio CA. Balaratnasingam C, Messinger JD, Yannuzzi LA, Chair of the Board Markstein Freund KB. Correlation of type 1 neovascularization associated MedManagement, LLC Managing Director with acquired vitelliform lesion in the setting of age related EPIDEMIOLOGY Founder and Chief Executive Officer macular degeneration. American Journal of Ophthalmology. Owsley C, Wood JM, McGwin G Jr. A roadmap for interpreting DAVID RANDALL PMID 26255578. the literature on vision and driving. Survey of Ophthalmology 2015. S. DAWN BULGARELLA, CPA, MSHA UAB Health System PMID 25753389. UAB Health System and UAB School of Medicine Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning Litts KM, Messinger JD, Dellatorre K, Yannuzzi LA, Freund KB, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Associate Dean and Business Development Curcio CA. Clinicopathological correlation of outer for Administration and Finance retinal tubulation in age-related macular degeneration. GENE THERAPY LINDSAY RHODES, MD JAMA Ophthalmology 2015. PMID 25742505. Yan RT, He L, Zhan W, Wang SZ. Induction of ectopic retina-like MICHAEL CALLAHAN, MD UAB Callahan Eye Hospital tissue by transgenic expression of neurogenin. PLoS One 2015. Callahan Eye Clinic, PC Assistant Professor Litts KM, Messinger JD, Zhang Y, Freund KB, Curcio CA. PMID 25635399. Inner segment remodeling and mitochondrial translocation WILL FERNIANY, PHD DEAK RUSHTON in degenerating cones of age-related macular degeneration, UAB Health System James Rushton Foundation including outer retinal tubulation. Investigative Ophthalmology and GLAUCOMA Chief Executive Officer President Visual Science 2015. PMID 25758815. Downs, JC. Optic nerve head biomechanics in aging and disease. Experimental Eye Research 2015. PMID 25819451. CHRISTOPHER A. GIRKIN, MD, MSPH, FACS SELWYN VICKERS, MD Pang C, Messinger JD, Zanzottera EC, Freund KB, Curcio CA. EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair, UAB, Senior Vice President The Onion Sign in neovascular age-related macular degeneration Estrovich IE, Shen C, Chu Y, Downs JC, Gardiner S, Straiko UAB Department of Ophthalmology; UAB School of Medicine, Dean corresponds to cholesterol crystals. Ophthalmology. PMID M, Mansberger SL: Schiotz tonometry accurately measures Chief Medical Officer, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital 26298717. intraocular pressure in Boston Type 1 keratoprosthesis eyes. Cornea 2015. PMID 25782403. STEPHEN A. YODER REID JONES UAB School of Business Schaal KB, Freund KB, Litts KM, Zhang Y, Messinger JD, UAB Health System Assistant Professor & Executive in Residence Curcio CA. Outer retinal tubulation in age-related macular Lockwood H, Reynaud J, Gardiner SK, Grimm JL, Libertiaux Chief Operating Officer degeneration: optical coherence tomographic findings V, Downs JC, Yang H, Burgoyne CF. Lamina cribrosa correspond with histology. Retina 2015. PMID 25635579. microarchitecture in normal monkey eyes Part 1 - Methods and CHRISTOPHER KELLY, MD initial results. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Smith RT, Post R, Johri A, Lee M., Ablonczy Z, Curcio CA, Ach T, 2015. PMID 25650423. Chief of Staff Sajda P. Simultaneous decomposition of multiple hyperspectral datasets: fluorophore signal recovery in the retinal pigment Murphy-Ullrich JE and Downs JC. The Thrombospondin1-TGF-β epithelium (RPE). Biomed Opt Express 2014. PMID 25574430. Pathway and Glaucoma. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2015. PMID 26352161 Suzuki, M., Curcio CA, Mullins, RF, Spaide, RF, 2015. Refractile UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA OPHTHALMOLOGY SERVICES FOUNDATION drusen: clinical imaging and candidate histology. Retina 2015. Chauhan BC, Danthurebandara VM, Sharpe GP, Demirel S, PMID 25768253. Girkin CA, Mardin CY, Scheuerle AF, Burgoyne CF. Bruch’s STEPHEN A. YODER JUDY LONGFELLOW membrane opening minimum rim width and retinal nerve fiber Chair of the Board UAB Department of Ophthalmology Zanzottera EC, Messinger JD, Ach T, Smith RT, Curcio CA. layer thickness in a normal white population: A multicenter study. UAB School of Business Administrative Associate Subducted and Melanotic cells in advanced age-related macular Ophthalmology 2015. PMID 26198806. Assistant Professor & Executive in Residence degeneration are derived from retinal pigment epithelium. SPENCER SOUTH Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2015. PMID Dreer LE, Owsley C, Campbell L, Gao L, Wood A, Girkin WILL FERNIANY, PHD Lazarus Capital Partners 26024109. CA. Feasibility, patient acceptability, and preliminary efficacy UAB Health System Board Memeber of a culturally informed health promotion program to improve Chief Executive Officer Zanzottera EC, Messinger JD, Ach T, Smith RT, Freund KB, medication adherence among African Americans: Glaucoma C. BRIAN SPRABERRY, MSHA Curcio CA. The Project MACULA retinal pigment epithelium Management Optimism for African Americans Living with BRANDON GARNER UAB Callahan Eye Hospital grading system for histology and optical coherence tomography Glaucoma (GOAL). Current Eye Research 2015. PMID 25625187. UAB Department of Ophthalmology President & Chief Executive Officer in age-related macular degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology Treasurer and Visual Science 2015. PMID 25813989. Girkin CA, Nievergelt CM, Kuo JZ, Maihofer A, Huisingh C, SELWYN VICKERS, MD Liebmann JM, Ayyagari R, Weinreb RN, Ritch R, Zangwill LM, CHRISTOPHER A. GIRKIN, MD, MSPH, FACS UAB, Senior Vice President; Owsley C, Huisingh C, Clark ME, Jackson GR, McGwin G Jr. None AS. Biogeographic Ancestry in the African Descent and EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair, UAB School of Medicine, Dean Comparison of visual function in older eyes in the earliest stages Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES): Association with Corneal UAB Department of Ophthalmology; of age-related macular degeneration to those in normal macular and Optic Nerve Structure. Investigative Ophthalmology and UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, Chief Medical Officer health. Current Eye Research 2015. PMID 25802989. Visual Science 2015. PMID 25744975.
