BlazerVision Improves how UAB Student-athletes Play the Game

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Madison Millsaps, a UAB softball player, receives a comprehensive eye exam from UAB optometry student, Grant Fowler

 

Student-athletes at the University of Alabama at Birmingham will see their sport in a new perspective through BlazerVision, a new partnership between UAB AthleticsSchool of Optometry and Department of Ophthalmology. As part of UAB Athletics’ pre-participation examinations, each student-athlete will receive comprehensive eye care, acute game-time care and state-of-the-art concussion baseline testing.

“UAB supports our athletes on and off the field,” said UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. “We want parents to know that we’ll provide a spectrum of unmatched care using our significant resources in health care right here on campus. Maximized vision and eye health are critical to developing excellence in the classroom and on the field.”

Each preseason, UAB student-athletes will receive comprehensive services at UAB Eye Care. Vision will be evaluated through an eye teaming assessment, looking at visual efficiency skills to ensure the eyes are working in coordination with each other. Athletes will be provided with contact lenses, eye glasses and rec specs, as needed, to maximize performance both in the classroom and on the playing field.

To keep the athlete’s vision protected, each athlete will receive a dilated eye exam that will evaluate ocular health and assess risk related to sports impact and ocular trauma.

“The health and safety of our student-athletes is our top priority,” said UAB Director of Medical Services M. Heath Hale, M.D. “When we can take advantage of world-renowned optometrists and ophthalmologists working together right here on campus, it’s a win for everyone.”

During each game, an optometrist will be on-site or on-call to help team physicians and athletic trainers care for any ocular injuries or emergencies that occur. Each UAB athletic team will work with a dedicated optometrist who knows each student-athlete’s vision history, and can jump in to handle any number of instances, including abrasion assessment, contact lens replacement, retina evaluation and infection control.