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.
Announcing the Exclusive ASCRS Foundation Lindstrom Legacy Gift Club
I invite you to join me in bolstering the ASCRS Foundation and becoming a founding member of the ASCRS Foundation Lindstrom Legacy Gift Club.
ASCRS Foundation Vision and Mission
Vision
We envision the eradication of preventable blindness leading to full, healthy, and more productive lives for patients in need.
Mission
We educate, provide resources, and empower the ophthalmic community to serve and deliver humanitarian ophthalmic surgery and care in the US and internationally.
Your Gift Today will Change Lives!
“With failing eyesight, my job was coming to an end and so was my ability to drive. Because of Operation Sight, I can see, work a substantial job and drive with confidence, even at night! I could not have been blessed with a better program and group of people! Thank you for changing my life!” Bruce, Operation Sight Patient
Stories like Bruce’s are received every day through Operation Sight, the ASCRS Foundation's US based charitable cataract surgery program. The enormous power of the gift of sight has ripple effects for individuals and their communities.
