The Authorization for the Establishment of a School of Optometry in the State of Alabama – Part II
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Abstract
This article explains events leading to the decision to attempt to pass legislation establishing a school of optometry in the state of Alabama. It was the vision of Dr. Donald Springer that prompted the idea that such an accomplishment was possible but the political expertise of Senator Alton Turner that made the school a reality. There were many members of the Alabama Optometric Association, legislators, education administrators, public officials, and others who played significant roles that contributed to the success of this effort. The establishment of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry (UABSO), from its inception, as an integral part of an academic medical center, was an educational model that had not been utilized by the profession of optometry before. The school, which opened Sept. 1, 1969, has contributed significantly to the advancement of the profession of optometry and vision science.
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References
For citations 1-29, see Part I of this article in Hindsight: Journal of Optometry History Volume 56, Issue No. 1.
30. Journals of the House and Senate, Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature 1967. Archives of the State of Alabama.
31. Letter from Dr. Don Snellgrove, ALOA President to Dr. Joseph Volker dated September 15, 1967, regarding appointment of members of an ALOA Liaison Committee. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives. (Dr. E. C. Overton in his February 11, 1994, letter to Dr. Peters recalls Dr. Volker as “calling our ALOA Committee together and appointing them as the liaison with his office. He remembers the members as Drs. Don Springer (C), Anniston; E.C. Overton, Birmingham; E.A. Coshatt, Aliceville; Alan Rooks, Decatur; and Roy Adams, Monroeville).
32. Announcement from Dr. Volker dated May 31, 1968, appointing members of an Advisory Committee for the School of Optometry and the steps involved in its planning. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
33. Letter from Mr. Fred Woodress to Dr. Coshatt dated June 13, 1968, detailing the contents of the brochure with accompanying letters from Drs. Volker and J. C. Ashbee, President of the ALOA. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
34. On July 22, 1968, the ALOA sent Dr. Volker a proposed resolution for consideration by the Executive Committee of the UA Board of Trustees to establish an Optometry Fund. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
35. Letter from Mr. J. Rufus Bealle, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, dated July 22, 1968, to Dr. W. Paul Brann regarding a draft letter from the ALOA and proposed Resolution of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, establishing the University of Alabama, School of Optometry Fund. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
36. Letter from Dr. W. Paul Brann to Dr. E. A. Coshatt, dated July 25, 1968, enclosing for the ALOA’s consideration a draft of a letter to Dr. Volker and a draft of a Resolution for the University of Alabama Board of Trustees, dated July 22, 1968. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives. Dr. Brann also enclosed a suggested letter to be signed by the President of the ALOA and the Chairman of the ALOA Fund Drive, and a Resolution to be sent to the University of Alabama, Board of Trustees dated July 22, 1968. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
37. Letter from Drs. J. C. Ashbee and E. A Coshatt dated July 31, 1968, representing the ALOA, to Dr. Volker informing him the ALOA and ALOA Fund Drive Committee having met with Dr. Volker and reviewed, approved, and requested adoption of the proposed Resolution to be presented to the Executive Committee of the University of Alabama, Board of Trustees for its consideration. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
38. Undated Final Resolution sent to the Executive Committee of the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
39. Letter from Rufus Bealle forwarded by Dr. W. Paul Brann to Dr. Volker dated August 8, 1968, regarding the creation of a UA account to receive monies donated for the School of Optometry. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
40. Memorandum from Dr. Brann to Dr. Volker dated August 20, 1968, informing him the Optometry Fund Account had been established as requested. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
41. Memorandum to Dr. Volker from A. Brown dated August 20, 1968, with listing of contributions and pledges to UAB School of Optometry Fund Drive. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
42. Letter from Dr. Volker to Dr. Frank Rose dated August 22, 1968, asking for his support of the ALOA Resolution in establishing the University of Alabama, School of Optometry Fund Drive. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
43. Letter from Dr. Volker to Dr. E. A. Coshatt, dated November 6, 1968, Chairman, University of Alabama School of Optometry Fund Drive related to funding for the new school. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
44. Note regarding meeting with Dr. Volker and Brann in the Reynolds Library on Monday, November 11, 1968. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
45. Letter from Dr. E. A. Coshatt to Dr. Volker dated February 19, 1969, regarding a planning meeting for the 1969 legislative session. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives. Letter sent on February 19, 1969, from Dr. Peters to Dr. Volker regarding forthcoming visit and information included.
46. Letter from Dr. S. Richardson Hill, Executive Vice-President, UAMC, to Mr. L. P. Patterson, of MASA on March 11, 1969, regarding the establishment of a School of Optometry at UAB and the actions of the AMA House of Delegates in 1966 and 1968 needed to be reflected in the Physician’s Handbook of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
47. Letter from Dr. Frank Rose, President of the University of Alabama to Dr. John Hall Nelson, an ophthalmologist in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, dated April 15, 1969. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
48. Journals of the House of Representatives and Senate for the Special Session of the Alabama Legislature, April 1, to May 5, 1969.
