VisionAmerica of Birmingham, AL
250 State Farm Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205) 943-4600
Our Birmingham Eye Doctors:
Matthew Albright, M.D.
Paul Batson, O.D.
Dale Brown, M.D.
Trenton Cleghern, O.D.
Michael Eddins, M.D.
William Ehrlich, M.D.
Jeffrey Fuller, M.D.
A. Jill Helton, O.D.
Irene H. Ludwig, M.D.
Kristin Madonia, M.D.
Donald P. McCurdy, M.D.
Rodney Nowakowski, O.D., Ph.D.
Matthew Albright, M.D.
Cornea and Refractive Surgeon
Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery Fellowship
Board Certified
matthew.albright@eyehealthpartners.com
Dr. Matthew Albright is a fellowship-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases affecting the cornea, ocular surface and anterior segment. In addition, Dr. Albright performs refractive surgery procedures.
Offering innovative surgical options for corneal transplantation, Dr. Albright performs partial-thickness procedures such as Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) for patients who suffer from conditions such as endothelial dysfunction, Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy and corneal swelling.
Dr. Albright also performs deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) to treat corneal scars and keratoconus. He also performs procedures for ocular surface diseases, such as pterygium excision and amniotic membrane transplantation.
In addition to complex corneal procedures, Dr. Albright performs micro-incision cataract surgery with multiple options for intraocular lens implantation, including aspheric, toric, and multifocal lenses. Utilizing the most up-to-date technology, he also performs laser-assisted cataract surgery with femtosecond laser.
For laser vision correction, Dr. Albright offers the latest technology in custom, wavefront-guided LASIK, utilizing the IntraLase platform for flap creation, or “all-laser” LASIK. This eliminates the need for a microkeratome, a sharp surgical device used during flap creation in traditional LASIK.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Auburn University, where he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society, Dr. Albright then received his medical degree, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. In recognition of his academic excellence, Dr. Albright was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was selected as the Chief Resident his final year. Dr. Albright then completed a fellowship in cornea, external diseases and refractive surgery at the Washington University Eye Center in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Dr. Albright is married with three daughters.
Dr. Matthew Albright is independently contracted exclusively with Eye Health Partners of Alabama, Inc.
Paul Batson, O.D.
Center Director of Birmingham
paul.batson@eyehealthpartners.com
Dr. Paul Batson serves as Center Director for VisionAmerica’s Birmingham office where he specializes in the diagnosis and management of complex eye diseases, as well as the pre- and post-operative management of a variety of surgical procedures.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Samford University and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. While at UAB, he was elected to membership of the Phi Kappa Alpha Honor Society.
In addition to his duties as Center Director, Dr. Batson serves on the UAB School of Optometry faculty as Assistant Clinical Professor in their Ocular Disease Clinic as well as serving as the Ocular Disease Residency Supervisor. He lectures on a variety of topics including cataract and refractive surgery and management of ocular diseases.
He is a member of the American Optometric Association, Alabama Optometric Association and the Birmingham Area Optometric Society. Dr. Batson has served as Chairman of the Continuing Education Committee for the Alabama Optometric Association and is a past president of the Association. In 2003, Dr. Batson was recognized by his peers as the Alabama Young Optometrist of the Year.
Dr. Batson was again recognized by his peers in 2015 and awarded the Alabama Optometrist of the Year Award for his outstanding services on behalf of the profession and the visual welfare of the public.
Dr. Batson is married and has two daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys golf and spending time with his family. He usually leads several mission trips each year and has served in a variety of places including numerous trips to the Philippines, Africa and Haiti. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Altar84, a non-profit organization that advocates for orphan care. Through this organization, he is helping to serve and develop a heathcare strategy for over 1500 orphan and vulnerable children in Haiti.
Dale Brown, M.D.
Vitreoretinal Surgeon
Board Certified
dale.brown@eyehealthpartners.com
Dr. Dale Brown is a fellowship-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist, sub-specializing in medical and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the retina and vitreous. Dr. Brown has a personal interest in many retinal and vitreous diseases, including research on treatment of retinal macroaneurysms, which he presented at the national Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting.
