Awards and Grants from
the ASCRS Foundation
LEARN MORE AND APPLY AT
www.ASCRS.org/Foundation/Grants-and-Awards
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
SUBMISSIONS OPEN: February 16–March 15, 2026
The ASCRS Foundation Operation Sight Volunteer of the Year is recognized for
dedication to helping those in need in their own community and championing the
Operation Sight program.
CHANG-CRANDALL HUMANITARIAN AWARD
2026 SUBMISSIONS CLOSED
Endowed by the generosity of David and Victoria Chang, the Chang-Crandall
Humanitarian Award is made annually to recognize the life's work of those who
inspire excellence in the field of global cataract surgery. This award highlights unseen
superstars of humanitarian eyecare—the sight-givers who have dedicated lifetimes to
helping individual patients and to changing the world.
YOUNG EYE SURGEONS (YES) INTERNATIONAL SERVICE GRANT
2026 SUBMISSIONS CLOSED
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 healthcare systems, including teaching institutions and
community programs, in developing countries.
RESIDENT EXCELLENCE AWARD
SUBMISSIONS OPEN: September 1–November 14, 2025
The ASCRS Foundation makes 10 awards annually to enable ophthalmology residents
exhibiting exemplary performance to a'end the ASCRS Annual Meeting. The categories
for consideration include research, patient care, leadership, and education.
OPERATION SIGHT GRANT
SUBMISSIONS OPEN:
December 1, 2025–February 6, 2026
The ASCRS Foundation's Operation Sight Grant program supports organizations and
practices with charitable cataract programs. The grant is intended to support local
organizations to expand access to free cataract care to underserved patient populations,
who meet or exceed the Operation Sight patient criteria.
