Dr. Spaeth is a Lewis J. Esposito Glaucoma research professor and director emeritus of the glaucoma service at Wills Eye Hospital. He is also professor of ophthalmology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Spaeth received his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital, followed by fellowship training in glaucoma at the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Blindness.
Dr. Spaeth has been involved with the Academy since 1970, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. He is a past member, vice chair and chair of the Academy’s Ethics Committee and served as the Academy’s representative to the American College of Surgeons. He also served on the Academy’s Council representing at different times the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society.
Dr. Spaeth’s research has focused on the characterization and natural history of the cardinal manifestations of glaucoma: the history, the anterior chamber angle, the visual field and the optic nerve. Dr. Spaeth is founding member and first president of the American Glaucoma Society. He was also a founder of the Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness ad has received many awards, including the Weisenfeld Medal from Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and the Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award.
Dr. Spaeth has contributed to over 400 publications covering all aspects of the glaucoma field and is recognized worldwide. Throughout his career, Dr. Spaeth has led by example, and many YOs have benefited from his leadership, mentorship, wisdom and guidance.