Dr. Brown completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham while on a football scholarship. He also completed a Masters degree at the University of Alabama before obtaining his medical degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. Dr. Brown’s internship was completed at Baptist Medical Center Trinity/Princeton in Birmingham, Alabama. After completing his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Maryland, Department of Ophthalmology in Baltimore, Maryland, he then completed two years of fellowship training in Vitreoretinal Disease at the Vitreoretinal Foundation in Memphis, TN, where he worked with an extensive optometric referral network encompassing the surrounding states. In addition, Dr. Brown worked closely with the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis during his fellowship training. Prior to returning to Birmingham, Dr. Brown was part of a retina practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Dr. Brown is a member of the American Society of Retinal Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American Board of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association of Alabama, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and other professional organizations. His connections to Alabama are strong, as he and his wife were both born and raised in areas right outside of Birmingham. They have three children – two boys and a girl. His hobbies include running, watching college football, and spending time with his family. He and his family are actively involved in their church.
Dr. Dale Brown is independently contracted exclusively with Eye Health Partners of Alabama, Inc.
Trenton Cleghern, O.D.
Consultative Optometrist
trenton.cleghern@eyehealthpartners.com
Dr. Trenton Cleghern specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye diseases, with special interests in anterior segment, uveitis, and neuro-ophthalmic conditions. He also is experienced in the pre- and post-operative management of a wide variety of surgical procedures.
Dr. Cleghern completed his undergraduate education at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He received his Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. While at UAB, Dr. Cleghern served as an academic tutor and was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. After optometry school, Dr. Cleghern completed a residency in ocular disease at VisionAmerica of Birmingham, Alabama.
Dr. Cleghern is a member of the American Optometric Association, Alabama Optometric Association, and Birmingham Area Optometric Association. He presented a paper at the Academy of Optometry in 2015 and also gives continuing education lectures on various topics. He has been involved in several mission trips to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. He is married to Sarah Cleghern. In his spare time, Dr. Cleghern enjoys golf, basketball, tennis, and the outdoors.
EDUCATION
2010-2014 M.D., University of Alabama School of Medicine; Birmingham, Alabama
2006-2010 B.S., Chemistry, summa cum laude, The University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa, Alabama
RESIDENCY TRAINING
2015-2018 Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI
2016-2017 Member of the Housestaff Health and Welfare Committee
2014-2015 Transitional Year, Baptist Health Systems; Birmingham, AL
PRESENTATIONS
2017 Patient Safety/Quality Improvement – Decisional Capacity
2017 Patient Safety/Quality Improvement – Comparison of Applanation Tonometer Tips
2017 Grand Rounds – Medication-Induced Choroidal Effusions
2016 Patient Safety/Quality Improvement – Avoiding Preventable Errors in Outpatient
Intravitreal Injections
2016 Oculoplastics Subspecialty Conference – Malpositioned Orbital Floor Plates
2015-2017 Provided yearly teaching session and hands-on training on the eye exam to MCW
medical students
2015 Grand Rounds – Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
2015 Patient Safety/Quality Improvement – Inpatient Management of Frequent Eye Drops
2014 Poster Presentation – Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, Baptist Health Systems
MEMBERSHIPS
2015-2017 American Academy of Ophthalmology
2015-2017 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
2010-2017 American Medical Association
William Ehrlich, M.D.
Board Certified
william.ehrlich@eyehealthpartners.com
The SEES Group/Vision America is excited to announce the addition of Dr. William Ehrlich to the Birmingham area. Dr. William Ehrlich is a board-certified ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained in Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgery. He will be practicing as an Oculofacial & Cosmetic surgeon.
Dr. Ehrlich received his Bachelor of Science in Zoology and his medical degree from the University of Michigan. During medical school, he participated in the International Neurology Course at Queen’s Square Hospital in London, England. His residency training in Ophthalmology was at Henry Ford Hospital. He then completed an Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgery fellowship at Albany Medical Center, after which he pursued a highly competitive preceptorship in Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, England.
Dr. Ehrlich is the former Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Lansing Ophthalmology Regional Eye Center. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and National Board of Medical Examiners, a Life Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Ehrlich was awarded one of “America’s Top Ophthalmologists for Cosmetic Surgery” 3 times. He was one of the first surgeons in Michigan to perform cosmetic Botox injections, laser facial resurfacing, facial fat grafting, minimal incision facelifts, and true tumescent liposuction. He was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Michigan State College of Human Medicine in East Lansing for 22 years.
The News Press Media Group has consistently named him one of Southwest Florida’s Best Cosmetic, Eyelid, and Plastics Surgeons in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. He has taught fat grafting nationally and internationally, is an expert in true tumescent liposuction of the face and body, and is an active clinician-scientist.