48 49 APPENDICES 50 2015. 25711640. PMID Science Visual and Ophthalmology Investigative eyes. normal variation thickness choroidal with agePeripapillary and in race Downs JC Downs M, Clark vehicle collisions. Journal of Glaucoma 2015 motor at-fault and glaucoma in impairment field visual Binocular Rhodes L 2015. Rep Sci 25901915. PMID photoreceptors. cone and rod retinal of assessment physiological vivo in enables tomography coherence optical Functional JD, Curcio CA Messinger B, Wang R, Q, Lu Zhang 26132776. Science Visual Ophthalmology Investigative tomography. coherence optical in bands hyperreflective retinal outer four measuring for method automated model-based feature RF, Curcio CA KR, Spaide KM, Sloan Litts C, P, Owsley G, C, McGwin Godara, ME, Huisingh Clark DH, Ross IMAGING JAMA Ophthalmol telemedicine. using findings ocular populations:minority detection of diabetic retinopathy and other serving settings urban in eye screening Diabetes Group. Research Sight for Network J. Innovative Saaddine LA, Hark JA, EW, Haller C Owsley DISPARITIES HEALTH GJr McGwin 26582103.PMID 2015. Health JEquity Int design. and rationale study glaucoma: for risk at adults for (EQUALITY) Community the in Improvement Girkin CA JE, J, Crews F, LaRussa Box D, DM, Saaddine Wiley N, Patel M, Bregantini C Owsley Human Molecular Genetics glaucoma. angle open primary with associated is TGFBR3 near Girkin CA RR, Allingham Z, Li PMID 25849520. American Journal of descent. Ophthalmology European of individuals in thickness layer fiber nerve SIX1-SIX6of retinal with analysis locus trait Quantitative RN. J, Weinreb Rotter N, Hammel Girkin JM, CA FA, Liebmann Mederos LM, Zangwill JZ, Kuo 25597839. Americansuspects. Journal of Ophthalmology glaucoma in damage field visual of (ADAGES): Predictors Study Evaluation Glaucoma and Descent African The LM. Zangwill Girkin JM, CA PA, Liebmann Bowd C, Sample L, FA, Sharpsten Medeiros N, Khachatryan McGwin G, Jr. G, , McGwin , Rhodes LA , M Huisingh C, Johnstone J, Fazio , Huisingh C, Jain SG, Girkin CA SG, C, Jain , Huisingh Owsley C , Owsley McGwin G, Jr. G, , McGwin . Eye Care Quality and Accessibility Accessibility and Quality . Eye Care , Lee DJ, Lam BL, Friedman DS, Gower Gower DS, Friedman BL, Lam DJ, , Lee 2015. 25861811. PMID , Weinreb RN, Miki A, Hammel N, N, Hammel A, Miki RN, , Weinreb , Vithana EN. A common variant variant Acommon EN. , Vithana , Girard MJ, Mari JM, Girkin JM, CA MJ, Mari , Girard , Mennemeyer ST,, Mennemeyer . RefMob, a reflectivity areflectivity . RefMob, 2015. PMID . PMID 25642648. , Smith B, Wang L, L, Wang B, , Smith 2015. PMID Owsley C , Owsley , Yao X. 2015. 2015. Publications . 2015. 2015. ,
. American Journal of Ophthalmology by adaptive ophthalmoscopy optics laser scanning (AOSLO). CA Curcio X., Wang R, T, P,Zhang Godara Griffin E., Blanco, 2015. 26368408. PMID Express eye. Opt human living the of imaging for optics adaptive Yu Y, Zhang Y T, X, Wang Zhang A, Meadway 25414182 PMID 2014. Sci. Vis Ophthalmol Invest race. and age with eyes normal in depth laminar of JC Downs Rhodes LA Clinical Ophthalmology patient-focused and perspectives. patients: interventions DeCarlo DK MS, Swanson K, Penix PEDIATRIC IMPAIRMENT VISION 2014. 25587217. PMID Reports &Brief Cases Retinal analyses. tumor molecular of era the in melanoma uveal of III JO Mason PK, D, Rao Maetzold K, Jr, TM RW, Cook Oelschlager Aaberg ONCOLOGY OCULAR intracranial hypertension. Neurology idiopathic with patients in outcome visual poor for factors Risk Group Study Hypertension Intracranial NORDIC Idiopathic MP, McDermott H, He BB, AD, Bruce Patel RA, Longmuir BL, RJ, Lam Granadier WA, J, Fletcher Falardeau Wall M, 26079932. MH. chances. Second Survey of Ophthalmology L Nagia Ophthalmology analysis. multicenter Retrospective gravis: myasthenia ocular of Prognosis L Nagia Ophthalmology of Journal Chediak-Higashineurodegenerative syndrome. British CA C, Curcio Cho SE, Brodie N, JD, Desai Weisfeld-Adams NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY 25736788. Science Visual and Ophthalmology Investigative recovery. and compensation lens minus during sclera Shrew R Grytz MYOPIA/PRESBYOPIA , Zhang Y , Lublin F, Rucker JC. Optic neuropathy in late-onset late-onset in F, neuropathy , Lublin JC. Optic Rucker , Siegwart JT., Siegwart of the Tree Changing material properties , Doyle JI, Hackney JR, Vaphiades JR, MS Hackney JI, , Doyle ER. WT, Eggenberger Cornblath K, J, Abusamra , Lemos Owsley C , Owsley , M Huisingh C, Johnstone J, Fazio . Variability in human cone topography assessed assessed topography cone human in . Variability . Current clinical practice: differential management management differential practice: clinical . Current . PMID 26307451.. PMID , Girard MJ, Mari JM, Girkin JM, CA MJ, Mari , Girard 2015. 