The UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, alongside the UAB School of Optometry and UAB Vision Science Research Center, hosted the fifth biennial Southeastern Vision Research Conference (SEVRC) on Nov. 9-10, 2026, at the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building. A collaborative effort between UAB, Vanderbilt University, and Emory University, this conference celebrates excellence in vision research through an environment encouraging meaningful connection and collaboration.
SEVRC featured three speaker sessions with 15 individuals covering various areas in vision research: basic and translational research, clinical research, and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). In addition to the speaker sessions, the program included three poster sessions with over 70 presentations from attendees across the southeast. Through a judge panel elected by the SEVRC planning committee, these posters were scored based on merit, scientific significance, and innovation. Three posters with the highest overall scores were awarded prizes:
- Jeffrey Anders, UAB: “Dynamic retinal changes in glial reactivity and cholesterol homeostasis during experimental optic neuritis”
- Morgan Bade, Emory University: “Investigating Origin of ON-Pathway Dysfunction in Amblyopia”
- Yibo Chen, Emory University: “Interpreting Prediction of Glaucoma Progression Using Longitudinal Optic Nerve Head Strain Maps”
This year’s conference featured a presentation from Dan Ignaszewski, executive director, Alliance for Vision Research, titled “The Future of Vision Research.” In his presentation, Ignaszewski offered his insight and analysis into the current research landscape while highlighting changes to anticipate. Following his talk was a panel discussion moderated by Tonia Rex, Ph.D., professor and vice chair for research, Vanderbilt Eye Institute. Alongside Ignaszewski, panelists included:
- Ross Ethier, Ph.D., professor, Emory University
- Maria Grant, M.D., professor, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eivor and Alston Callahan, M.D., Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology
- Kelly Nichols, O.D., Ph.D., professor and dean, UAB School of Optometry
- Brian Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology
The invited keynote lectures were given by Christine A. Curcio, Ph.D., professor emeritus, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Cynthia Owsley, Ph.D., professor, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Nathan E. Miles Endowed Chair of Ophthalmology. Renowned for their contributions to the study of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Curcio and Owsley have collaborated on research for more than four decades and continue to change how early-stage AMD is detected, diagnosed, and treated.
SEVRC was planned through a scientific committee led by Rafael Grytz, Ph.D., professor, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dennis Endowed Professor of Glaucoma Research. Alongside Grytz, collaborators from UAB, Emory, and Vanderbilt assisted with event logistics:
- Timothy Gawne, Ph.D., professor, UAB School of Optometry
- Oliver Gramlich, Ph.D., associate professor, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Andrew Feola, Ph.D., assistant professor, Emory University Department of Ophthalmology
- Machelle Pardue, Ph.D., professor and vice chair of research, Emory University Department of Ophthalmology
- Tonia Rex, Ph.D., professor and vice chair for research, Vanderbilt Eye Institute
Grytz would like to acknowledge Natalie Harrison, program manager I, UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, for her exceptional support and assistance with organizing the conference.
The next SEVRC will be hosted by Emory University in 2028.
Click here to view photos from the event.
Special thanks to the International Retinal Research Foundation, Inc., for its continued partnership and generous support of the Southeastern Vision Research Conference.