Eyeworld

10 | EYEWORLD | SEPTEMBER 2021 ASCRS NEWS by Jaya Minhas Program Manager ASCRS Foundation Treating preventable cataract blindness across international borders During the 2021 ASCRS Annual Meeting, the Foundation brought its international partners together to discuss next steps in the collabo- rative international effort to treat preventable cataract blindness and enhance in-country physician training. During the pandemic, appro- priate precautions were taken to allow contin- ued patient treatment, and ASCRS Foundation partners spearheaded a transition to virtual training that created a pathway for U.S. and international eye surgeons to mutually learn from one another. To learn more about the ASCRS Founda- tion's work in developing countries and strate- gic partnerships, visit www.ascrsfoundation.org or contact medical liaison Barbara Erny, MD, at berny@ascrs.org. Operation Sight: Make a change in your community Operation Sight is the Foundation's U.S.-based charitable cataract surgery program. It is fueled by more than 670 registered ASCRS members and charitable organizations committed to mak- ing cataract care accessible. Save the date for the 2021 National Sight Week, October 17–23. Join the Foundation in celebrating the collective power of the ophthal- mology community to make cataract care acces- sible to those most in need. There are patients in your community vetted and approved by the ASCRS Foundation awaiting care. To learn more, visit www.ascrsfoundation.org or contact Jaya Minhas at jminhas@ascrs.org. Mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday, November 30 On November 30, the ASCRS Foundation will again participate in Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving that kicks off the holiday season. Watch your email for inspiring stories of how your support changes lives. In 2021, the Foun- dation has seen a dramatic increase in demand for its charitable programs. ASCRS Foundation community harnesses the philanthropic spirit of ophthalmology T he ASCRS Foundation's mission is to provide humanitarian cataract surgery and support physician education in the U.S. and in developing coun- tries. It is made possible through the support of the Foundation community. Donors, partners, and volunteers help create immeasur- able change in the lives of underserved patient populations needing access to cataract care. Join ASCRS' philanthropic pillar and make a difference today. 2022 ASCRS Foundation grants and awards The Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award was established to honor and recognize outstanding humanitarian work addressing cataract blind- ness. Each year the awardee is recognized at the ASCRS Annual Meeting, and a $50,000 prize is given to a charitable ophthalmology orga- nization of their choice. The 2022 nomination period is now open through October 15. The Young Eye Surgeons 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 developing world healthcare systems, teaching institutions, and community programs. Recipients devel- op a customized international volunteer plan that provides the opportunity for a young eye surgeon to learn firsthand the intricacies behind global eyecare efforts. The application period is now open through October 15. ASCRS was founded by young, enterprising ophthalmologists, and the ASCRS Foundation's Resident Excellence Awards carry on and honor that tradition. The ASCRS Foundation gives 10 awards each year to enable ophthalmology residents exhibiting exemplary performance to attend the ASCRS Annual Meeting. The catego- ries for consideration include research, patient care, leadership, and education. Recipients receive a travel grant, four nights of accommo- dations, complimentary meeting registration, and invitations to select events. The nomination period is November 1–January 3, 2022. For more information or to apply, visit www. ascrs.org/foundation/grants-and-awards. continued on page 12

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