26345377. PMID 2015. 25892018. PMID . Nystagmus in pediatric pediatric in . Nystagmus 2015. PMID 25935100. PMID 2015. 2015. 26245929. PMID . High-speed . High-speed , Smith B, Clark M, M, Clark B, , Smith , Kline LB, Levin Levin LB, , Kline 2015. PMID 2015. PMID . Variation . Variation . 2015. 26200387. PMID Reports Brief Cases Retina melanocytosis. III JO Mason LB, Mason Clinical Ophthalmology occlusion. artery retinal abranch or occlusion artery retinal acentral with 03/31/2016 PI); 04/01/2013 (Contact – NEI/NIH/DHHS Biomechanics; and Structure Head Nerve Optic in Differences Race-related and Age- PHD DOWNS, J. CRAWFORD 09/30/2015 –09/29/2018 Services; Human and Health of Living/Department Community for Administration Impairment; Vision Pediatric in Reading for Indicators Prognostic 07/01/2010-09/30/2015Alabama; Reading and Pediatric Impairment; Vision EyeSight Foundation of DAWN OD, DECARLO, MSPH MS, K. 07/19/2015 –04/18/2017 Vienna; of University Europe”; Medical in Population Ageing the in Vision Preserving for Strategy Eye: the in APersonalized Ageing “Visualizing of part originally PSOCT of basis Subcellular 04/01/2013-03/31/2016 York University; NIH/New Degeneration; Macular Age-Related and Normal the of Imaging Hyperspectral CURCIO, PHD A. CHRISTINE 26394290. Journal of Head Trauma and Rehabilitation severity. injury across injury brain traumatic in capacity making decision medical of recovery of models Neurocognitive DC. Marson R, LE RC, Dreer Martin R, TA, Novack Kennedy Triebel KL, INJURY BRAIN TRAUMATIC GJr McGwin III JO Mason 25621871. 2015. PMID Reports Brief and macular dystrophy. Cases Retinal III JO Mason 25645700. pigmented epithelium and choroid. Genomics retinal retina, human the of D. Transcriptome Stambolian, Curcio CA M, AS., Li Bowman KL, Kazmierkiewicz L., Tian VITREOUS AND RETINA Feist RM Feist SA, , Patel juvenile with hypotrichosis of Acase SA. , Patel , Thomley ML . Bilateral isolated choroidal . Ocular neovascularization in eyes eyes in neovascularization . Ocular Albert MA, Albert Jr 2015. 26089631. PMID Grants & Awards & Grants 2015. PMID , Huisingh C, , Huisingh Publications 2015. PMID , Raman , Raman , Americans; NEI/NIH/DHHS; 06/01/2015- 05/31/2020 NEI/NIH/DHHS; Americans; Enhancing Glaucoma Medication Adherence Among African 07/01/2014-12/31/2015 with Impairments; Vision EyeSight Foundation of Alabama; Families and Persons for Services Health Mental Continuation: 04/01/2015-09/29/2016 Living/DHHS; Community for Administration (TBI); Injury Traumatic Brain with Members Service (OIF/OEF) Freedom Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Operation of Caregivers for (CBT) Therapy Behavioral Cognitive DREER, PHD LAURA 07/31/2016 08/01/2010 Optometry; of – School UAB through Awarded NEI/NIH/DHHS; Core; Analysis Computer and Programming –Research Grant Core P30 Center Research Science Vision 05/01/2015NEI/NIH/DHHS; –04/30/2018 Glaucoma; for Factors Risk as Fluctuation OPP and IOP 06/30/2016 11/15/2012- System; Health Legacy NIH/DHHS; Subcontract Head; Nerve Optic the in Failure and Force IOP-Related ofJournal Head Trauma Rehabilitation impairment. functional gender, and Race, injury: brain traumatic after years ten first over the satisfaction life of Trajectories PB. Perrin A, C, Lequerica Pretz SA, JC, Kolakowsky-Hayner LE J, Dreer Bogner TR, Elliott M, Williams Elliott AF, GJr Elliott McGwin LOW VISION IMPAIRMENT AND VISION Neuroscience of Journal activity. eye movement-related version and vergence temporal sulcus:macaque superior delineation functional of KP, Schultz MS, Gamlin PD Bolding MK, Ward Physiology Comprehensive Gamlin PD DH, McDougal MOVEMENTS EYE AND VISION Neurophysiology of Journal areas. visual early the in crowding of anisotropy Kwon, M The Gerontologist adults older among residing in subsidized housing communities. , Bao, P, Millin, R, & Tjan, BS. Radial-tangential P,, Bao, Radial-tangential BS. &Tjan, R, Millin, 2015. 25972171. PMID 2015. PMID 25122703. PMID 2015. 2015. 260557711. PMID Kline LB , Kline . Autonomic control of the eye. the of control . Autonomic 2015. 25589275. PMID Owsley C , Owsley 2015. 25699619. PMID , Arango-Lasprilla , Arango-Lasprilla . Vision impairment impairment . Vision . Mapping the the . Mapping
