Eyeworld

28 | EYEWORLD | WINTER 2024 ASCRS NEWS 'He was an international rock star' Robert Osher, MD I met Howie soon after I finished training and was immediately attracted to his enthusiastic and charismatic persona. Our shared love for teaching led to a lifelong friendship. Not only did we cherish our career choice as a cataract surgeon, but we also enjoyed the thrill of inno- vation. He was always trying to find a technique or device to make surgery better, and he had a gift for creativity. We also saw the unprecedent- ed potential of using video, and I am indebted to Howie for frequently serving as one of the featured surgeons when the Video Journal of Cataract, Refractive, and Glaucoma Surgery was introduced in 1985. As we aged, we wound up on many panels together, always sneaking out and getting a bite (he loved to eat) and laughing throughout the meal. He had a lovely sense of humor to go along with his intellectual curiosity. But it was our passion for teaching that really drew us together. Without question, Howie was a rock star as an educator, receiving invitations galore from national and international societies. It didn't matter if he was in Brazil, Australia, Europe, or Africa, Howie was at home on the podium. I greatly admired how he taught (and entertained) both small and gigantic audiences, speaking as a kind and humble expert. After a lecture, he would patiently answer questions until every trainee or experienced surgeon was satisfied. Howie was an innovator, a wonderful statesman, a philanthropist, and a great friend to so many ophthalmologists. But he was also an exceptional mentor, and not just in ophthal- mology. He and Vicky were soulmates, always holding hands and sharing joy together. He was a great role model to those trying to find life balance. Ophthalmology has lost an extraor- dinary human being, but not before he gently touched so many of our lives. There are a handful of figures in contem- porary ophthalmology who, through their roles as researchers, educators, and innovators, have influenced the clinical practice of medicine. Howie was among this number. With his surgi- cal techniques adopted worldwide, the impact of his teaching is appreciated every day, each time a cataract operation is performed. 'Howard took the stand in his Harley jacket' David Karcher Howard and I met prior to his joining the ASCRS Scientific Advisory Board. He instantly became a valued member of the Board and the Executive Committee and served as ASCRS president. It was such a privilege to work with Howard, to get to know him and become a close friend. Howard once told me that he loved teach- ing, but in teaching he was also learning. He was a great listener and considered himself equal to everyone, even though most people recognized him as a superior surgeon. He was an incredible leader, innovator, and person. Howard had a great sense of humor. One of my favorite stories was when Anne and I were traveling with Howard and Vicky in Europe. European hotels very often have small guest rooms. We met Howard in the lobby for dinner and I asked him how his room was. His re- sponse was, "David, my room is so small I have to go out in the hallway to change my mind." Another special memory was when ASCRS asked Howard to participate as an expert wit- ness in the patent lawsuit in the early 1990s. He flew to Vermont for the court hearing and called me when he arrived, saying his luggage had been lost. He said, "I don't know if I can go be- fore the court as all I have to wear is my Harley jacket and jeans." I told him not to go shopping for a suit, just go as he was. He took the stand in his Harley jacket. As it turned out, the judge was a Harley fan, and with Howard's testimony, as well as that of Paul Ernest, MD, we won the patent case on behalf of Jack Singer, MD. Every time Howard and I got together, pro- fessionally and personally, was a time of joy and wonderful discussions. He was a sincere person, full of life, who touched everyone he met. He will never be forgotten. continued from page 27

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