2015 SC H O OL OF OP TOM E T RY DE AN ’ S R E P ORT
WELCOME
KELLY K. NICHOLS, OD, MPH, PHD DEAN, UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY
CHRIS BOUTWELL DIRECTOR OF FISCAL AFFAIRS JOSEPH FLEMING, OD ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS ROBERT KLEINSTEIN, OD, MPH, PHD INTERIM ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR PROFESSIONAL STUDIES JASON J. NICHOLS, OD, MPH, PHD UAB ASSISTANT VP FOR INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The UAB School of Optometry recognizes our position among the top optometry schools in the nation. We are taking strides that will strengthen our students’ experiences, advance knowledge in vision research, foster relationships and partnerships with industry and throughout the community, support excellence in our faculty, and enhance clinical eye care. As our incoming classes continue to rival the highest academic standards across the nation, our reputation in academic excellence affords us the opportunity to attract and educate the brightest of students. And with faculty who are renowned experts in their fields, our students are receiving training and mentoring that is first-rate, preparing them to be the next generation of leaders in optometry and vision science.
I am tremendously proud of the achievements, successes, and growth that our School has experienced over the last year. Much of our success is a result of the generous support of our alumni, donors, and industry partners who have recognized the impact that we are making both on our profession and in the realm of scientific discovery. Throughout the next few pages, you will learn some of the accolades and achievements from the last year. I’m confident that these milestones have us poised for inevitable growth and success in the future. As always, thank you for your support of the UAB School of Optometry.
CONTENTS
Sincerely,
Dean’s Letter
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Academic Excellence
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Research & Discovery
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The Clinical Experience
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Development
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KELLY K. NICHOLS, OD, MPH, PHD
STEVEN PITTLER, PHD DIRECTOR, VISION SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER BRIAN ROSENOW, CISSP DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
HENRY PETERS BUILDING
ELIZABETH STEELE, OD ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR CLINICAL AFFAIRS
PROJECT WAS COMPLETED,
MICHAEL TWA, OD, PHD ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES
OF 24 NEW WINDOWS.
UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY | 2015 DEAN'S REPORT
EXTERIOR RENOVATION INCLUDING THE ADDITION
“WE ARE SMALL, BUT OUR I M PAC T I S M I G H T Y.”
V I S I O N S TAT E M E N T:
M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T: OUR MISSION IS TO EDUCATE OPTOMETRY
TO UNDERSTAND, PRESERVE,
STUDENTS, RESIDENTS, AND FUTURE SCIENTISTS; DISCOVER AND
RESTORE, AND ENHANCE THE
BROADLY COMMUNICATE NEW PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS IN EYE CARE
PRECIOUS GIFT OF SIGHT.
AND VISION SCIENCE; TRANSLATE THESE IDEAS INTO CLINICAL PRACTICE; AND DELIVER HEALTH CARE WITH INTEGRITY AND COMPASSION.
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE H I G H P E R C E N TAG E O F 2 0 1 5 C L A S S E N T E R A CO M P E T I T I V E RESIDENCY In a profession where residencies are considered a mark of future leaders and faculty of schools of optometry, 53% of UABSO’s 2015 graduating class (pictured right) entered a competitive residency; a rate that is significantly higher than the national average of 20%.
R E N OW N E D V I S I O N S C I E N T I S T, H U M A N I TA R I A N A N D L E A D E R D E L I V E R S CO M M E N C E M E N T The School was honored to have internationally renowned vision scientist, humanitarian, and leader in eye care and vision research, Professor Brien Holden of the University of New South Wales, (pictured right) deliver the 2015 commencement address. Professor Holden was also named the recipient of the inaugural Henry B. Peters Innovation in Global Optometry Award.
“Always behave with integrity, and work to take care of people. You are optometrists. You can do wonders!” -Professor Brien Holden UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY | 2015 DEAN'S REPORT
Sadly, Professor Holden passed away just a few months after delivering his inspiring message to the Class of 2015 and the UABSO family.
T WO FAC U LT Y P H D T R A I N E E S AWA R D E D E Z E L L F E L LOW S H I P S The American Optometric Foundation awarded Ezell Fellowships to two UABSO faculty members and PhD trainees, Drs. Jillian Meadows and Stephanie Cox (pictured right). Dr. Meadows received the Merton C. Flom Ezell Fellowship in Leadership, and Dr. Cox received the AOF Ezell Club Gerald E. Lowther Ezell Fellowship. The Ezell Fellowships are extremely competitive awards and recognized with high esteem in academic optometry. Since 1949, the American Optometric Foundation has offered Ezell Fellowships to encourage talented persons to pursue full-time careers in optometric research and education. These fellowships support graduate students enrolled in a full-time program of study and training in visionrelated research that leads to a Master’s or PhD degree. Current UABSO faculty who are former Ezell Fellows include Professors Robert Kleinstein, Timothy Kraft, Jason Nichols, Kelly Nichols, and Michael Twa.
