On August 11, 2026, Sight Savers America revealed the 2026 Hall W. Thompson Hero for Sight tribute wall at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye. This year’s display honors the ongoing legacy of Alston Callahan, M.D., FACS, and his son, Michael A. Callahan, M.D., FACS.
Each year, Sight Savers America commissions an art piece from a visually impaired artist to accompany the Hall W. Thompson Hero for Sight Award plaque on the first-floor tribute wall at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye. This year’s artwork was created by Shellyann Siddoo, an accomplished artist who discovered her talent for painting after losing her eyesight. The hospital has proudly dedicated space for this tribute wall since the inaugural ceremony in 2014.
Founded in 1997, Sight Savers America provides eye care to children who lack access to routine vision services across 16 states. The organization provides three services to children with unmet vision and health needs through a team of dedicated eye care professionals, either at no cost or at a discounted rate.
As a partner in this mission, the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and UAB Callahan Eye are proud to support Sight Savers America in providing accessible eye care to children in need.
2026 Hall W. Thompson Hero For Sight Award Recipients
Alston Callahan, M.D., FACS
Founder, Eye Foundation Hospital (now UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye)
March 16, 1911 – October 28, 2006
A pioneer in modern ophthalmology, Alston Callahan was instrumental in transforming the future of eye care in the Southeast. After World War II, Callahan organized and chaired the first Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at what is now the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine and later founded the Eye Foundation Hospital, which opened in 1964 and eventually became today’s UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye. In 1997, he founded the International Retinal Research Foundation to advance research that combats retinal diseases.
Michael A. Callahan, M.D., FACS
Professor, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Following in his father’s footsteps, Michael A. Callahan serves as professor in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and director of ophthalmic plastic surgery at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye. He has spent decades advancing patient care, mentoring young physicians, and supporting programs that expand access to vision resources. Michael Callahan has served in numerous leadership roles throughout his career, including president of medical staff at the former Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital and president of the International Retinal Research Foundation.
2026 Hero for Sight Artist
Shellyann Siddoo
After a laboratory accident took her eyesight and severely injured her hands, Shellyann Siddoo found solace in painting. She began painting with her knuckles, using touch and texture to guide her artistic process. Siddoo’s hands healed over time, which allowed her to further expand her artistic technique and style. Through her art, she expresses the depth of human emotion and reminds viewers of the power of embracing one’s inner strength.
Read more about the 2026 Hall W. Thompson Hero for Sight Award Recipients and Artist.