In his spare time, Dr. Ehrlich enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years, their four children and five grandchildren. Dr. Ehrlich also enjoys running, traveling, reading and playing ice hockey.
Jeffrey Fuller, M.D.
Vitreoretinal Surgeon
Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery
Board Certified
jeffrey.fuller@eyehealthpartners.com
Dr. Jeffrey Fuller is a fellowship-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist sub-specializing in medical and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the retina and vitreous. He thoroughly enjoys interacting with patients and treating their visual disease, coordinating his care with their referring eye care professional. Dr. Fuller is also the recipient of numerous awards and scientific grants, and his research has lead to numerous publications in ophthalmological and basic science journals. He has lectured at national and international professional society meetings including, The Macula Society, the American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS), the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), The Iowa Eye Meeting, and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Professionals in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). Dr. Fuller has worked under mentors Peter Detloff, PhD., James Folk, M.D., Dennis Marcus, M.D. and Ed Stone, M.D., PhD.
Dr. Fuller is a member of the American Society of Retinal Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American Board of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association of Alabama, the Iowa Eye Association, and other professional organizations.
Dr. Fuller earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He spent two years in Brazil completing missionary services. He then obtained his medical education at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Fuller’s internship was completed at Baptist Medical Center-Montclair in Birmingham, Alabama. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia, Department of Ophthalmology in Augusta. He then completed two-years of fellowship training in Vitreoretinal Disease at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Department of Ophthalmology in Iowa City, Iowa, which is consistently ranked among the top 5 ophthalmology training programs in the nation.
Dr. Fuller’s ties to Alabama are strong, having married an Alabama-native and UA graduate, Laura Morris while a medical student at UAB. They now have six children including 5 boys and 1 girl. His hobbies include cycling, triathlons, following college football and basketball, snow skiing and reading. He completed an Ironman Triathlon in 2011. He and his family are very involved with their church group and are currently fulfilling an assignment to train other church leaders at an inner-city congregation located in Ensley. Dr. Fuller is fluent in Portuguese and conversant in Spanish.
A. Jill Helton, O.D.
Assistant Center Director of Birmingham
jill.helton@eyehealthpartners.com
Dr. Amanda “Jill” Helton specializes in the pre- and post-operative management of cataract and refractive surgery, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye diseases.
Dr. Helton attended the University of South Alabama and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1994. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry where she earned her doctorate.
Dr. Helton graduated with Cum Laude academic honors. Also, while attending optometry school, she was elected as a member into the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. In addition to academic achievements, Dr. Helton chose to help those in need and participated in eye care mission trips while in optometry school, which she has continued to do.
After completing Optometry School, Dr. Helton fulfilled an ocular disease residency at VisionAmerica in Nashville, Tennessee, before becoming the Assistant Center Director of VisionAmerica of Gadsden. She currently serves as Center Director of VisionAmerica of Cullman and Assistant Center Director of VisionAmerica of Birmingham, as well as being a faculty member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.
Dr Helton is currently a member of the American Optometric Association. She has also served on various committees for the Alabama Optometric Association. In addition to an active ALOA membership, she is currently a member of the Birmingham Area Optometric Society. Dr. Helton has also served on the board of directors for the UAB School of Optometry Alumni Association.
Dr. Helton is married and in her free time enjoys cooking, reading and crafting.
Irene H. Ludwig, M.D.
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Strabismus Surgeon
Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology
2016 David S. Friendly Honor Award Recipient
Board Certified
irene.ludwig@eyehealthpartners.com
Irene H. Ludwig earned her M.D. degree from the Cornell University Medical College in 1979. She performed her internship in general surgery at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville. She then served as a resident in ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinical Foundation in Cleveland. Following two years of research at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, she then took a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
In 1986, she joined the staff of Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, New York, where she was appointed to the position of clinical assistant professor of Ophthalmology, Albany Medical College of Union University. In 1992, she joined the faculty at LSU Eye Center in New Orleans, where she was an associate professor, performing research and teaching new surgical techniques.
Dr. Irene Ludwig is widely known for her innovative new technologies in adult and children’s eye surgery. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Ophthalmological Society, the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the Costenbader Society and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. Her accomplishments in the field of pediatric ophthalmology include lecturing at scientific meetings and publishing a number of ophthalmological papers.
