ASCRS Foundation 2022 July Newsletter | ASCRS
Foundation News

ASCRS Foundation 2022 July Newsletter

The ASCRS Foundation is committed to our mission of eradicating preventable blindness and expanding physician education globally. We are proud to share the following updates with our Foundation community and thank you for your contributions to make this possible!


REMEMBERING LOWELL GESS, MD

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Lowell Arthur Gess, MD, 2020 ASCRS Foundation Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award Recipient. Dr. Gess’ lifelong work was truly inspirational. His humanitarian work enhanced and changed the lives of so many and he will be dearly missed. Click here to watch our video interview with Dr. David Chang and Dr. Lowell Gess.

“It was good fortune to get into eyecare. With renewed sight, the patient walks without being led, resumes a productive life that provides for food, shelter and family needs and assumes a new dignity.” Lowell Gess, MD


2023 CHANG-CRANDALL HUMANITARIAN AWARD

The nomination period for the 2023 ASCRS Foundation Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award is now open! Endowed by the generosity of David and Victoria Chang and renamed in recognition of Alan Crandall, MD’s commitment to charitable service, this award was created to honor inspirational humanitarian work in the field of cataract blindness and disability.

The recipient is recognized at the ASCRS Annual Meeting, and a $50,000 prize is awarded in their honor to the charitable ophthalmology organization of their choice.

The 2023 nomination period is now open through September 8, 2022.Click here to learn more or nominate a humanitarian today!


YOUNG EYE SURGEON INTERNATIONAL SERVICE GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT

The ASCRS Foundation Young Eye Surgeon International Service Grantees are committed to expanding humanitarian resources in the global ophthalmic community through their international service projects. We interviewed grantee, Milad Modabber, MD about his grant experience and advice for young eye surgeons. Read the full interview here.

"I was advised by mentors to pursue this exciting program. Despite the limitations set by COVID, this program has already had a huge impact on my pursuit of global health opportunities through the connections forged with many movers and shakers in the field, who generously extend their knowledge and networks to help guide us as we traverse our early careers in global ophthalmology." - Milad Modabber, MD


2023 YOUNG EYE SURGEON INTERNATIONAL SERVICE GRANT

The ASCRS Foundation’s Young Eye Surgeon International Service Grant was created to inspire young eye surgeons to become involved with global eyecare on a long-term basis. The grant affords the opportunity to participate in health care systems, including teaching institutions and community programs, in developing countries. Working with the ASCRS Foundation and its international partners, recipients develop and implement a customized international volunteer plan that provides the opportunity to learn first-hand the intricacies behind global eyecare efforts.

The 2023 grant application is now open through September 8, 2022. Click here to learn more or to apply today!


CHANGE A LIFE WITH YOUR GIFT TODAY

The ASCRS Foundation relies on the generous support of our community to continue providing vision-restoring care to patients in need. Thanks to our compassionate donors and volunteers, our charitable cataract surgery program, Operation Sight, has given the gift of sight to nearly 8,000 individuals.

Every day, we receive urgent requests for help from those in need and without access to care. Your support is needed now more than ever to give the gift of sight. Click here to donate and change a life today


ASCRS FOUNDATION OPERATION SIGHT VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

The ASCRS Foundation is proud to spotlight the 2022 Operation Sight Volunteers of the Year in our newsletter. This month, we shine a light on Robert Rice, MD. Recognized for his immeasurable impact on the lives of Operation Sight patients year-round, Dr. Rice was recently interviewed about his experience partnering with the ASCRS Foundation to serve the need of his local community.

“Many of these patients have cataracts that are much more advanced than our insured patients. So, removing the patch from someone who had bilateral hand motion vision prior to surgery and watching them experience good vision once more is priceless. It is truly a blessing!” –  Robert Rice, MD

Click here to read Dr. Rice’s full interview!

Contact Rachel Goode, Program Manager at rgoode@ascrs.org to learn more about volunteering with the ASCRS Foundation’s Operation Sight program.


ATTEND THE ASCRS SUMMER MEETING

From essentials to hot topics to hands-on wet labs to a casual welcome reception, the ASCRS Summer Meeting is the place to get a taste of the type of education and engagement that ASCRS has to offer in a short amount of time.

While the ASCRS Annual Meeting is the premier event for anterior segment education, the Summer Meeting distills some of the best elements from this meeting into a long weekend with education approved for up to 15 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.

Register now and experience effective, in-person education at the ASCRS Summer Meeting, August 19–21, in Nashville, Tennessee!


GLOBAL OPHTHALMOLOGY SUMMIT

We invite you to join us at the Global Ophthalmology Summit taking place August 12 and 13 in Park City, Utah. The Summit will bring together those involved in global ophthalmology to learn from one another, build networks and explore collaborations to further enhance global eye care. Ophthalmologists, optometrists, public health specialists, allied health professionals, technicians and industry involved in global eye care are welcome.

ASCRS is a proud partner and many of the ASCRS Foundation International Division members will be in attendance. For more information, please click here.

ASCRS Foundation | ASCRS Home | Donate

Follow the ASCRS Foundation! Facebook |Twitter| Instagram| LinkedIn


We use cookies to measure site performance and improve your experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Legal Notice.