ASCRS Foundation
Improving the World's Vision
More than 85 million people are visually impaired worldwide. The ASCRS Foundation delivers humanitarian eyecare and treats thousands of patients each year. Give the gift of sight to those who need it most.
Who We Are
Globally, over 85 million people suffer from visual impairment, with cataracts being the second leading cause of visual impairment and the primary cause of preventable blindness in the developing world.
We actively support physician education and provide humanitarian cataract surgery both in the United States and abroad. We maximize the benefits of modern ophthalmology, working towards treating thousands of patients in need every year.
Learn more about our leading initiative Operation Sight - a cataract eye surgery program serving financially vulnerable, uninsured Americans who cannot afford or access care.
Operation Sight
The Foundation's US-based charitable cataract surgery program serves financially vulnerable, uninsured Americans who cannot afford or access care. These members of our own communities often rely on others to complete daily tasks, and if left untreated, risk debilitating vision loss. To date, Operation Sight has delivered more than 10,000 surgeries through a nationwide network of volunteer surgeons committed to caring for those with no other options.
International Humanitarian Eye Care & Education
The ASCRS Foundation seeks to address not just individual cases of cataract blindness, but to fight the root cause: the shortage of eye surgeons in the developing world. The solution is two-fold: create world-class medical centers where efficient doctors can establish a presence, and secondly, focus on education—raising the local standards for both patient care and physician training. The Foundation is working in multiple countries to effect a lasting change in the battle against needless cataract blindness.
Awards and Grants
The expansion of the Foundation's mission is fueled by recognizing outstanding ophthalmologists who possess the unique skills needed to restore sight. We firmly believe in acknowledging and supporting the exceptional efforts of surgeons who go above and beyond. Our aim is to honor those individuals who are making a positive impact and setting a positive example, paving the way for future generations of anterior segment surgeons.
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. Click below to donate today!
Fueling the Mission
If you or your practice is interested in organizing a fundraiser to support the ASCRS Foundation, please contact us at info@ascrsfoundation.org for more information.