51 APPENDICES APPENDICES 52 Focus Foundation; 07/01/2015-06/30/2017 Foundation; Focus Collagen of Remodeling the Head;Quantifying Optic Nerve Bright PHD GRYTZ, RAFAEL 09/01/2013 –08/31/2018 Diego; San California, of University NIH/DHHS; Subcontract: Phenotype; to Glaucoma Genotype of ADAGES Contribution III: 04/01/2013-03/31/2016 (Co-PI); NEI/NIH/DHHS Biomechanics; and Structure Head Nerve Optic in Differences Race-Related and Age- 02/01/2010- Diego; San 01/31/2016 California, of University NIH/DHHS; Subcontract: Progression; African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation (ADAGES) II: Glaucoma 12/31/2015 01/01/2013- Blindness; to Prevent Research Grant; Unrestricted MD, FACS MSPH, GIRKIN, A. CHRISTOPHER 09/14/2014 –05/31/2015 Pittsburg; of University NIH/DHHS; Subcontract: UAB Photosensitivity CSA: Melanopsin and Psychopathology; 04/01/2015 –03/31/2020 Center; Medical Mississippi of University NIH/DHHS; Subcontract: Gaze; of Control Neuronal for Circuitry Midbrain 06/01/2015-05/31/2020 Florida; of University NIH/DHHS; Subcontract: Vitreous; The Via Targeting Photoreceptor For Vectors AAAV Efficient Developing 08/01/2012-07/31/2017NEI/NIH/DHHS; Control; Eye Movement Horizontal in Diversity Unit Motor 08/01/2014-07/31/2016 AGTC Technologies Genetic (Applied Corporation); 06/13/2014-06/12/2019 Blindness; to Prevent Research Research; Amblyopia for Award Disney Blindness to Prevent Research PAUL PHD D. GAMLIN, Ltd.; 11/04/2014- Roche F. Hoffmann-La Degeneration; 11/03/2017 Macular Related to Age Secondary Atrophy Geographic with to Patients Intravitreally Administered Lampalizumab of Safety and Efficacy the to Assess Study Sham-Controlled Masked, Double- 29176GX Randomized, Multicenter, III, APhase FEIST,RICHARD MD Grants & Awards & Grants 01/01/2015- 12/31/2019 01/01/2015- NEI/NIH/DHHS; disease; chorioretinal of ultra-structure vivo In 09/01/2012 Inc; Devices, –03/31/2015 Monitoring Radiation NIH/DHHS Ophthalmology; Advanced for Detector Infrared Near PHD ZHANG, YUHUA 01/01/2011 –12/31/2015 NEI/NIH; cells; RPE by reprogramming photoreceptors Generating SHU-ZHEN WANG, PHD 10/22/2013- Company; 10/21/2016 and Lilly Eli (NAION); Neuropathy Optic Ischemic Anterior Nonarteritic Acute of Risk the and Inhibitors PDE5 of Use the Between Association Possible the to Evaluate Study Case-crossover A Prospective DO S.VAPHIADES, MICHAEL 10/01/2013 –09/30/2016 Technology; of Institute Georgia NASA; Subcontract: Simulator; Remodeling Nerve/Sheath Optic -Microgravity-Driven NASA 09/30/2013 –07/31/2017 NEI/NIH/DHHS; Gradient; IOP, of Control ICP, Pressure Hypothalamic Translaminar the and MD, PHD C. SAMUELS BRIAN 09/30/2014 –05/31/2019 Aging/NIH; on Institute National Mobility; and Aging on Research Translational for Center of Project Pilot Care; Glaucoma Telemedicine versus Conventional Regarding Preferences Patient LINDSAY MD RHODES, 04/01/2014NEI/NIH; –03/31/2019 Studies; Driving Naturalistic Impairment: Vision and Drivers Older 10/19/2012 –04/18/2016 Intermediate Macular Degeneration; Genentech; Age-Related with Participants in Adaptation Dark of History Natural 09/30/2010 –09/29/2016 CDC/DHHS; Population; Underserved At-Risk, an in Eye of Care Quality to and Access Improving 07/01/2010 Alabama; of Foundation EyeSight –06/30/2016 the Incident Development Maculopathy; of Age-Related Early for Biomarkers Potential as Health Retinal Normal in Adults Inflammatory, in Cholesterol Older Characteristics and Genetic 03/15/2008-02/29/2016 Aging and ARM: Adaptation Dark Impairment; NIA/NIH/DHHS; OWSLEY,CYNTHIA PHD, MSPH 13, 2015 13, Degeneration; Merck Research Laboratories, Newark, NJ, August lesions.” Input Scientific meeting Engagement on Macular Invited lecturer. “Cholesterol, lipoproteins, and AMD’s specific 7,June 2015 Italy, Capri, meeting, Atrophy of AMD.” in atrophy Classification Invited faculty. “Histopathologic findings in the evolution of 29, May 2015 Ophthalmology, of Department UAB Symposium, macular degeneration.”age-related Clinical Annual and Research Invited lecturer. “Imaging-histology in correlations neovascular 2015 6, May Ophthalmology, and Vision in Research for Association of meeting Annual