Our people are the heart of our program. 

From the reception desk to the exam room, from laboratory to diagnostic suite, from the auditorium to the library, from administration office to faculty office you will find our people eager to help you become the best ophthalmologist you can be.

At Iowa, you will be exposed to some of the best clinicians, researchers and teachers in our profession. We provide high-powered opportunities for you to learn career-long lessons from these dedicated professionals.

Legacy and Leadership

The University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology became an independent department in 1925 shortly after the University Hospitals & Clinics was built. Prior to that time, ophthalmology was part of the surgery department. Dr. C.S. O’Brien was appointed as the first head of the department and immediately began to emphasize training of academic clinicians and research. This policy has continued with his successors, Alson E. Braley, MD (1950 -1967), Frederick C. Blodi, MD (1967 - 1984), Charles D. Phelps, MD (1984 -1985), Thomas A. Weingeist, PhD, MD (1986 - 2005). and Keith D. Carter, MD who became department head in 2006.

We have a diverse faculty with wide-ranging clinical and research interests. Many are internationally known and have been in the department for many years. We also have bright young faculty who bring new interests and enthusiasm to the practice and teaching of ophthalmology. All clinical faculty participate in resident training, clinical practice, and research.

Faculty associated with University of Iowa Ophthalmology are present at both the Des Moines and Iowa City Veterans Affairs Hospitals. Research and Clinical Laboratories are located in the Medical Research Center and the Medical Education and Research Facility.