ASCRS Foundation
Restoring Sight. Reclaiming Independence.
Together with generous donors and volunteers, the ASCRS Foundation eliminates preventable blindness through sight-restoring surgery, education, and global partnerships.
Restoring vision for thousands of patients each year.
How Ophthalmologists Can Give Back—Even Without Extra Time or Money
For many ophthalmologists, the desire to give back is real—but so are the demands of a full clinic schedule, surgical days, family responsibilities, and limited time.
In this video, Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, Chair of the ASCRS Foundation, shares a practical and encouraging message: Giving back does not always require a major time commitment or financial contribution. Sometimes, it starts with awareness, connection, mentorship, advocacy, or simply helping identify opportunities where ophthalmologists can make a meaningful difference.
Through the ASCRS community, physicians have many ways to support patients, colleagues, and the future of ophthalmology. Whether through service, education, volunteer efforts, charitable programs, or sharing expertise, every contribution helps expand access to care and strengthen the profession.
Watch the video to hear Dr. Al-Mohtaseb’s perspective on how ophthalmologists can find meaningful ways to give back no matter where they are in their careers or how much time they have to spare.
About Us
Our purpose is simple and urgent: to eliminate preventable blindness.
The ASCRS Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and one of its three foundational pillars.
We do this by educating, resourcing, and empowering the ophthalmic community to deliver sight-restoring surgery and care to patients in need, both in the United States and around the world. By leveraging the full power of modern ophthalmology, we help restore vision and independence to thousands of patients every year.
At the heart of this work is Operation Sight, our flagship cataract surgery program serving uninsured and financially vulnerable Americans who otherwise could not access care.
Every gift is stewarded to create measurable, life-changing impact for patients who need it most.
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Our Vision
We envision the eradication of preventable blindness, enabling healthier, fuller, and more productive lives.
Our Mission
We educate, provide resources, and empower the ophthalmic community to deliver humanitarian ophthalmic surgery and care in the U.S. and internationally.
OPERATION SIGHT
Cataract surgery for financially vulnerable, uninsured or underinsured U.S. residents.
Operation Sight is the ASCRS Foundation’s U.S.-based charitable cataract surgery program. It connects eligible patients with volunteer surgeons and care teams to provide sight-restoring surgery and support when cost or access is a barrier to care. Since its founding, Operation Sight has restored vision for thousands of Americans who otherwise could not access care.
Four Ways We Drive Change
Operation Sight (U.S.)
Delivering no-cost cataract surgery to uninsured or underinsured Americans.
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Awards & Grants
Supporting programs and leaders advancing humanitarian ophthalmology and community impact.
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Community Giving
From signature giving opportunities to special events that fuel the mission year-round.
Explore Community Giving
International Collaboration
Partnering for sustainable eyecare and training opportunities that expand access beyond borders.
Explore Global PartnershipsExplore ASCRS Foundation Resources
Explore the many ways to engage with the ASCRS Foundation. Whether you’re managing your giving, learning about our programs, or meeting the people behind the mission, these resources are designed to help you connect, contribute, and see the impact of your support.
Use the links to the right to access donor tools, discover signature initiatives like Operation Sight, explore legacy and community giving opportunities, review our financial accountability, and get to know the board and team guiding our work.
