ASCRS YES Connect Newsletter August 2025

Get to Know Your YES Clinical Committee Member:

Jeffrey Tran, MD

Stratus Eye, Suwanee, Georgia
TikTok at @JT_MD | YouTube as Jeffrey Tran, MD

Why did you go into ophthalmology?
I chose ophthalmology because I wanted to be in a field where I could make a real difference quickly, meaningfully, and repeatedly. Vision is such a core part of how we interact with the world. There’s something deeply fulfilling about performing an outpatient surgery, like cataract removal, and seeing a patient come back the next day with a smile because they can drive, read, or recognize faces again. That’s life-changing, and as an ophthalmologist, I feel privileged to be able to help patients in that manner.

Beyond procedures, ophthalmology is a specialty built on long-term relationships. With chronic conditions like glaucoma or dry eye, I see patients several times a year. We build rapport, trust, and even friendship. It also feeds into my love for teaching. Every visit becomes a chance to educate and empower my patients. And outside the clinic, I take that same energy to social media, where I break down eye health in creative, visual ways. Whether I’m sketching analogies or editing a fast-paced TikTok, it’s a fun way to teach and connect with people around the world.

If you weren’t an ophthalmologist—or even a doctor—what career would you try?
Hands down, I’d want to be a travel influencer. I love photography; I love video editing; and I love exploring new cultures, especially through food. The idea of filming busy roads in Tokyo or time-lapse edits in Iceland and then turning all of that into a cinematic short film? That is the definition of a dream job.

What do you look forward to most at the ASCRS Annual Meeting?
For me, it’s the perfect mix of connection and innovation. I get to catch up with old friends, learn from brilliant colleagues, and walk through exhibits showcasing the latest in tech and technique. The pace of advancement in ophthalmology is incredible, and ASCRS is where you see what’s next!

What place is still on your travel wish list?
Definitely Singapore. I’m obsessed with food. I’ve watched documentaries just about Singapore’s food scene. I think it’s insane that there are street vendors with Michelin stars! Also of course, Crazy Rich Asians has influenced me to want to travel there. Plus, as someone who loves photography and architecture, Singapore’s mix of ultramodern skylines is something I want to see for myself.

What’s your go-to movie theater snack?
Nacho cheese. Every time. There’s something about the crunch of those salty chips with the gooey warmth of that bright yellow cheese. It’s not fancy, but it hits every time.

You can find me on TikTok at @JT_MD and on YouTube as Jeffrey Tran, MD, where I create eye health content! Funny enough, the videos where I spend hours (if not days) editing only have a few hundred views, but my other videos where I’m dancing to a catchy trend will get nearly 100,000 views! Social media is both humbling and incredibly rewarding. Funny enough, I started my YouTube channel while listening to BTS’s song “Your Eyes Tell.” I jokingly told my wife at the time that it would make a great YouTube channel name. She laughed and said, “You won’t actually do it.” Challenge accepted! Here we are, nearly three years and 2 million views later! It’s been an amazing journey!

ASCRS Live! Continues 2025 City Tour

Next Up: Salt Lake City

ASCRS Live!, an educational dinner and networking program for ophthalmologists, is back on the road, and its next stop is Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 21.

This evening CME program is targeted for a smaller audience, with discussion focusing on refractive cataract surgery. In addition to complimentary dinner and CME education, there will be ample time for open discussion and networking. Open to both ASCRS members and nonmembers, this is a great opportunity to engage on current topics and learn about ASCRS.

Register for Salt Lake City or see the upcoming 2025 city lineup here. There are still five more opportunities to join us this year for networking and pearls!

Attending the AAO meeting in Orlando? Save the date and plan on joining us on Thursday, October 16 for ASCRS Live!

According to recent surveys, 100% of attendees who responded said they learned something new in the program and would recommend attending ASCRS Live! to their colleagues.

2026 ASCRS Annual Meeting Submissions Open Now

The call for submissions for the 2026 ASCRS Annual Meeting is now open! Now is your chance to make your submission for an instructional course, paper, film, or poster. You can also review the 2026 Annual Meeting Submission Guide and other important information for submission requirements for instructional courses, papers, posters, and films. Submission deadline is September 1, 2025.

We hope to see you in Washington, D.C., for ASCRS 2026 April 10–13! Annual Meeting registration will open in the fall. Sign up for early information about the 2026 meeting here.

Book your hotel for 2026! Hotel reservations are now available through the official housing provider of the ASCRS Annual Meeting, onPeak. Reserve early to ensure you get your preferred hotel.

PGY-4 Members—Act Now Before Your Membership Expires

There are many valuable benefits of belonging to this specialty medical society focused on anterior segment surgery. This is a reminder for PGY-4 members to take action before August 31 to continue their YES membership with ASCRS.

Renew your ASCRS membership today by transferring your residency membership to an ASCRS fellow membership* (complimentary) or an ASCRS YES in-practice member (discounted).

ASCRS Young Eye Surgeons (YES) membership is specifically for residents, fellows, and physicians within their first 5 years of practice.

By continuing as a member of ASCRS, you can be a part of the largest U.S. society focused on anterior segment surgery. ASCRS members can truly relate to and learn from peers and world experts on topics and experiences most relevant to the field.

ASCRS membership solidifies your commitment to advancing the art and science of ophthalmology, ultimately resulting in better patient care!

*ASCRS YES fellow membership is for U.S. fellows only.

ASCRS Foundation Awards and Grants

The ASCRS Foundation offers several awards and grant opportunities for young eye surgeons.

Resident Excellence Award submissions open September 1–November 14

The ASCRS Foundation makes 10 awards annually to enable ophthalmology residents exhibiting exemplary performance to attend the ASCRS Annual Meeting. The categories for consideration include research, patient care, leadership, and education.

Young Eye Surgeons (YES) International Service Grant submissions open August 11–October 1

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.

Helpful Links and Resources

Remember you can always find additional information and resources on our website.

Want to get involved with YES activities? Send us an e-mail and let us know!