Dr. John Skelton Owen Jr., MD

Expert Publications

• Regulation of platelet-activating factor synthesis in human neutrophils by MAP kinases.
• 5(S)-Hydroxy-6,8,11,14-E,Z,Z,Z-eicosatetraenoate stimulates PC3 cell signaling and growth by a receptor-dependent mechanism.
• An improved assay for platelet-activating factor using HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry.
• Stress-induced platelet-activating factor synthesis in human neutrophils.
• Ratio determination of plasma wild-type and L159R apoA-I using mass spectrometry: tools for studying apoA-IFin.
• Role of platelet-activating factor in pneumolysin-induced acute lung injury.
• Platelet-activating factor.
• Apolipoprotein A-I modulates regulatory T cells in autoimmune LDLr-/-, ApoA-I-/- mice.
• Dysfunctional HDL containing L159R ApoA-I leads to exacerbation of atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice.

Media Releases

Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. John Skelton Owen Jr., who serves patients in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dr. Owen Jr., a prominent ophthalmologist, is medically trained to diagnose, monitor, and medically or surgically treat all ocular and visual disorders. He sees patients at Norwood Clinic, which he joined in 1985.

Alabama’s first multispecialty medical group practice, Norwood Clinic was incorporated in 1925 and opened its doors to the public in 1926 with convenient accessibility to Norwood Hospital for both patients and physicians. It combines a group of medical doctors representing different specialties working together in one practice in Birmingham, Alabama.

Specializing in ophthalmology & cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Owen Jr. is affiliated with several hospitals and medical centers in Alabama. These include: UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, and Birmingham Surgery Center.

The doctor’s acclaimed career in medicine began after he earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine in 1981. Upon graduation, he performed his internship at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in 1982, and his residency in ophthalmology at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital where he served as chief resident. In 1985, he completed his fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology at Indiana University. 

Following his training, in 1986, Dr. Owen Jr. attained board certification in ophthalmology through the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). The ABO is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States of America.

In good standing with a number of professional organizations, he is a member of the American Medical Association, the Jefferson County Medical Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Fellow), the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology (on the Board of Directors).

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. They may provide routine care such as vision testing, as well as prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.

Among Dr. Owen Jr.’s numerous accolades include Patients’ Choice Award (2016, 2017, 2018), Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2016, 2017, 2018), and On-Time Doctor Award (2018).

On a more personal note, he speaks both English and Spanish.

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