The American Academy of Ophthalmology is pleased to recognize Wallace Lee Alward, MD, as a Guest of Honor at AAO 2018 in Chicago.
Selected by Academy President Keith Carter, MD, recipients of the Guest of Honor award are recognized for their contributions to ophthalmology and the Academy and for the significant role they have played in the life and career of the Academy’s president. Dr. Alward is honored for his work as an educator, clinician and remarkable colleague.
Dr. Carter has worked with Dr. Alward for more than 30 years at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa and credits him for his influential educational contributions in the subspecialty of glaucoma. Dr. Alward’s book, “The Color Atlas of Gonioscopy,” is considered a leading resource for gonioscopy. He has also taken an active role in web education and is the driving force behind Gonioscopy.org and the Iowa Glaucoma Curriculum, a multimedia website for residents and others interested in the field of glaucoma. His videos are featured on the University of Iowa website and on YouTube, including “Gonioscopy Three-Mirror Technique.”
As Vice Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Dr. Alward’s practicality, honesty and collaborative leadership has nurtured the success of the department and earned the respect of his students and colleagues, Dr. Carter notes.
Dr. Alward’s strong work ethic and never-ending pursuit of knowledge sets the gold standard for the department. His most enduring impact can be seen in the large number of residents and fellows he has trained. A thoughtful and thorough educator with a deep passion for his work, Dr. Alward’s many students have gone on to pursue successful careers in the field. Perhaps his greatest legacy is that of his daughter, who has followed her father into ophthalmology and has recently begun working at his side as a glaucoma specialist at the University.
Dr. Alward has published over 250 scientific articles, books, and editorials and presented over 160 lectures, presentations, and courses and has been named a Best Doctor of America since 2000.
He is a recipient of the Academy’s Achievement Award (1995), Senior Achievement Award (2011) and Secretariat Award (2009). He was also honored with the Outstanding Educator Award from the American Glaucoma Society in 2016. In 2012, Dr. Alward served as president of the American Board of Ophthalmology, where he has also been an active member.
Dr. Alward received his medical degree from Ohio State University. He completed an internship in general surgery at the University Hospitals of Pittsburgh and an ophthalmology residency at the University of Louisville, where he served as chief resident. He went on to complete a glaucoma fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Institute at the University of Miami.
Currently a professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Dr. Alward also serves as the Frederick C. Blodi Chair in Ophthalmology, Vice Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and director of Glaucoma Service.