Breaking land speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats

Dr. Jackson Iliff is to the field of ophthalmology what Clark Kent is to journalism.

Outwardly cerebral-looking, the doctor adds spice to a field that is preoccupied with cataracts and contact lenses.

The Annapolis resident has ridden his family's horses stabled on the Broadneck Peninsula, narrowly escaped a hippopotamus' enormous thrashing jaws in Botswana, piloted his own aircraft, and, even, swam the chilly English Channel as part of a team of energetic middle-aged area residents.

Beyond Dr. Iliff's wife, Sally, and his medical practice - his private practice has offices in Severna Park and Catonsville -...