In 2016, Dr. Ludwig was named the recipient of the David S. Friendly Honor Award by the Costenbader Society, Inc. Recipients are chosen based on their contributions to children, society, science, and ophthalmology.
Dr. Ludwig has other areas of research interest, including the connection between strabismus and sinus disease, improved surgical techniques of superior oblique palsy and a new repair of diplopia caused by facial trauma.
Kristin Madonia, M.D.
Neuro-Ophthalmology & Oculoplastic Surgeon
Fellowship Trained
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
kristin.madonia@eyehealthpartners.com
Kristin Madonia, M.D., is VisionAmerica’s specialist for neuro-ophthalmology, ophthalmic plastic surgery, reconstructive eyelid surgery, and orbital surgery. This specialty is devoted to the preservation and improvement of vision and improved cosmetic results.
Dr. Madonia completed her undergraduate education Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences and a minor in chemistry at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, and received her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport. Her internal medicine internship and her ophthalmic residency were completed at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, where she also served as Chief Resident in Ophthalmology. After her residency, Dr. Madonia completed her oculoplastic and neuro-ophthalmology fellowship under the direction of Thomas Spoor, M.D., in Warren, MI. She is a published researcher and member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Madonia’s scope of practice includes eyelid malignancies, tear drainage problems, dry eye syndrome, orbital inflammation (such as thyroid eye disease), orbital tumors and fractures, optic nerve disease, pseudotumor cerebri, closed head injuries and chronic daily headaches. She is experienced in cosmetic procedures, Botulinum toxin (BOTOX) injections, fillers, ptosis (droopy eyelids) and other facial rejuvenation techniques.
Dr. Kristin Mdonia is independently contracted exclusively with Eye Health Partners of Alabama, Inc.
Donald P. McCurdy, M.D.
Anterior Segment Surgeon
Cataract Specialist
Board Certified
donald.mccurdy@eyehealthpartners.com
Specializing in medical and surgical diseases of the anterior segment of the eye, Dr. McCurdy focuses on cataract, corneal transplants, and procedures for glaucoma.
He is respected by his peers for his unique one handed bevel-down cataract surgery techniques and has performed over 20,000 cataract surgeries in his medical career.
He is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is also a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery as well as the American College of Eye Surgeons.
Dr. McCurdy graduated Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina in 1973. While at UNC, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. Upon graduation, he attended the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and graduated in 1977. He completed his residency in ophthalmology in 1981 at North Carolina Memorial Hospital. Following his residency, he practiced at Carolina Eye Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Dr. McCurdy has been providing cataract surgery in Birmingham and throughout Alabama since 1993.
In his spare time, Dr. McCurdy loves to play golf.
Rodney Nowakowski, O.D., Ph.D.
Director, Genetic Eye Disease Clinic
rod.no@eyehealthpartners.com
Dr. Nowakowski received the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Arts degrees, both in mathematics, from the University of Miami. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 1975 and a Ph.D. in Medical Genetics in 1989, also from UAB. Following nearly 40 years of faculty service at UAB, Dr. Nowakowski retired in 2014 as Dean of UAB School of Optometry. He continues to serve as the only Optometrist on the National Eye Institute’s National Ophthalmic Disease Genotyping and Phenotyping Network (eyeGENE) Steering Committee.
He has published numerous scientific articles in the areas of medical genetics and optometry and has given lectures on low vision rehabilitation, electrodiagnosis, clinical laboratory testing, retinal disease, ophthalmic genetics, and physical diagnosis. He is the author and illustrator of the textbook “Primary Low Vision Care” published by Appleton & Lange in 1994.
Dr. Nowakowski is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Alabama Optometric Association, and the American Society of Human Genetics. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He received the 2014 “Aubrey D. Green Humanitarian Award” from the Lions of Alabama in recognition of making a “significant contribution to society beyond the obligations of occupation or profession.” In 1993 he received the “Charles B. Grider Award” for “outstanding, dedicated, and meritorious services rendered to blind and visually impaired citizens of Alabama,” presented by the Alabama Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
“Dr. No” has played semi-professionally as a jazz guitarist, is an instrument rated private pilot, a graduate of the Bill Thomas School of Aerobatics, and an avid artist. Three of his oil paintings were selected by jury for the 2002 Energen Art Competition featuring Alabama artists.
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