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UA B S O A M BA S S A D O R S Student Affairs announced a newly formed student group–UABSO Ambassadors. The Ambassadors serve and represent the School at events and recruitment activities, and will complete a minimum of 10 hours of service in both the fall and spring semesters. 2015-16 UABSO Ambassadors: Samara Perryman (President), Grace Kimrey (Secretary), Jodi Baker, Paul Brown, Jennifer Carlisle, Ginny Carroll, Lashaundra Dangerfield, Neil Doppler, Lilly Forstall, Sarah Fowler, Crystal Maharrey, Taylor Phillips, Savannah Sheets, & Lea Vaught
UA B S O I N T R O D U C E S O D/ M BA D UA L D E G R E E In collaboration with the Collat School of Business, UABSO introduced the OD/MBA dual degree program. Among the first in the nation, the program provides an interdisciplinary learning experience, combining the fundamental and advanced principles of optometry and business to equip students with a greater understanding of the business of eye care.
OD STUDENT NAMED N AT I O N A L L I A I S O N OD student Bonnie-Kim Hang was appointed as the AOSA National Liaison to the American Academy of Optometry.
DEVELOPING LEADERS IN VISION SCIENCE
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STUDENTS PURSUING DUAL OD/ MS DEGREE
26 6 STUDENTS PURSUING PHD DEGREE
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWS
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS/ ACCOLADES DR. WENDY MARSH-TOOTLE WAS NAMED THE 2015 RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY’S WILLIAM FEINBLOOM AWARD FOR HER DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTIONS TO CLINICAL EXCELLENCE. DR. TAMMY THAN (PICTURED BELOW) WAS NAMED THE AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION’S 2015 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR.
S T U D E N T T E S T I M O N I A L : K A DY B R U C E
When I graduated from college, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. The Vision Science Graduate Program appealed to me because it gave me the freedom to choose from among many different disciplines. Coming from a background in Psychology, it was a relief to know that I had options conducive to my prior training. During graduate school, I realized very quickly that academia wasn’t for me–but I continued to ask myself what was? The wonderfully awful thing about a PhD was that it gives no concrete career, but instead it gives a myriad of options. So, I decided to revisit an old dream I had of attending law school. I was worried that my program director and faculty mentors wouldn’t be happy with my decision after investing almost 5 years in helping me become a vision scientist. But, I could not have been more wrong! Everyone was supportive, enthusiastic, even excited, and any doubt that I had about this being the right path for me was gone.
DR. MICHAEL TWA WAS NAMED THE SEVENTH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF OPTOMETRY AND VISION SCIENCE, THE PROFESSION’S TOP ACADEMIC JOURNAL. DRS. JOHN AMOS, AROL AUGSBURGER, AND ROD NOWAKOWSKI WERE APPOINTED AS PROFESSORS AND DEANS EMERITI, DRS. JOE BENJAMIN AND ROBERT RUTSTEIN WERE APPOINTED PROFESSOR EMERITUS, AND DR. WENDY MARSH-TOOTLE WAS APPOINTED ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EMERITUS.
I never planned to abandon my science, and I won’t. I plan to pursue a career as an attorney specializing in Intellectual Property and Patent Law, and to use my skills and vision science education to help create a scientific dialogue within a different community.
UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY | 2015 DEAN'S REPORT
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RESEARCH & DISCOVERY
The UAB School of Optometry’s research goals are focused on initiatives that lead to the discovery of new principles of eye care and vision science, and translating new ideas into clinical practice. Located in the footprint of a world-renowned academic medical center with tremendous biomedical research, the School is uniquely qualified for the opportunity to make scientific contributions that will make lasting impacts on eye and vision health. Our faculty boasts a unique expertise in ocular biology and neuroscience, spanning both basic and clinical science applications, and is positioned to expand vision science research and advance discoveries particularly in areas such as concussive brain injury, cerebral vascular accidents, and neurodegenerative diseases.
