The American Academy of Ophthalmology is pleased to recognize Jeffrey A. Nerad, MD as a Guest of Honor at AAO 2018 in Chicago.
Selected by Academy President Keith Carter, MD, recipients of the award are recognized for their contributions to ophthalmology, the Academy and for the significant role they have played in the life and career of the Academy’s president. Dr. Nerad is honored for his work as a skillful clinician, innovative educator and effective leader.
Dr. Carter notes that his oculoplastic fellowship under Dr. Nerad greatly impacted his decision to pursue a career in academic medicine at the University of Iowa. Dr. Nerad imparted on him successful and effective ways to educate trainees and fostered his interest in education. Dr. Nerad’s innovative teaching style and techniques are reflected in his book, “Oculoplastic Surgery: The Requisites (Requisites in Ophthalmology)” which Dr. Carter credits as one of the best texts available for trainees interested in learning the pertinent anatomy, diagnostic techniques, and step-by-step surgical procedures needed to treat patients with oculoplastic conditions.
The annual study group Dr. Nerad founded to discuss difficult oculoplastic cases demonstrates his ability to foster relationships and build community with fellow oculoplastic specialists from around the world, Dr. Carter said. The group’s shared ideas and discussions have helped its participants better care for their patients and improve outcomes for some of their most challenging cases.
For the past 30 years, Dr. Nerad has been an involved volunteer with the Academy and other ophthalmic organizations. He has taken a leadership role in many of the Academy’s educational projects including Knowledge Base Panels, the Practicing Ophthalmologist Curriculum Program, the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program, Focal Points and the Basic Clinical Science Course. Most recently, he served as the Academy’s secretary for curriculum development from 2010-14. In 2010, he served as president of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Nerad has received the Academy’s Achievement Award (1991), Senior Achievement Award (2000) and Lifetime Achievement Award (2011) and has been named among the Best Doctors in America for over 20 years. He has published more 100 scientific papers, lectured in over 30 countries and serves on the editorial boards of several professional journals.
Dr. Nerad received his medical degree and residency training from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo. He received fellowship training at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London (Orbital and Lacrimal) and at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa (Oculoplastic, Orbital and Oncology).
Following his fellowship, Dr. Nerad remained at the University of Iowa for the next 20 years where he served as a professor of ophthalmology and director of Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology. Since 2009, Dr. Nerad has been in private practice at the Cincinnati Eye Institute in Cincinnati, Oh.