The Arthur C. Chandler Jr., MD Teaching Award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon UNC Department of Ophthalmology faculty over the course of the academic year. Presented at the annual graduation banquet, this award celebrates a faculty member whose extraordinary dedication to resident education, mentorship, and academic leadership exemplifies exceptional teaching in academic medicine.
This award is named in memory of Dr. Arthur C. Chandler Jr., MD, a revered educator, clinician, and mentor whose profound influence continues to shape ophthalmology training across North Carolina. Dr. Chandler held faculty appointments at both the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University. At both institutions, Dr. Chandler was known not only for his clinical acumen, but also for his passion for teaching medical students and residents and his deeply personal investment in the growth of each trainee. After beginning his career in Duke’s Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Chandler expanded his reach across the region to joining UNC Ophthalmology faculty. Dr. Chandler worked in Comprehensive Ophthalmology for several decades at UNC, including as a Professor Emeritus, before his passing in December 2011.
Dr. Chandler led a life of service in both academic medicine and the military. He served with distinction as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, ultimately becoming the Southeast Regional Medical Director for the 81st Regional Support Command. Beyond the hospital and lecture hall, he became affectionately known as the enduring “Voice of Cameron Indoor Stadium,” serving as the public address announcer for Duke Basketball for over 40 years.
To read more on Dr. Chandler’s remarkable life and legacy, go to this Duke Athletics story – “Remembering Dr. Arthur Chandler.”
In 2011, the Arthur C. Chandler MD Endowment Fund was established through the vision and leadership of Department Chair Dr. Don Budenz, to advance faculty development and resident education in ophthalmology. This fund ensures that Dr. Chandler’s legacy of excellence in teaching continues to inspire and uplift future generations.
In 2025, this prestigious award was presented to Professor of Ophthalmology Mohammad Soleimani, MD, FICO, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to teaching and dedication within the department. Every year, this award is presented by the graduating residents. This year Class of 2025 graduates Dr. Luke Ford, Dr. Allison Harmel, Dr. Patrick Le, and Dr. Obi Wogu presented the award to Dr. Soleimani at the Class of 2025 end-of-year banquet.
Dr. Soleimani noted: “To receive the Chandler Teaching Award is not only a great distinction. It is a charge to each Chandler Award recipient to uphold the values that defined Dr. Chandler’s career: deep compassion, educational excellence, and unwavering dedication to the next generation of physicians. I am honored to continue this tradition and to recognize faculty members who carry forward Dr. Chandler’s extraordinary legacy.”