Physician educator to lead nation’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons
SAN FRANCISCO – Keith D. Carter, M.D., FACS, began his term as the 122nd president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology on Jan. 1. Dr. Carter was elected by the Academy’s community of ophthalmologists in recognition of his scientific leadership, international reputation as a leading academician and teacher, and his deep commitment to advocacy for patients and the profession.
Dr. Carter will focus his presidential year on enhancing the community impact of the Academy and the profession. He brings 30 years of experience as an innovative physician educator to issues of access to care, enhancement of quality programs, incorporation of new technology into the patient-centered experience, and to promoting diversity within medicine.
“Diversity benefits not only the educational experience but also allows us to better represent the patient populations we serve and address the unfortunate health disparities that surround us,” Dr. Carter said. “I look forward to working with the Academy board, various committees, and subspecialty leaders, and serving as the Academy’s president in the year ahead.”
Before serving as president-elect in 2017, Dr. Carter was an at-large member of the Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2010. Other leadership roles within Academy include the Ethics Committee, Committee for the Medically Underserved–Mentor Program, Self-Assessment Committee, Public Liaison Committee, Annual Meeting Program Committee, and Subcommittee for Ocular Tumors, Pathology, and Orbit, Lacrimal Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Carter’s clinical specialty is in oculoplastic surgery. A faculty member at University of Iowa Health Care since 1988, he now serves as chairman and head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and holds a joint appointment as professor of otolaryngology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.
He is a graduate of Purdue University Pharmacy School and earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency training at the University of Michigan and oculoplastics and orbital surgery fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.