Eyeworld

© Copyright 2026 ASCRS Ophthalmic Corporation. All rights reserved. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the staff and leadership of EyeWorld and ASCRS and in no way imply endorsement by EyeWorld and ASCRS. THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS OF THIS SYMPOSIUM continued from previous page VOLUNTEERISM IN DOMESTIC HUMANITARIAN EYECARE: BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE Dr. Al-Mohtaseb added that for those who don't want to get involved directly by doing the surgery, they can help financially by donating to the ASCRS Foundation. Panelists also discussed mobiliza- tion and logistics of providing human- itarian care. Every one of us has a power that we don't recognize, Dr. Levenson said. When you're doing hundreds to thousands of cases in a surgery center, you have power and influence with that surgery center and companies. It's easy to ask for some free procedures when you're performing so many, and that's exactly what Dr. Levenson did. "Use your power, use your influence for the betterment of your patients and your community," he said, adding that "companies and institutions are grateful for your efforts," as are staff. Ms. Boling said that at her prac- tice with four surgeons, each surgeon does roughly 20 free eyes throughout the year. "The amount of satisfaction that this gives your team is one of the most beautiful things that you can offer," she said. Ms. McCoy said their Operation Sight commitments started out as a residency training program. Then they added more humanitarian cases, with surgeons volunteering to take them. "We do about 200–250 cases per year," she said. During the session, those on the panel also shared some particularly impactful experiences they've had with patients. Dr. Levenson helped a patient through Operation Sight who lived several hours away from him. When he sent the patient home, he gave out his cell phone number in case of any concerns or complications. The patient texted him around midnight the night of the surgery, and Dr. Lev- enson thought something was wrong. However, the patient wanted to tell him that he could look up and see the stars, which the patient hadn't been able to do for so long. Dr. Levenson then went outside to look at the stars himself. "They looked more beautiful to me than I imagine they looked to him, and that's the sort of impact Op- eration Sight can have," he said. Dr. McCabe shared a meaningful experience where she had a patient's daughter thank her because previ- ously, the daughter had been caring for both her mother, because of her declining vision, as well as her own young daughter. After the mother's eye surgery, she was able to help care for her grandchild. "I think we forget sometimes that it's not just the patient [who benefits]. It's everybody around them," Dr. McCabe said. Ms. Boling mentioned the way that the ASCRS Foundation can help set physicians up for success in helping patients. "The first step is to make the decision that you want to be part of it, reaching out and being willing to be part of changing the trajectory of someone's life. Everyone has stories," she said, adding that she's seen people who have lost their independence and were no longer able to work because they couldn't see. "We have given them a new life, a new perspective on life, because of our willingness to say yes," she said. Dr. Levenson suggested using your influence with a surgery center to request free procedures for patients in need. Source: ASCRS Ms. Boling said that by being willing to volunteer with Operation Sight, physicians can change the trajectory of a patient's life, helping them regain their independence. Source: ASCRS

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