RESEARCH FOCUS BASIC SCIENCE: RETINAL PHYSIOLOGY, SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCE, OCULAR STEM CELLS, CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR OCULAR BIOLOGY, OCULAR BIOMECHANICS, OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY
CLINICAL SCIENCE: OCULAR SURFACE BIOLOGY, DRY EYE, CONTACT LENSES, CLINICAL OUTCOMES–PEDIATRICS, GERIATRICS, BINOCULAR VISION, CLINICAL IMAGING, VISUAL FUNCTION & PERCEPTION, CONCUSSIVE BRAIN INJURY, AGING & MOBILITY
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CO L L A B O R AT I O N
RESEARCH PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
With faculty collaborations spanning the disciplines, UABSO is positioned to contribute to research related to all aspects of vision–biological, optical, perceptual, and clinical. A snapshot of these multidisciplinary collaborations include:
· UABSO's established clinical and
· Center for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies
· Center for Clinical and Translational Science
· Cellular Developmental and Integrative Biology
· Comprehensive Cancer Center · Civitan International Research Center · Center for Biophysical Science and Engineering
· UAB Schools of Medicine, Health Professions, Engineering, and Public Health, and the UAB College of Arts & Sciences When compared with all other schools and colleges of optometry in the nation, UABSO ranks 6th in NEI research funding and 3rd in total research funding.
UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY | 2015 DEAN'S REPORT
translational ocular surface and contact lens research continues to expand with new industry and foundation partnerships growing our ocular surface niche within our vision science research portfolio. Additionally, several clinical trials in dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and contact lens wear have been initiated, completed, or are ongoing, and include new treatments for dry eye and MGD under consideration for approval by the FDA.
· Dr. Tammy Than and members of RAPID, a multi-center research group, recently received R-34 grant funding for their work on the treatment and management of adenoviral conjunctivitis.
· UABSO is one of eight centers participating in the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT). The School is receiving approximately $500 thousand from the $8.1 million, five-year study being led by Dr. Kristine Hopkins. (pictured above)
· A renovation of the Clinical Eye Research Facility created a much more welcoming,
patient-friendly environment for those participating in clinical trials. Exam rooms were updated and refitted with some of the latest and most technologically advanced optometric equipment. The addition of a conference room also created a work space for meetings and presentations with industry sponsors and visitors.
· The Vestibular and Oculomotor Research Clinic (VORClinic) is participating in multidisciplinary research efforts to understand and identify markers of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), or concussion. The VOR team includes UABSO’s Dr. Claudio Busettini, Dr. Kathy Weise, and Dr. Mark Swanson.
· 66% of full-time faculty are participating in funded research initiatives.
FUNDING BREAKDOWN
46 4 848 7.7 8.9
THOUSAND
PRIVATE RESEARCH FUNDING
THOUSAND
INDUSTRY RESEARCH FUNDING
MILLION
FEDERAL RESEARCH FUNDING
MILLION
TOTAL RESEARCH FUNDING
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THE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE The UAB School of Optometry’s clinical goals are centered on providing comprehensive, evidence-based eye care services for patients of all ages. As advocates for eye and vision health, the UAB Eye Care clinical practice model strives to combine outcomes research with expert faculty guidance so that our patients receive the highest quality eye care. Subsequently, this practice model provides tremendous clinical experience for our students, equipping them with knowledge that cannot be gained in the classroom. As UAB Eye Care interns, our students receive first-hand experience in disease diagnosis and state-of-the-art treatment options as they work alongside our faculty in the primary and specialty care clinics. As we care for our patients, we are equipping the next generation of optometrists to fulfill our vision of protecting, preserving, and enhancing the gift of sight. · Michele Self (pictured below) was named the first female chairperson of the American Board of Opticianry, also making her the first UABSO staff member to serve in this capacity. Additionally, Michele was named one of Vision Monday’s “Most Influential Women in Optical for 2015.”
· 22,496 patients were seen by faculty and students in the UAB Eye Care optometry clinics.
· Community Eye Care (pictured below) expanded its reach by moving into a new clinic inside the Western Health Center, a full-service health center for residents in western Jefferson County operated by the Jefferson County Department of Health.
· Through a partnership with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and Allergan, UABSO hosted a series of education and advocacy events on the
importance of infant eye health and the InfantSEE program. Through these events, our pediatric optometry faculty collaborated with local organizations such as UCP of Birmingham, the WIC program, Children’s of Alabama, local preschools, and community pediatricians on developing dialogue and continuing education surrounding the future of infant eye care.
