Semes Honored as the 2022 Springer Lecturer

Semes Honored as the 2022 Springer Lecturer

In its 24th year, the annual Springer Lecture brings a distinguished vision scientist or clinician to the UAB School of Optometry to share knowledge with students and faculty. Leo Semes, OD, FAAO, was the 2022 guest lecturer.

Semes, a UABSO emeritus professor and retired clinician scientist, titled his lecture How Discovery Favors the Prepared Mind. He explained the meaning of the title.

“This phrase comes from Louis Pasteur when he delivered his opening address to the faculty at the University of Lille,” Semes said. “My interpretation is that one should be aware of opportunities by being curious and asking good questions.”

The presentation proved this point by conveying that there are no stupid questions and that something can be learned from each patient encounter. Additionally, some of the broader research projects cited gave the audience a sense of what new doors will open from scientific publishing and presenting. 

Semes is a longtime member of the School’s family. He joined the faculty in 1979 and retired in 2016. His roles included acting as the chief in the Division of Primary Care Services and serving as director of Continuing Education for 25 years. At the time of retirement, he was serving as professor and director of externships.

During his tenure Semes contributed significantly to the scientific community, earning a significant reputation for clinical research. He served numerous professional organizations and has received several awards, including being a recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award. Currently, he is a well-known continuing education speaker within the field of optometry.

“Dr. Semes’ important work has distinguished him as a leader in optometric research and clinical care,” said Kelly K. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO, UAB School of Optometry dean. “It is our pleasure to recognize someone as prominent in their field! On behalf of the school and the optometric community, we are very excited about Dr. Semes’ selection as this year’s Springer Lecturer.”

About the Springer Lecture

The lecture is supported by the Nathaniel E. Springer Memorial Fund, which was established in 1999 to bring distinguished visual scientists or clinicians to the School of Optometry to share knowledge with faculty and students.

The fund was created by Donald Springer, OD, who was instrumental in the founding of the School of Optometry and a leader in optometry in Alabama and the U.S. along with other members of the Springer family, in memory of Springer’s father Nathaniel E. Springer. Donald Springer died in 2011.