story”, old an on take anew AMD: in “Calcium Group Interest culture.” in Special and histopathology calcium: and lipids are components druse Speaker. “Major 2015 6, May Ophthalmology, and Vision in Research for Association of meeting annual Group, Interest story.”old Special an on take anew AMD: in “Calcium Lenygel). I. (with Co-organizer 17, April Mini-symposium, 2015 of Ophthalmology,Kentucky Department Translational Medicine of University degeneration.” macular age-related in tomography 2) “Imaging the retinal pigment epithelium by optical coherence macular degeneration.” inautofluorescence age-related (Lecture fundus in variation of basis 1) “Subcellular (Lecture faculty. Invited 2015 30, March Seminar, Oxyopia Optometry, of Berkeley, School at California of University degeneration.” macular age-related and Invited lecturer. “Imaging the retinal pigment epithelium in aging 28, 2015 March Angeles, Los at California of University III, (IRIS) Symposium Imaging system for RPE in AMD.” morphology International Retinal grading acomprehensive Catalogue: RPE “The faculty. Invited 7, February 2015 Miami, Eye Institute, Palmer Bascom 2015, Degeneration and Exudation, AMD.” in Varies Angiogenesis, Autofluorescence RPE How of Basis “Subcellular faculty. Invited 2014 12, Italy, December Rome, Imaging, OCT Face En on Congress pathology & studies.” experimental International Second reflectivity: OCT of sources “Sub-cellular faculty. Invited 11, Academy, November Optometric 2014 American Section, Vision Low the of Symposium beyond” and Bruch’s membrane in spill oil the lesions: AMD’s of specific “Biogenesis Co-organizer. 2014 24, October Degeneration, Macular Age-related on Symposium Moderator. RPE Cell Biology,” 3rd MEEI-Schepens Biennial 18,Day, 2014 October Academy ofat?” Ophthalmology, American Retina Sub-specialty we looking are what autofluorescence: “Fundus lecturer. Invited CURCIO, PHD A. CHRISTINE Invited Lectures & Presentations & Lectures Invited Jena, Germany, September 14, 2015 September Germany, Jena, AG, Zeiss Carl Technology; and Research Corporate Disease.” and Health in Fluorophores Fundus of Identification Hyperspectral - lecturer.Guest Partnership Research “Bioengineering 12, 2015 September Germany, Baden-Baden, (DOG) Macular on Degeneration, Age-related International Society of Symposium Ophthalmological the German co-moderator.Session of “Neurobiology the outer retina.” VI Germany, Baden-Baden, Degeneration, September 11, 2015 Macular Age-related on (DOG) Society Ophthalmological German the of Symposium tomography.” International VI through histologydegeneration and optical coherence macular age-related in fate RPE “Visualizing lecturer. Invited 10, 2015 September Germany, atrophy.” of Classification Atrophy meeting, Baden-Baden, Invited “Clinicopathologic of correlation: participant. borders 2015 8, September Optometry, and Ophthalmology of Department Vienna of University Medical epithelium.” pigment retinal of imaging validated through “AMD lecturer. discovery Invited Therapeutics (AOPT), Charleston, SC, February 26, 2015 SC, February Charleston, (AOPT), Therapeutics in Human Eyes.” and for Pharmacology Ocular Association Race and Age with Changes Stiffness “Scleral Lecturer. Invited FAZIO, PHD ANTONIA MASSIMO 2015 February CA, Diego, San PsychologicalPsychology Association) conference, (American Families.” 2015 Their and Mid-Year Rehabilitation 22 Division Injuries Traumatic Brain with People for Program Promotion Health Telemedicine aLifestyle, of “Development Lecturer. Invited DREER, PHD LAURA 17, Italy, June Cosenza, Calabria, of 2015 University Disease.” and Aging in Biomechanics “Ocular professor. Visiting 1, SC, March 2015Charleston, meeting, Therapeutics and Pharmaceuticals Ocular for IOP.” Bilateral and Pressure Association Blood of Measurement Telemetry Continuous Pressure: “Perfusion lecturer. Invited 26, 2015 February CA, Diego San Meeting, Society Glaucoma Neuropathy.” Optic American Compressive Versus Glaucoma Cribrosa: Lamina the in “Changes lecturer. Invited PHD DOWNS, J. CRAWFORD 9, 2015 October LA, Orleans, New Meeting, Annual Optometry of Academy American AMD.” with Patients for Rehabilitation Vision speaker. “Low Invited 7, October 2015 LA, Orleans, New Meeting, Annual Optometry of Academy American impairment.” vision with child the of treatment and speaker. “Evaluation Invited DAWN OD, DECARLO, MSPH MS, K.
