Alston Callahan, MD, FACS
(March 16, 1911 – October 28, 2006)
Dr. Alston Callahan, a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, was a pioneering ophthalmologist whose vision and leadership transformed eye care in the Southeastern United States. Graduating from Vicksburg High School at age 15, he earned his B.A. from Mississippi College and his M.D. from Tulane Medical School in 1933. After completing his residency and earning an M.S. in Ophthalmology in 1936, Dr. Callahan began a career marked by innovation and dedication.
Following World War II, Dr. Callahan moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where he organized and chaired the first Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama Medical School. Recognizing the potential of the UAB Medical Center, he spearheaded the founding and construction of the Eye Foundation Hospital, which opened in 1964. He also established an ophthalmology residency program that remains among the nation’s finest.
For more than three decades, Dr. Callahan advanced ophthalmic surgery, pioneered ophthalmic plastic surgery, authored numerous publications, and lectured worldwide. His commitment to education and patient care shaped generations of ophthalmologists. On his 80th birthday, he retired from clinical practice to focus on retinal research.
In 1997, Dr. Callahan founded the International Retinal Research Foundation (IRRF), dedicated to combating retinal diseases. Within its first year, the IRRF raised nearly $1 million and today maintains an endowment of approximately $30 million. In recognition of his contributions, the Eye Foundation Hospital was renamed the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital in 1999.
Dr. Callahan’s honors include induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor (1996), election to Birmingham’s Gallery of Distinguished Citizens (2000), and numerous philanthropic initiatives, including the establishment of the Alston Callahan Employee Education and Development Fund. He and his wife, Eivor Holst Callahan, shared 61 years of marriage raising 6 children while sharing a deep commitment to community and the arts.
Dr. Callahan and the Callahan Eye Hospital have been instrumental in advancing eye care and medical education in Alabama, profoundly impacting the health and well-being of communities across the state. Through his vision, perseverance, and generosity, Dr. Alston Callahan left an enduring legacy in ophthalmology and medical research, improving the lives of countless patients worldwide.
Michael A. Callahan, MD, FACS
Dr. Michael A. Callahan is a distinguished ophthalmologist and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he also serves as Director of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on December 24, 1946, Dr. Callahan earned his B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College in 1967 and his M.D. from UAB in 1971. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of California, San Francisco, followed by fellowships in pediatric ophthalmology, cataract surgery, and ophthalmic plastic surgery.
Dr. Callahan served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps from 1971 to 1996. He maintained a private ophthalmology practice in Birmingham for over 40 years before transitioning to full-time academic leadership at UAB in 2018. His clinical expertise spans cataract surgery, orbital surgery, and reconstructive procedures.
Throughout his career, Dr. Callahan has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Medical Staff at Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital and President of the International Retinal Research Foundation. He has contributed extensively to professional societies such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, where he chaired key committees and developed educational programs.
A dedicated humanitarian, Dr. Callahan participated in global mission trips with ORBIS and provided surgical care in Nicaragua for over 15 years. His commitment to education and service has earned him numerous honors, including induction into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame (2020), Distinguished Alumnus of Birmingham-Southern College (2021), and the Distinguished Service Award from the UAB Medical Alumni Association (2015).
He and his wife, Teresa Rene’ Lorant Callahan, have been married for 39 years, have 5 children, and 2 grandchildren.
Dr. Callahan’s legacy reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing ophthalmic care, mentoring future physicians, and improving vision health worldwide. He has played a pivotal role in advancing eye care across Alabama, championing initiatives that have improved access to vision services statewide.
Artist: Shellyann Siddoo
Shellyann Siddoo, a gifted blind artist, has defied the odds and transformed her life’s challenges into profound artistic expression. Her journey began after a life-altering lab accident tragically took away her eyesight. However, instead of allowing this setback to define her, Shellyann discovered a remarkable talent and passion for painting.
In the wake of losing her eyesight, Shellyann’s determination and creativity led her to explore new ways of creating art. With her hands also injured from the accident, she ingeniously began painting with her knuckles, using touch and texture to guide her artistic process. This extraordinary adaptation not only demonstrated her resilience but also became a powerful symbol of her ability to triumph over adversity.
As time passed, Shellyann’s hands gradually healed, allowing her to expand her artistic techniques even further. Her unwavering commitment to her craft and her unyielding spirit propelled her to new heights of creativity and self-expression. Through her art, she skillfully captures the depth of human emotions and experiences, evoking profound feelings from those who engage with her work.
Shellyann Siddoo’s remarkable journey and unparalleled artistic expression remind us all that there are no limits to what can be achieved when we embrace our inner strength and unleash our creative potential.
To inquire about booking Shellyann Siddoo for speaking engagements, media interviews, paintings or any other requests, please contact Shellyann at (647) 896-1448.