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Maya Hoyt, 9, of Birmingham, a student at Princeton Elementary School, gets fitted for her second pair of eyeglasses by a UAB Optometry student.

Results from two large, vision-related clinical trials published last summer add to the growing pile of literature that confirm the risk of developing certain eye-related diseases – glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, diabetes, hypertension and visual impairment – are more prevalent among minorities.

The first study reports that Hispanic/Latino people in the United States have higher rates of visual impairment and blindness than members of other ethnic groups. It also found that those whose vision is worse by two lines or more on a standard eye chart are more likely to report lower quality of life. The first of three research papers related to the study, called the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES), appeared in the June 2004 issue of the journal-Ophthalmology. Two more papers were published in the July and August issues of the journal.

In a separate study, scientists found that eye drops that reduce elevated pressure inside the eye can delay or possibly prevent the onset of glaucoma in African Americans – who are nearly five times more likely to develop the disease than whites. Authors of the study, published in the June 2004 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, said the study was significant because it showed how important it is to identify African Americans at higher risk for developing glaucoma so they can receive prompt evaluation for possible medical treatment.

Both studies were funded by the National Eye Institute and the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, two components of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health.

Why It’s Important
Both studies are significant because they once again reaffirm the importance of regular eye exams for both prevention and treatment of disease, especially for those at greater risk of developing disease, says John Amos, O.D., dean of the UAB School of Optometry. “This is exactly why we couldn’t be more pleased with the completion of our newly renovated UAB Eye Care facility – filled with the latest state-of-the-art equipment for detection of such diseases. It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

An eye exam can be helpful in finding not only eye-related problems like glaucoma, but also high blood pressure and other diseases, including diabetes. “Many people take their eyesight for granted and don’t realize that routine eye exams cannot only preserve their vision but can actually save their lives,” Amos said. “Early detection and treatment can increase chances for successful management of illnesses and for living longer, healthier lives. Many of the eye complications of diabetes and high blood pressure that can lead to serious vision loss or blindness are preventable.”

Ms. Essie Matthew of Tuscaloosa undergoes a routine eye exam by fourth-year optometry student Shama Pate.

UAB Eye Care
Amos says these reasons and others are why UAB optometrists think the new UAB Eye Care clinic is a sight for sore eyes. For a little more than a year, optometry clinic faculty and staff have continued to see patients in tight, temporary quarters – after relocating services to shared spaces to allow for the demolition of the School of Optometry’s original clinic space.

But the result was well worth the wait, according to Amos. Over the past 13 months, the space has been completely rebuilt into a state-of-the-art facility that sets a new standard for clinical teaching facilities in optometric education, Amos said.

“The new clinic facility, now known as UAB Eye Care, represents a new beginning for the clinical education aspect of the School’s Doctor of Optometry program, Amos said. “The clinic now has an entrance on University Boulevard, a large multi-use waiting area, improved patient and staff flow, a separate pediatric module, an enlarged optical services area and new ophthalmic equipment. All of these features serve to enhance the eye care experience for patients, faculty, staff and students.”

The Henry B. Peters Building, located at 1716 University Boulevard, houses the UAB School of Optometry and was originally completed in 1975. The 70,000 square foot facility is located on the east end of the University campus and is an integral part of the UAB Academic Health Center. The physical facilities that house the school were designed specifically for the education and training of optometry students, the provision of clinical optometric services, faculty research, and the effective administration and support of the missions of the institution. But the building’s clinical facilities, located on the ground floor, were in need of modernization to better reflect the quality of the school’s patient care. To that end, UAB began the $5 million construction project to renovate the façade and ground floor of the building. A significant part of the renovation was covered by a successful fundraising campaign, which included gifts from alumni, individual benefactors and corporate sponsors.

The building now has a new façade that opens directly onto University Boulevard, giving the school increased visibility and a more uniform look to match surrounding campus buildings. There is also a new patient drop-off and pick-up area, and the school retained its free patient parking on the side the building.

The now-renovated ground floor of the building, which covers approximately 34,000 square feet, now houses 40 new clinical suites in four main patient care areas: pediatrics, primary care, contact lenses, and ocular disease and low vision services. It also features an optical boutique that is nearly three times larger than its predecessor, giving UAB optometrists the opportunity to showcase nearly 1,400 of the latest eyeglass and sunglass frames.

Other features include:
A shared imaging suite that features state-of-the-art technological advances for detecting, diagnosing and treating vision problems such as glaucoma or retinal disease;
A low-vision rehabilitation and training area where patients will have the opportunity to use various low vision devices;
A contact lens education and training area that offers information on the latest in lens developments and teaches new lens users how to insert, remove and care for their contact lenses;
An enclosed pediatrics department that contains a secure play-area and a children’s theatre area in the waiting area. The pediatrics area is separated from other clinics to allow for easier care of children;
An open atrium outfitted for audio-visual presentations and a giant theatre-style screen that can be used for continuing education and public educational seminars, with seating for up to 100 people.
“This renovation is the culmination of a six-year effort that has required many hours of planning and discussion by faculty, staff and students,” Amos said. “The project could not have happened without the support of University administration, faculty, staff, alumni, vendors and the community.”
The clinic hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., although there are a few later appointments available in the pediatrics clinic for vision therapy.

UAB Eye Care accepts many forms of insurance and offers some discount services for those who demonstrate need. In addition, Medicare covers an annual dilated eye examination for people at higher risk for glaucoma. According to the NEI, the important preventive benefit defines higher risk as people with diabetes, those with a family history of glaucoma; and African Americans aged 50 and older.

The primary eye care services provided by UAB Eye Care include convenient, comprehensive eye examinations to patients 17 years of age and older.

“Many people suffer needlessly from untreated vision conditions and eye diseases,” said Rodney 1Nowakowski, O.D., Ph.D., UAB optometrist and chief of staff for UAB Eye Care. “However, regular eye care can prevent most complications and/or result in early diagnosis, and therefore should be a priority for everyone in the family,” he said. Dr. Nowakowski recommends that most adults have a thorough eye examination every one to two years, although some will need more frequent eye examinations if they have or are at risk of developing certain eye health or vision problems.

For more information about the new UAB Eye Care facility or to make an appointment, call 205-975-2020 or visit www.uab.edu/uabeyecare