53 APPENDICES
Invited Lectures & Presentations PHILANTHROPY
APPENDICES PAUL D. GAMLIN, PHD CYNTHIA OWSLEY, PHD, MSPH Invited speaker. “Intrinsically-photosensitive Ganglion Cells in the Invited presentation. “Should my patient still be driving?” Primate Retina: Anatomy, Physiology and Behavioural Roles.” 31st American Glaucoma Society, San Diego, CA, February 28, 2015 International Pupil Colloquium, Pembroke College, University of Oxford, September 13-17, 2015 Invited speaker. “Driving with bioptic telescopes for persons with vision impairment.” Emory Eye Center, Emory University, and VA Invited speaker. “Neural control of eye movements in depth: R&D Center, Atlanta, GA, May 20, 2015 Electrophysiological and fMRI studies” Institut de Neuroscience de la Timone, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France, Invited speaker. “Dark adaptation as a functional marker for September 21, 2015 age-related macular degeneration.” Annual Clinical and Research Symposium, UAB Department of Ophthalmology, May 29, 2015 CHRISTOPHER A. GIRKIN, MD, MSPH Program chair. Annual Meeting of the American Glaucoma Invited lecture. “Vision impairment and driving,” Southeast Eye Society, San Diego, CA, February 25-March 1, 2015 Meeting, Miramar Beach, FL, July 23, 2015
Program chair. Joint Meeting of the American Glaucoma Society Invited lecture. “A population-based study on visual risk factors and North American Neuro-ophthalmology meeting, San Diego, for motor vehicle collision involvement and their relevance as CA, February 25, 2015 screening tests for licensure” The Eye, The Brain, and The Auto International Research Conference, Dearborn, MI, September 9, Invited lecturer. Point-counterpoint with Harry Quigley, “IOP- 2015 lowering will ALWAYS be part of glaucoma therapy.” Joint Meeting of the American Glaucoma Society and North American Neuro- MICHAEL S. VAPHIADES, DO ophthalmology meeting, San Diego, CA, February 25, 2015 Neuro-ophthalmology cases. Alabama Osteopathic Medical Association, 25th Annual Emerald Coast Conference, Sandestin, RAFAEL GRYTZ, PHD FL, July 26, 2015 Invited speaker. “Collagen crosslinking using genipin diminishes the cyclic softening response of the sclera in myopia developing Invited Lecturer. “Who deserves a second chance?” Frank B. tree shrews.” 15th International Myopia Conference, Wenzhou, Walsh Symposium, Annual Meeting of North American Neuro- China, September 25, 2015 Ophthalmology Society, San Diego, CA, February 2015
Co-organizer. “Topics in Computational Biomechanics”. Mini- Invited Lecturer. “Requiem for a Cabinet Maker” Frank B. symposium, 13th U.S. National Congress on Computational Walsh Symposium, Annual Meeting of North American Neuro- Mechanics, San Diego, CA Ophthalmology Society, San Diego, CA, February 2015
LANNING B. KLINE, MD Invited Lecturer. “The Man with No Face” Frank B. Walsh Breakfast with the Experts. “Glaucomatous versus Symposium, Annual Meeting of North American Neuro- nonglaucomatous visual loss: a neuro-ophthalmic perspective.” Ophthalmology Society, San Diego, CA, February 2015 Annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Chicago, Illinois, October 2014 YUHUA ZHANG, PHD Invited Lecturer. “Adaptive optics imaging of macular World-renowned Israeli artist Yaccov Agam returned to UAB to sign his visionary artwork. Instructor. “Curbside Consultation in Neuro-Ophthalmology.” degeneration” Ophthalmology Department, Louisiana State Annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, University School of Medicine, September 21, 2015 Chicago, Illinois, October 2014 Invited Lecturer. “In-vivo ultrastructure of age-related macular Colorful Agam Sculpture Back in Place at Callahan Visiting professor. Department of Ophthalmology. University of degeneration.” UAB Howard Hughes course, Phenotyping Human Southern California School of Medicine, November 2014 Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, June 16, 2015 “Complex Vision” has returned to its place on the front disease,” says Brian Spraberry, CEO of Callahan Eye Invited lecturer. “Who deserves a second chance?” Frank B. of Callahan Eye Hospital at the University of Alabama at Hospital. “He wanted to give them an experience they Walsh Symposium, Annual Meeting of North American Neuro- Birmingham. The kinetic sculpture, originally installed in could appreciate.” Ophthalmology Society, San Diego, CA, February 2015 1976, was taken down for restoration in April 2014. The MIYOUNG KWON, PHD sculpture was created by famed artist Yaacov Agam, Under the guidance of Agam himself, officials at Callahan Invited speaker. “Plasticity in human oculomotor control and often called the father of kinetic art. contracted Art Creations and Renovations, a company peripheral vision training.” Emory Eye Center, Emory University, specializing in restoring Agam works, to restore the badly and VA R&D Center, Atlanta, GA, May 20, 2015 “Alston Callahan, the founder of the hospital and the weathered and faded sculpture to its original vibrant Invited speaker. “Perceptual issues in low vision” Department of primary force behind acquiring ‘Complex Vision,’ had glory. Crews disassembled the 30x30-foot sculpture and Psychology, University of Minnesota, MN, July 16, 2015 a passion for art and a passion to help people with eye shipped it to the company’s studio in Florida.
