Eyeworld

WINTER 2024 | EYEWORLD | 21 Contact info@ascrsfoundation.org Health in Sight Mission update In the Fall issue of EyeWorld, the ASCRS Foun- dation column highlighted the Health in Sight Mission (HISM), an outreach program that has provided eyecare and other medical services to underserved communities for nearly 20 years. This past summer, one of the largest HISM volunteer groups to date gathered for the latest volunteer trip. Among the volunteers were ophthalmologists, technicians, medical stu- dents, family members, and a video crew from marketing sponsor i2Vision, which is creating a documentary about the organization. Also in attendance was Andy Chang, the president of corporate sponsor Carl Zeiss Meditec (offering the latest technological tools for medical care), and his son. Over a 3-day period, more than 200 eye exams were provided to people of all ages in Roatán, Honduras, along with more than 60 surgeries for pterygium and cataract patients— many of whom had never before received care. Throughout the trip, HISM volunteers also pre- pared backpacks for local children at the Elaine Curtis Learning Center, providing school sup- plies like pencils, crayons, and coloring books. As the country with the lowest cataract surgery rate in Latin America, Roatán is a center of great need—but there are many more to be served. Next, HISM leadership is focused on expanding its reach to the other Bay Islands, as well as areas of mainland Honduras while the establishment of an independent clinic staffed by local physicians continues. To help raise awareness of HISM, the documentary now underway by i2Vision will feature an inside look at their self-sustaining care model. Industry partners, such as Carl Zeiss Meditec (sponsor of OCT, fundus photography, visual field, and IOLMaster tools) and i2Vision (marketing and media sponsor), are crucial to extending the reach of HISM's services. Learn how becoming a sponsor directly impacts patients without access to medication or regular care and offers the gift of sight to hundreds of people every year. Get involved at healthinsightmission.org. 3. Become a local Operation Sight volunteer. 4. Follow the Foundation on social media and be part of the conversation. Lindstrom Legacy Gift Club The ASCRS Foundation recently launched the Lindstrom Legacy Gift Club, a new initiative aimed at supporting the vision of eradicating preventable blindness leading to full, healthy, and more productive lives for patients in need. Having served as both president of ASCRS and chair of the ASCRS Foundation Board, Rich- ard Lindstrom, MD, has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the Foundation's work, yet he knows there is more to be achieved with the steadfast support of committed members. Dr. Lindstrom and his wife, Jaci Lindstrom, pledged $300,000 as their initial legacy gift, and those interested can become a founding member of the Lindstrom Legacy Gift Club by making a donation of $5,000 or more. Joining the ASCRS Foundation Lindstrom Legacy Gift Club demonstrates a dedication to the ASCRS Foundation's mission of educating, providing resources to, and empowering the eye health community to serve and deliver human- itarian ophthalmic surgery and care in the U.S. and internationally. Membership in this exclu- sive group also includes special recognition and privileges at ASCRS meetings. Gifts may be in the form of cash donations, planned gifts, bequests, or a combination. Each contribution will ensure the sustainability and expansion of Operation Sight, along with global educational initiatives that the ASCRS Foun- dation offers, benefiting future generations of surgeons and local patients in need. To learn more about the benefits and levels of support for the Lindstrom Legacy Gift Club, use this link and make a secure donation: secure.qgiv.com/for/legacygiftclub. Those interested may also choose to make a gift through a donor advised fund, a qualified charitable distribution, by stock transfer, or another way. Contact Laura Rousseau at Lrousseau@ascrs.org for more details.

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