Ophthalmology Services

The experienced ophthalmology specialists at UAB offer patients the most advanced vision care available. This means having the knowledge and expertise to identify any problem as well as the advanced training necessary to deliver cutting-edge treatments for eye diseases. From highly specialized eye surgery to fitting you for your first pair of contact lenses, UAB provides comprehensive services for all your vision needs.

Many people need corrective lenses for near- or far-sightedness, while others need the help of specialists for eye disease or trauma. Early detection can prevent many eye conditions from progressing to permanent loss of eyesight. In the case of trauma, immediate treatment or surgery can help preserve as much vision as possible.

The services we provide and the conditions we treat include:

Why UAB

The specialists at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital use the most advanced technology and are known for working together to treat the full range of both common and complex corneal problems. From cataract and corneal surgeries to highly specialized contact lenses, Callahan features the expertise, experience, and cutting-edge equipment needed to treat the most challenging corneal conditions. Patients come here from around the world and nation because we don’t just treat eye disease – we empower patients to take control of their eye health.

Callahan is the only full-service facility in Alabama specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of the eye and one of only a few worldwide that is entirely devoted to advancements in ophthalmology. That reputation is supported by 16 operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery and a 24/7 eye emergency room that is the region’s only Level I Ocular Trauma Center. More than 11,000 surgeries are performed at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital each year, and we conduct more reconstructive eye procedures than any other facility in the world.

Our facility is home to more than two dozen ophthalmologists, many of whom are named among the top doctors in their fields nationally. Callahan is widely recognized for excellence in patient care, having consistently earned prestigious awards from health care consulting group Press Ganey, and in 2017 Callahan was named as one of the “100 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” by Becker’s Hospital Review.

Callahan also is known for pioneering developments in surgical instruments, devices, and procedures used by ophthalmologists across the globe. As part of the UAB Medicine academic medical center, Callahan is actively involved in ongoing research and clinical trials. Many of our ophthalmologists have received funding from prestigious research organizations and institutions and collaborate in clinical care to bring the latest in scientific discovery to our patients.

Images and Videos

Priscilla Fowler, MD Assistant Professor and Director of the Cornea Service in the Department of Ophthalmology at UAB, discusses how easily "red eye" can be misdiagnosed.

See how UAB’s Bioptic Driving Program is paving the road for those who are severely nearsighted to get behind the wheel safely. 

UAB pilot program brings glaucoma screenings closer to home.

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital helped save a young baseball player’s career and, most importantly, his sight.

After being hit in the eye with a bottle rocket, Dianne Peterson underwent sight-saving surgery at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. 

Take a look back at 50 Years In Sight of Alabama's only dedicated eye hospital.

How does laser cataract surgery differ from traditional cataract surgery? 

Learn about fireworks eye safety from Dr. Jay McCollum, Director of Emergency Services and Ocular Trauma at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital.

Watch the ABC 33/40 Focus at 4 segment with Edward Burch and Pam Huff about UAB Callahan Eye Hospital's 50 Year Anniversary. 

PHYSICIANS

Michael A. Albert, Jr., MD
Michael A. Albert, Jr., MD
Ann Marie Arciniegas-Bernal, MD
Ann Marie Arciniegas-Bernal, MD
Rita Armitage, MD
Rita Armitage, MD
J. Waid Blackstone, MD
J. Waid Blackstone, MD
Michael A. Callahan, MD
Michael A. Callahan, MD
Martin S. Cogen, MD
Martin S. Cogen, MD
Dawn DeCarlo, OD
Dawn DeCarlo, OD
Andrew W. Everett, MD
Andrew W. Everett, MD
Richard M. Feist, MD
Richard M. Feist, MD
Priscilla G. Fowler, MD
Priscilla G. Fowler, MD
Christopher A. Girkin, MD, MSPH
Christopher A. Girkin, MD, MSPH
D. Wade Joiner, MD
D. Wade Joiner, MD
Lanning B. Kline, MD
Lanning B. Kline, MD
Virginia R. Lolley, MD
Virginia R. Lolley, MD
John O. Mason, MD
John O. Mason, MD
Andrew J. Mays, MD
Andrew J. Mays, MD
Cecil James McCollum, MD
Cecil James McCollum, MD
Russell W. Read, MD, PhD
Russell W. Read, MD, PhD
Lindsay A. Rhodes, MD
Lindsay A. Rhodes, MD
Carol Rosenstiel, OD
Carol Rosenstiel, OD
Brian C. Samuels, MD
Brian C. Samuels, MD
Jason C. Swanner, MD
Jason C. Swanner, MD
Kayla L. Thomason, OD
Kayla L. Thomason, OD
Martin L. Thomley, MD
Martin L. Thomley, MD
Michael S. Vaphiades, DO
Michael S. Vaphiades, DO