49. Journals of the House of Representatives and Senate for the Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature, May 6, to September 4, 1969.
50. President’s Report 1968-69, University of Alabama in Birmingham, School of Optometry. There is not a date for this report, but it is supposed to have been submitted in June 1969. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
51. Report on Optometry as an Interdisciplinary Profession Within the Academic Setting. This report was prepared in response to a request of the Alabama State Legislature in 1967. It was submitted in June 1969 by Dr. Joseph F. Volker, President, University of Alabama in Birmingham. (This report was prepared by Margaret D. Crosswhite, Administrative Assistant to Dr. Volker). University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
52. Letter from Dr. Volker to Dr. Dixon dated July 8, 1969, regarding Dr. Dixon’s comments on optometric education. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
53. Letter of offer from Dr. Volker to Dr. Jay Enoch dated July 10, 1969, to become the dean of the UAB School of Optometry. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
54. Letter from Dr. Enoch to Dr. Volker dated July 23, 1969, addressing challenges and concerns raised by Dr. Enoch. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
55. Letter from Dr. Volker to Dr. Enoch dated July 30, 1969, in which Dr. Volker responds to Dr. Enoch’s questions about the Dean’s position. University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Archives.
56. Letter from Dr. Volker to Dr. Enoch dated August 19, 1969, acknowledging Dr. Enoch’s decision to decline the Dean’s position. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
57. Letter from Dr. Volker to Dr. Henry Peters dated February 7, 1969, confirming Dr. Peters visit to the UAB campus on February 12-13, as a consultant for the School of Optometry. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
58. Letter from Ms. Peggy Crosswhite to Dr. Volker dated August 6, 1969, regarding the visit of Dr. Peters to UAB campus. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
59. Letter from Dr. Volker to Dr. Peters dated August 9, 1969, offering Dr. Peters Dean’s position and related appointments. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
60. Letter from Dr. Volker to Members of Dean’s Search Committee and Deans of the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry dated August 9, 1969. University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Archives.
61. Letter from Dr. Peters to Dr. Volker dated August 1, 1969, (but perhaps meant to be dated August 10 since the letter referenced the August 9, letter of offer) accepting offer of the Dean’s position. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
62. Personal Communication from Dr. Nelson Crandall to Dr. Don Snellgrove, dated September 2010. Dr. Crandall was a member of the first class to enter the UABSO.
63. Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Dr. Volker and members of the Study Committee as well as Drs. Hill, McCallum, and Meador regarding a Progress Report of the School of Optometry, dated September 16, 1969. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
64. Interview of former Governor Albert Brewer on October 13, 2008, by Anita Smith and Peggy Striplin. Files of the UAB School of Optometry.
65. Letter from State Senator Alton Turner to Honorable Roger Egeberg, Under-Secretary for Health, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, detailing the legislative steps taken to establish the School of Optometry at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, September 18, 1970. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
66. Education Research Facilities, National Institutes of Health, in response to September 2, 1970, request from Mr. Henry Cram for Dr. Peters to forward the legislative history of the UAB School of Optometry and answer to questions of it being lawfully constituted. Mr. White’s response is dated September 29, 1970. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
67. Letter from Dr. Harry Bruce, Director of Education Research Facilities, National Institutes of Health, to Mr. White, dated October 8, 1970, thanking Mr. White for the additional material on the legislative history of the new school of optometry. He was of the opinion his office had been amply supplied with excellent background information. University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Archives. Telegram addressed to Honorable Woodrow Albea, State Capital Building, at 1:36 PM, May 2, 1969. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
68. Article in Montgomery Advertiser dated May 3, 1969, entitled “Optometry Budget Item Causes Roar”. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
69. Letter from Dr. Volker to State Senator Woodrow Albea dated May 9, 1969, regarding telegram sent to him by ophthalmologists. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
70. Article in Birmingham Post-Herald, dated May 22, 1969, entitled “Volker Appeals for Optometry School”. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
71. Letter from Dr. C. Kermit Pitt, President of MASA to Dr. Volker, dated June 19, 1969. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
72. Copy of presentation made by Dr. Ed Stevenson to the 811 Breakfast Club on March 18, 2008. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
73. Letter to Friends of the UABSO from Dr. Peters regarding the Founders Club dated April 10, 1975. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
74. Letter from Drs. S. Richardson Hill and Robert Glaze dated January 6, 1969, to Birmingham Metropolitan Clearinghouse, Alabama State Clearinghouse, Region IV Public Health Service Office, notifying this agency of UAMC’s intent to apply for federal assistance relative to a school of optometry. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
75. Memorandum from Dr. Hill to Ehney Camp, Jr., dated July 17, 1974, regarding Construction of Optometry Building – Status of Funds. Including an analysis of project costs and available funds. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
76. Annual Report of the UAB School of Optometry, October 1, 1969 – September 30, 1970. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
77. Letter from Dr. Peters to the Director, Division of Educational and Research Facilities, Bureau of Health Professions Education and Manpower Training, U.S. Public Health Service, dated January 6, 1970, informing this agency of the School of Optometry’s intent to apply for a construction grant under the provisions of P.L. 90-490. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
78. Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Dr. Volker, Hill, Brann, Dunbar, and several deans regarding a visit from the AOA – COE site visit team regarding the continuation of the provisional accreditation. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
79. On February 26, 1970, a construction grant request for $2,005,867 was submitted to the Bureau of Health Professions Education and Manpower Training, U.S. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health. The total project cost was $3,197,800 under HPEA (2 for 1 matching). This application was approved but was not funded. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
80. Dr. Peters submitted a Special Projects Grant to the Health Professions Educational Improvement Program, in support of the development of the school of optometry in a medical center, the optometric technician program, and interdisciplinary enrichment for optometry. The date of submission was not on the grant, but the starting date was July 1, 1970. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
81. Memorandum from Dick Shamburger to Dr. Hill, dated April 6, 1971, concerning space assignment in the new University Ambulatory Center. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
82. Memorandum from Dr. Peters to James Pegues, dated April 14, 1971, concerning space needs in the school of optometry. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
83. Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Drs. Volker, Hill, Glaze, and Brann, dated May 7, 1970, concerning the need for assistance in securing federal funding for construction of the School of Optometry Building. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
84. Memorandum from Dr. Hill to Dr. Peters, dated May 8, 1970, assuring him the university would do all it could to secure funding for these important projects. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
85. Letter from Dr. Volker to Alabama Representative John Buchanan, dated May 12, 1970, informing him of the need for his assistance in securing funding from federal sources without which this new professional program might be in jeopardy. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
86. Letter from Charles G Lile, Executive Secretary, Council on Optometric Education, dated August 26, 1971, notifying Dr. Peters that at a June 19-22, 1971, meeting in Houston, TX, the based on the report from the April 12-14, 1971, visit the UAB School of Optometry/The Medical Center had been granted Preliminary Approval. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
87. Letter from Dr. Overton to Dr. Egeberg, dated September 14, 1970, explaining the continuing opposition by Dr. Dixon and the need for federal assistance in funding the completion of the School of Optometry building. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
88. Maumenee AE. The AMA position on optometry as stated by the AMA Ophthalmology Section Chair. Arch Ophthalmol 1967; 77(3): 295-304.
89. Letter from Dr. Hill to Mr. Robert A. Thomason, III, Representative Candidate, Place #15, Jefferson County dated September 28, 1970. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
90. Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Dr. Paul Brann, dated November 24, 1970, in which Dr. Peters is very concerned about several funding issues. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
91. Memorandum from Dr. Brann to Dr. Peters, dated November 24, 1970, reassuring Dr. Peters the University would live up to its commitment to support the School of Optometry Building in the amount of $500,000. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
92. Memorandum from Dr. Hill to Drs. Meador and McCallum, dated February 8, 1971, related to a request for more space in the South Wing of the UAC. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
93. Letter from John R. Westcott to Dr. Peters, dated May 25, 1971, giving permission to proceed with Phase II of the project for alterations and renovations to the UAC.
94. Personal communication from Dr. Ron Dachelet, a member of the first class, August 19, 2020. Dr. Dachelet recalled meeting with Dr. Peters in the Medical Center Computer Laboratory for his interview when the teaching clinic opened in June 1971 and that the first day of class was not on a Saturday.
95. Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Dr. Hill, dated January 16, 1973, regarding a State Budget Request and the National Cutback. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB archives.
96. Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Dr. Hill, dated January 30, 1973, as regards Capital Funding – Optometry. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
97. Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Messieurs Swinford and Doyle, dated February 19, 1973, regarding the effect of federal funding cuts on optometric education. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
98. Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Dr. S. Richardson Hill, dated April 24, 1973, related to Optometry construction. This memo summarized construction grant history for the UAB School of Optometry. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
99. Memorandum from Dr. Brann to Dr. Peters, dated November 16, 1973, confirming discussions of yesterday and making suggestions related to the deficit. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
100.Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Dr. Brann, dated November 20, 1973, with suggestion seeking revenue sharing funds from the State. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
101.Letter from Dr. Peters to William Lyons, dated January 24, 1974, of intent to apply for construction grant assistance under the health professions construction program (Title VII, PHS Act). University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
102.Letter to Dr. James Lovett from Dr. Hill, dated March 28, 1974, forwarding the grant application from the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama on behalf of UABSO. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
103.Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Dr. Hill, dated June 13, 1974, regarding Optometry Building Funding. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
104.Memorandum from Dr. Peters to Dr. Hill, dated July 1, 1974, regarding construction needs for completion of the school of optometry building. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.
105.Letter from Dr. Peters to Dr. Hill, dated July 8, 1974, indicating that the UABSO was currently 70% completed and is expected to be ready for occupancy in the spring of 1975. Additional funds in the amount of $807,614 were urgently needed since delivery time on the equipment is 9 to 12 months. University of Alabama in Birmingham, UAB Archives.