54 55 PHILANTHROPY “This is here not only for the patients SEEING THE IMPACT PHILANTHROPY but also for the community . It’s part of the culture of the Eye Hospital . This piece has become synonymous with who we are as a hospital and a part Low-Vision Support Fund Advances of UAB Medicine ”. – Brian Spraberry Patient Care, Research President & CEO, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital
The colorful Agam sculpture back in place on the front of UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. GORRIE FAMILY GIFT SUPPORTS ALIE B. GORRIE LOW VISION INITIATIVE
Just shy of a year later, it came back. Reinstallation Restoring famous sculptures is not normally part of the For those with low vision, tasks as simple as reading, writing, or driving can be incredibly challenging. began March 26, 2015, and the final panel was put in job description for hospital CEOs, says Spraberry, who Those affected may rely on others for help with daily activities that others take for granted and often place March 30. worked with Agam and Art Creations and Renovations to struggle to achieve independence. create a detailed blueprint of “Complex Vision” to aid in “Complex Vision” comprises 69 aluminum panels, each any future restoration. “One of the real challenges we see is connecting people 9 feet, 9 inches long by 13 inches wide and weighing with information,” says Jim Gorrie, CEO of Birmingham- roughly 50 pounds. The panels were stripped of the old “So we have the colors, the layout, all of the particulars based construction firm Brasfield & Gorrie. paint and acid-washed. Etching primer and sealers were agreed to by the artist and by the technician,” he says. The Gorrie family has personally experienced the applied before the panels were repainted with the original “We now have a working document so that someone challenges of life with low vision. Alison and Jim Gorrie’s colors approved by Agam himself. A clear coat that will 50 years from now, if they needed to rebuild this, could daughter, Alie B. Gorrie, was diagnosed as an infant with optic nerve hypoplasia, a form of vision impairment caused protect the sculpture for years was then applied. restore it to the original specifications that the artist had by underdeveloped optic nerves. The condition can cause in mind even back to 1976.” a variety of vision problems, including a lack of peripheral On July 1, Yaacov Agam traveled to Birmingham from his vision and even blindness. Alie B.’s vision is severely impaired in one eye and measures 20/80 in the other. home in Paris for the rededication of Complex Vision. “Complex Vision” has been restored to its original glory, Mr. Agam rode a hydraulic lift to the base of the sculpture providing both patients and passersby the opportunity to During the past 22 years, the Gorries have become and used a stencil and four paint colors to sign his name visually interact with the artwork the way it was originally dedicated advocates for vision research. Most recently, the family gave $500,000 to the Alie B. Gorrie Low Vision near the spot he originally signed it four decades ago. intended in 1976. As one of the few eye hospitals in the Support Fund in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology. country devoted to sight restoration, Callahan provides “This is here not only for the patients but also for the departing patients an opportunity to see something as Jim says the family’s personal journey through diagnosis and treatment was made easier by the doctors at community,” Spraberry says. “It’s part of the culture of beautiful as “Complex Vision”. Its rejuvenation reminds UAB Medicine, especially Alie B.’s doctor of 22 years, the Eye Hospital. This piece has become synonymous us all that seeing clearly is a precious gift. Martin Cogen, MD, Chief of the Division of Pediatric with who we are as a hospital and as part of UAB Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and Dawn DeCarlo, OD, Director of the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation, Medicine.” a collaborative effort between UAB’s Department of Ophthalmology and School of Optometry. POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS “Dr. DeCarlo is a wonderful professional who has spent hundreds of hours with us as we explored how to live with low vision and then later how to help others,” Jim says. Sustaining the Vision “We had significant help to explore any and every possible option for Alie B. However, we realize that many families may not be able to access the system.” The original “Complex Vision” sculpture was made possible by the late Mr. Marvin Engel and Mrs. Ruth Engel as a memorial to their parents, who were patients of UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. The Engel Foundation has contributed In 2008, Alie B. created Songs for Sight, a series of musical generously to our restoration efforts, continuing the Engels’ legacy of supporting both the arts and Callahan Eye events to raise money, awareness, and understanding for low vision. Her efforts have generated more than $1 million Hospital. Other benefactors of the restoration include our foundation partners – the International Retinal Research for the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation, and in Foundation and The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama – along with numerous individual and employee donors. 2014, Songs for Sight was awarded the inaugural Hall Thompson Hero for Sight Award by Sight Savers America. Alie B. Gorrie 56 57 PHILANTHROPY 59
SUPPORT SUPPORT thirst for knowledge. PROGRAMMATIC PROGRAMMATIC programs that serve the Strengthen outreach our needs the of community. degree skill of and lifelong RESIDENT EDUCATION Equip the nextEquip generation of ophthalmologists with a high high a ophthalmologists with Investments in education enhanced training for next generation ophthalmologists. the of Facility and equipment improvements provided the latest in vision care patients to at all income levels. EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND EDUCATION CARE PATIENT ADVANCED • •
INNOVATION INNOVATION bench bedside. to RESEARCH AND Accelerate the pace of discovery and efficiently translate findings key from OUR PRIORITIES