As we care for our patients, we are equipping the next generation of optometrists to fulfill our vision of protecting, preserving, and enhancing the gift of sight. UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY | 2015 DEAN'S REPORT
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chair testing. Those tests examined the vestibular-ocular reflex, which is thought to be affected in concussion, resulting in symptoms of headache, nausea, and balance issues.
“The staff was very compassionate and courteous… and proof that the leaders who began this program cared about us, too!” -Grateful Gift of Sight Participant GIVING THE GIFT OF SIGHT
Through the Community Eye Care program, UABSO provided almost $500 thousand dollars in eye care services free-of-charge to residents across the Birmingham community and throughout the state of Alabama. Almost 300 underserved individuals from the Birmingham area received eye exams and glasses at no cost as part of the UAB School of Optometry’s Gift of Sight event that took place December 2-5, 2015. As the outreach arm of the School of Optometry and its UAB Eye Care clinics, the UAB Community Eye Care program has been serving the local community for 40 years. Through this program, UABSO faculty, staff, and student interns provide vision care and services at many area schools, senior centers, community events, and local shelters year-round. The program
UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY | 2015 DEAN'S REPORT
has a clinic within the Jefferson County Department of Health’s new Western Health Center in Midfield, and also sees patients on a regular basis at The Foundry in Bessemer, the Lovelady Center in East Lake, PATH Clinic on Birmingham’s southside, and the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham’s Adult Day Program at LincPoint in Homewood. In addition to serving the local Birmingham community, the CEC program partners with other UAB programs and entities to provide care in many communities within the Black Belt region of Alabama. In 2014, clinic coordinator Scelelar “BB” Jefferson and the CEC team began to envision what would become the Gift of Sight–an event that would focus on helping those who had the greatest need, and would serve them during the holiday season. With the help of community sponsors, external agencies, and faculty, staff, and student volunteers, the event not only came into fruition, but garnered a tremendous impact. Patients applied through the Jefferson County Department of Health and were vetted for participation based on a set of requirements set by the program.
The VEMP test measures activity in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, located in the neck, via electromyography, an evaluation of electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles in response to sounds in the ear. The saccule, a bed of sensory cells located in the inner ear that translates head movements, is the biomarker of interest testing the inferior vestibular nerve, and is related to the vestibulospinal system which contributes to balance.
Eyeglasses were provided to patients who needed them thanks to the generosity of the program’s partners, VSP, Remote Area Medical, and Allergan. Each patient also received a gift bag with cold weather supplies such as hats, scarves, and gloves, as well as lunch–all donated by the local community.
IDENTIFYING BIOMARKERS IN M I L D T R AU M AT I C B R A I N I N J U RY
While our UABSO students care for patients in clinic every day, the Gift of Sight event gives them an opportunity to experience what it’s like to truly give back and provide health care for those in the most need. And, because many of these patients are from underserved populations, our faculty and staff have the opportunity to make referrals to other specialties, helping to ensure that they receive necessary health care.
Ten-year-old Lewis Rand suffered a mild traumatic brain injury during soccer practice when he fell, hitting his head on a metal post. With no loss of consciousness or immediate symptoms felt, Lewis continued to practice. But, as days went by, symptoms began to develop. After being referred to Children’s of Alabama, it was determined that Lewis’ concussion fit the criteria to participate in the UAB VORClinic.
As advocates for eye and vision health, this program is just one way that we are working to preserve the precious gift of sight.
Lewis was given a thorough exam that included some traditional pediatric optometry tests such as visual acuity, eye coordination and alignment, and ocular health. Beyond those tests, Lewis participated in state-of-the-art testing that is available in only a few clinics across the country–the sensory organization test, vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP), and Neuro Kinetics, Inc., rotary
A 30-minute screening in the NKI rotary chair tests a variety of biomarkers, including angular vestibular ocular reflex via the horizontal semicircular canal and superior vestibular nerve, oculomotor function and ultricular pathways. During this portion of the exam, the athlete sits in a chair in a pitch-black room testing the movement of the eyes in response to motion and light. The athlete is examined on smooth eye movement by following a moving target, watching light dots as they move across the visual field, eye movements as the chair moves slowly and quickly left to right, and setting a light bar to perceived vertical. The athlete wears goggles with high-speed and high-resolution cameras that capture the most subtle eye movements.
test. However, after looking at Lewis in the NKI rotary chair, the team found that his smooth pursuits were not moving as smoothly as in a nonconcussed patient. In addition, when he was trying to move his eyes quickly to a target, he was overshooting it more than would be expected. The issues with Lewis’ visual oculomotor pathway issues suggested that he might benefit from visual therapy. The goal of the VORClinic is to inform people that concussions affect the central nervous system, the ability to move the eyes rapidly and gaze stability. All are important functions in playing sports and success within the classroom.
