Daniel C. Alter M.D., Ph.D.

Academic & Humanitarian Work

Dr. Alter is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Global Ophthalmology at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Since 2014, he has participated in more than 30 medical mission trips to Haiti, Burundi, Rwanda, Jamaica, and Tanzania. Through this work, he helps provide care, equipment, and training to local physicians, teaching modern vitreoretinal surgical techniques.

He has also helped lead efforts to strengthen ophthalmology residency programs in Haiti and Tanzania, supporting long-term access to eye care in underserved communities.

Leadership & Recognition

Dr. Alter serves as President of 1focus.org (https://1focus.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian eye care in developing regions. He is a frequent speaker at international ophthalmology meetings, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology Global Summit.

In recognition of his humanitarian work, Dr. Alter was invited to serve on the Board of Directors of the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (https://www.asrs.org/foundation), where he helps guide global outreach initiatives. He was also honored as the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year by SEE International (https://www.seeintl.org) for his work in Haiti.

Outside the Office

Dr. Alter lives on a horse farm with his wife and enjoys staying active. He is an avid skier and accomplished triathlete, having completed 10 full Ironman-distance races and qualifying for both the Ironman 70.3 and 140.6 World Championships.

All three of his children are physicians practicing at Christ Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic, and have also participated in medical mission work.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Alter believes every patient should be treated with dignity, compassion, and personalized care.