Vision, Mission, & Goals

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry aspires to make significant contributions to eye and vision care knowledge, vision science, and to provide meaningful service to humanity.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry adds value to the state of Alabama, the Southeast, the United States, and the world through excellent, effective, and efficient optometric and vision science education, research, service, and patient care programs. The UAB School of Optometry has an unyielding commitment: (1) to scholarship and research, which provide the underpinning of optometric and vision science education and service; (2) to strengthen the provision of optometric care to a diverse public; (3) to cherish the value that diversity in faculty and students brings to optometry and vision science; and (4) to fair and equitable treatment of faculty, students, and staff-- the source of The School of Optometry's strength. The School of Optometry's achievement of its mission will be measured by the success of students and faculty who learn, create, teach, and provide patient care in our doctoral level professional and graduate programs.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry is committed to planning for the future to ensure continued improvement in its programs and to fulfill its mission. In support of this role, the School seeks to:

 

• Recruit and admit a diverse group of applicants who will serve the primary eye care needs of the public in the state and region.
• Recruit and admit applicants capable of excellence in the practice of optometry.
• Prepare students for excellence in the practice of optometry.
• Instill in students knowledge of the arts and sciences related to optometry.
• Develop in students’ interpersonal skills for the sensitive and responsive delivery of eye care.
• Prepare students for lifelong career satisfaction.
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop their potential for leadership in their profession and community.
• Encourage and support interdisciplinary programs of health care training and delivery including eye care.
• Develop clinical programs that serve the public with outstanding merit and recognized excellence.
• Create programs of public and professional eye health education that will contribute to an understanding of eye health problems and their prevention, recognition, treatment, management, and rehabilitation.
• Prepare clinicans for careers in specialty service or education.
• Provide resources to stimulate faculty and students in the pursuit of new knowledge in clinical eye care, in basic vision science, and in public health and community aspects of eye care.
• Prepare vision scientists for careers in vision research and education.
• Provide continuing education for practicing optometrists to maintain and enhance their clinical competence.
• Create a professional environment that provides an atmosphere of mutual support and cooperation and that fosters the attainment of both individual and collective professional goals.