Expand access the to FACULTY SUPPORT SUPPORT FACULTY Foster an environment of physicians and scientists. and physicians enhancements facilities. to highest-quality patient carehighest-quality patient collaboration and innovation collaboration and innovation ENHANCING FACILITIES by retainingby and recruiting top and research through focused Support ideas for innovative allowed investigators launchto promising research new programs. jumpstarted commitment early the Philanthropic stages promising of careers for young scientists. Gifts attracted world-class research talent UAB. to INNOVATIVE RESEARCH INNOVATIVE SCIENTISTSYOUNG TOP TALENT Thanks to support from donors large and small, we have made significant progress toward our ultimate goal of of goal ultimate our toward progress significant made have we small, and large donors from support to Thanks key following the in a catalyst as served has generosity This disease. blinding alleviating by health improving areas: • • • VISION FORTHE FUTURE truly we far, thus accomplishments our of are we as As proud future. the for outlook a bright has UAB Ophthalmology grasp. our within and come to yet are advancements meaningful most the believe of care and treatment the in breakthroughs major for potential the provides partners philanthropic visionary of support The future. healthier a brighter, achieve can we support, your With disease. blinding also helps provide orientation and mobility services that assist patients in navigating their environmentsmore safely. and independently “These services are not insurance,covered by and there is very little availability elsewhere, with long wait times DeCarlofor services,” says. Dr. “The funds also allow high- even devices, receive financially needy to patients tech bioptics and electronic magnification, which will enhance the quality their of lives.” The VisionLow Support also Fund contributes to groundbreaking research. Jim is particularly excited about gene therapy research being conducted at UAB. pretend understand don’t “We to it, but it is encouraging hear Jim says.to the optimism that exists at UAB,” “UAB is at a very point and are exciting in its we history, pleased be in a position to a meaningful make to gift in an area are we so connected to.” Jimsays he hopes the funding will continue raise to awareness options of for those families that not may know where turn. to hope we that Vision the Low the end the of day, “At Support will help families Fund get the help need they and Jim deserve,” says. “Through our previous efforts with Songs for Sight, know the importance we raising of awareness, and also we that believe there continues be a largeto unmet need in Alabama. seen have We significant progress in this area through and UAB other great support organizations such as Sight Savers, The Lions and Club, Impact Alabama, to andare we excited continue support to these efforts.” POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS POWERFUL ” .
Part of our continued work work . Part continued our of
Songs for Sight was created raise to awareness and funds for Centerthe UAB Vision for Low Rehabilitation. The organization was started Alie by Gorrie, B. and since a patient the of center, its inception in 2008 Songs for Sight has raised million. In $1 addition support youth to group activities, Songs for Sight helps the center provide eligible patients with electronic video magnification devices and orientation and mobility services, as aswell funding for research. low-vision Songs for Sight, an organization benefiting and low-vision eye research, hosted an for children event and teens vision with low More Sept. 12. Center on McWane Saturday, at Birmingham’s than 40 families attended which the event, featured structured learning opportunities and an a resource IMAX fair, and movie, access Science adventure the McWane exhibits. to Center’s Songs for Sight for Songs Dr. DeCarlo says forDr. children with vision impairment know otherswho don’t vision, with low simply meeting other kids been who have through some the of same struggles can be incredibly empowering. The Songs Vision Low Supportfor Sight Youth group isrun by the Center Vision for Low Rehabilitation and provides and peer recreational, educational, support opportunities the familiesto children of with vision impairment. Funding “We were very“We thankful for our doctors and advocates at whoUAB helped us the challenges navigate that exist for Jimpeople says. are “We very vision,” with low fortunate such a comprehensive have to resource right here in Birmingham. Part our of continued work help be will to peerdevelop groups and general information raise to awareness options of for families who not may know where turn.” to know where to turn of options for families who may not not may who families for options of Gorrie, – Jim Brasfield CEO & Gorrie of general information to raise awareness awareness raise to information general Birmingham and groups peer develop help to be will comprehensive resource right here in in here right resource comprehensive “We are very fortunate to have such a such very fortunate are have to “We
58 PHILANTHROPY PHILANTHROPY 60 SEEING THE IMPACT THE SEEING the knowledge we teach, discover, and translate into patient care. productive and dynamic academic medical centers, the Campaign’s success will change the world through significant support for the School of Medicine. While strengthening our position as one of the nation’s most The $1 billion Campaign for is UAB avisionary plan to align our resources with our aspirations and includes Make agift online, asimple and secure way to make an immediate impact: Mail in your gift: 1720 Boulevard, University Suite •Birmingham, AL 500 Phone: 205.325.8526 •Email: [email protected] Development WOOD, of JACKIE Director Senior Contact usto learn more about where your help is needed most. Speak with our development office: Birmingham, AL 35233 1720 AL Blvd., •Birmingham, University Suite 500 HOW TO HELP HOW TO Ways to Give: *Funds contributed by CAMPAIGN GOAL: CAMPAIGN $412,390,058* $636,370,788 205.325.8526 205.325.8526 UAB School of Medicine Supporters As of OctoberAs 31, 2015 www.uabmedicine.org/perspective
$1 BILLION$1 35233 Caleb Chancey, Nik Layman, Jeff Myers, Myers, Jeff Layman, Chancey, Nik Caleb Coleman Upchurch and Megan Yeatts A special thanks to our contributors: to our thanks A special Scott Chramer and Carson Young Carson and Chramer Scott Jennifer Spears, Steve Wood, Spears, Jennifer Bob Shepard, Megan Yeatts, Yeatts, Megan Shepard, Bob Matt Windsor, David Pelfrey, Windsor, David Matt Produced by UAB Medicine Produced Project Coordinators: and Don Milazzo Milazzo Don and Photographers: Photographers: Andrea Bevan Contributors: Jackie WoodJackie Erick Guillen Art Director: Director: Art Writers:
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