The American Academy of Ophthalmology is pleased to announce Keith D. Carter, MD as the 2022 EnergEYES Award recipient. This honor is awarded to a senior ophthalmologist who demonstrates exemplary leadership skills by energizing others to improve ophthalmology. This individual is one who mentors and guides young ophthalmologists (YOs), serves as a strong role model, and displays high energy that motivates YOs to get involved.
Dr. Carter has been a faculty member at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics since 1988 and holds a joint appointment as Professor of Otolaryngology in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He was appointed Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in 2006 and holds the Lillian C. O’Brien and Dr. C.S. O’Brien Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Carter earned his undergraduate degree in pharmacy from Purdue University and a medical degree from Indiana University. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Michigan, and a fellowship in oculoplastics and orbital surgery at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Dr. Carter has been involved with the Academy since 1985 and served as Academy president in 2018. He has been recognized by numerous awards from the Academy including the Honor Award, Senior Achievement Award, Secretariat Award, Special Recognition Award – Leadership Development Program, and a Special Commemoration for the 30th anniversary of being a member. Dr. Carter served on the AAO Board of Trustees as an at-large member; on the Subcommittee for Ocular Tumors, Pathology, and Orbit, Lacrimal Plastic Surgery; the Annual Meeting Committee; and the Ethics Committee. He also served as the 2017 President of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO).
Dr. Carter currently chairs the Academy’s Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Executive committee and continues to mentor and inspire minority medical students. Throughout his career, Dr. Carter has led by example and many YOs have benefited from his leadership, mentorship, wisdom, and guidance.