Through this research, the team will seek to develop more measurable, recognizable signs of concussion with the hopes of keeping young athletes safe and active. (PICTURED LEFT) THE VORCLINIC’S ROTARY CHAIR IS THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN ALABAMA. (PICTURED BELOW) DRS. KATHY WEISE AND CLAUDIO BUSETTINI.
Lewis had a normal response to the VEMP test, which showed that his saccule and inferior vestibular nerve were functioning well. He also demonstrated excellent balance during the sensory organization
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DEVELOPMENT
B U I L D I N G F U N D C A M PA I G N : O U R P R O G R E S S A N D G OA L S ROBERT G. AND SANDRA NICHOLS WILSON MADE A LEGACY GIFT TO ESTABLISH THE ROBERT G. AND SANDRA NICHOLS WILSON ENDOWED SUPPORT FUND IN OPTOMETRY.
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M I L L I O N G OA L ++ CURRENTLY RAISED ++ OUR GOAL
C A M PA I G N P R I O R I T I E S 1. Enhance facilities to advance learning. UABSO will renovate the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Henry B. Peters Building along with a partial renovation of the 1st and 4th floors. 2. Enrich the student experience by increasing the number of endowed scholarships. 3. Foster research innovation and economic development through endowed funding for research acceleration and translational research. 4. Advance innovative research through current use funding that will provide seed money for exciting new ventures. FAC U LT Y/ S TA F F C A M PA I G N :
2015-16 CAMPAIGN UPDATE
$
1.5 M
TOTAL RAISED IN 2015
UAB SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY | 2015 DEAN'S REPORT
$
103 K 100
TOTAL RAISED
SCHOLARSHIPS:
%
UAB EYE CARE PARTICIPATION RATE
$
97 K 72
IN SCHOLARSHIP MONEY TO UABSO STUDENTS
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
W I L S O N S P R OV I D E V I S I O N F O R THE FUTURE Improved eyesight is invaluable, but the cost for some can be prohibitive. With this in mind, Robert G. and Sandra Nichols Wilson
made a legacy gift to establish The Robert G. and Sandra Nichols Wilson Endowed Support Fund in Optometry. The fund will provide the working poor and those who have lost their jobs and are currently seeking employment with aid to cover the costs of full eye examinations, frames and lenses, and any follow-up examinations. “My parents wore glasses my whole life,” Sandra Wilson says. “My husband has worn glasses since he was two years old.”
“I want to help people who have fallen through the cracks, who are working and struggling to make it, and glasses are an added expense.” While the Wilsons have regularly contributed to various charitable organizations, this is the first time they’ve put something more permanent in place.
“It’s so rewarding to me to see the expression on people when they receive glasses that clear their vision,” she says. “Glasses were very important to my parents. They’re important to my husband. We talked about it and for us, this seemed like the right thing to do.” The endowment will be funded through a bequest of a percentage of the Wilsons’ estate. Because of their generosity, UABSO will be able to provide the gift of sight well into the future for those struggling to make ends meet.
ALUMNI CORNER A LU M N I W E E K E N D
In 2015, the alumni association combined the annual alumni meeting (formerly held in November) with the Annual Alumni Reunion & CE Weekend. The 2016 Annual Meeting, Alumni Reunion, & CE Weekend will take place August 26-28 on the University’s campus. The classes honored will be: 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011. We look forward to seeing you! 2 0 1 5 - 1 6 UA B S O A LU M N I B OA R D
President: George Eischens, ’01, Prattville, AL President-Elect: Zach McCarty, ’06, Chattanooga, TN Secretary/Treasurer: Zach Steele, ’03, Birmingham, AL Immediate Past President: Doug Clark, ’82, Pelham, AL M E M B E R S -AT- L A R G E
Term Expiring 2016 Jeff Ford, ’98, Montgomery, AL Caleb Gardner, ’08, Greenville, AL Brian Mahalak, ’08, Montgomery, AL Term Expiring 2017 Fred Wallace, ’82, Birmingham, AL Bill Tillman, ’86, Andalusia, AL Sharon Day, ’87, Birmingham, AL Term Expiring 2018 Kristen Sullins, ’07, Huntsville, AL Jamie Crockett, ’08, Prattville, AL Glenda Brown, ’81, Suwanee, GA
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1716 University Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35233 uab.edu/optometry