The UAB School of Optometry is proud to welcome Heidi Hernandez, OD, as an assistant professor.

Dr. Hernandez, a 2023 graduate of the UAB School of Optometry, returns to her alma mater with a strong foundation in neuro-ophthalmic care and a passion for education. Influenced by a family of educators and her experience as a student and academic tutor, she discovered early on the impact faculty can have on students’ academic and professional development. That experience confirmed her decision to pursue a career in education.

Her path to academia was shaped by the mentorship of several faculty members, including Drs. Candice Turner, Mark Swanson, Katherine Weise, Kristine Hopkins and Caroline Pate. She recently completed a competitive one-of-a-kind residency in neuro-ophthalmic disease at The Eye Institute with Salus at Drexel University, where she further developed her clinical and teaching skills under the guidance of Drs. Kelly Malloy, Erin Draper and Ashley Maglione.

During her residency, Dr. Hernandez managed complex neuro-ophthalmic cases and collaborated with specialists in neurology, neuroradiology and neurosurgery. She divided her time between direct patient care and precepting optometry students.

“I hope to bring the unique clinical and educational experience gained from my residency program back to the school to instruct and inspire the students, as future optometrists, in their own treatment and management of patients with neuro-ophthalmic conditions,” Dr. Hernandez said.

This fall, Dr. Hernandez will serve as an attending in the primary care, adult binocular vision, pediatric neuro and 1917 clinics.

“I am looking forward to working with the students at UABSO to help them develop clinical autonomy, grow in their medical decision-making skills, and jumpstart their optometric careers,” she said.