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Faculty Feature: Ian Han, MD

Animal lab "selfie" with the rodent imaging camera with lab techs, Emily Kaalberg and Mallory Ulferts
Macula Society in San Diego, Feb. 2020
Fly fishing an Iowa stream with retina fellow, Aaron Ricca, MD

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences faculty members are highly respected in their fields of expertise and involved in many interesting activities in/out of work. Each month this "Faculty Feature" will take an opportunity to share a little about individual faculty members – who they are and what they are up to.

Ian Han, MD

  • Ian Han, MD
  • Retina/Vitreous Service
  • Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
  • Faculty Member since 2016

Dr. Han is involved in research projects that combine clinical insights from advanced retinal imaging, cutting-edge ophthalmic genetic analysis, and innovative disease modeling approaches.

He is proud to have received the Department’s Faculty Teaching Award by resident trainees and believes the best part about being at Iowa is the people. This includes patients who are easy to take care of because of their kindness and graciousness, trainees who provide so much energy and inspiration, support staff who are devoted to our missions, and colleagues who are influential leaders in our field yet so down to earth.

Professional recognition and leadership include:

  • Member of prestigious Macula Society
  • Served in key roles for AAO, ARVO, ASRS, and other professional organizations
  • Member of Zeiss Advanced Retinal Imaging Network, an international group of imaging innovators

What are your favorite activities, hobbies, or interests outside of work?

My primary interest outside of work is taking care of my 4-year-old daughter, who is so smart, talented--and manipulative--that I call her the "evil genius." She truly teaches me something new every day. When I can, I escape to go fly fishing and have enjoyed exploring the Driftless Region of northeast Iowa and other beautiful locales across the country. There's something remarkably restorative about standing amidst nature in the middle of a flowing river, keenly observing every detail to inform where a fish may lie, and executing the rhythmic yet technical casts that direct a tiny fly to a rising trout. 

Date: 
Tuesday, February 9, 2021