Eyeworld Supplements

SUPPLEMENT TO EYEWORLD | 3 INTRODUCTION T he American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) began its 50th anniversary celebration this year. e Society, created as a place for likeminded in- dividuals interested in intraocular implants, has expanded since its founding to pave the way for ad- vancement in all areas of anterior segment surgery. "From a personal and professional level, ASCRS means so much to me because it's been part of every step of my professional journey," said Elizabeth Yeu, MD, ASCRS Outgoing President. "I was introduced to ASCRS as a resident." Beyond her core educational training at Rush University, Dr. Yeu said she always went to ASCRS first as her leading resource. "It has never failed me," she said. ASCRS goes beyond the education- al component and serves as a peer-to-peer resource, as well as providing information and ways to get involved in advocacy and philanthropy. Being involved with ASCRS, Dr. Yeu said, has pro- vided an outlet to give back. "In my 16 years of clinical practice and being in the profession for almost 20 years now, it is wonderful that there are so many different op- portunities for those who want to volunteer and provide philanthropy or give back domestically or abroad." "During and aer my residency and fellowship training, ASCRS has been there for me," said Vance ompson, MD, ASCRS Incoming President. "Some of the greatest and most impactful milestones in my practice and professional growth have happened at the ASCRS Annual Meeting because of the amount of work that goes into making sure the peer-to-peer education is relevant and cutting edge. I have learned that innova- tion is the key to practice growth, and that to me means constantly improving the way I practice medically, surgi- cally, and the business of what we do. ASCRS has been my key resource for making me who I am as an ophthal- mologist and professional." While the 50th anniversary is certainly something to celebrate, Dr. Yeu thinks it goes beyond that celebration to show the enduring spirit of what an organization like ASCRS can do. "It's awe-inspiring to think of where we are now from that small group," she said. "What I love about having a front row seat to ASCRS' 50th anniversary is the celebration of the milestone this represents in its amazing journey but to also witness the investment ASCRS is making in the future of ophthal- molog y," Dr. ompson said. "ere is a look back to honor those who came before us to lay the foundation of our great profession, but there is even more work being put into how we help the current generation of ophthal- mologists and their practices navigate the future in the areas that are most interesting and concerning to them." Whether it be starting, joining, or growing a practice, ASCRS works hard to bring critical information and tools to help ophthalmologists, Dr. ompson said. "is makes it such an honor to be a member of an orga- nization that cares so deeply about helping its members be their best." Looking ahead to future years of ASCRS, Dr. Yeu hopes for continued exponential synerg y and growth in embracing innovation. "We cannot become stale, and I don't see us ever becoming stale," she said. Dr. Yeu expects many changes in the next several genera- tions in cataract surgery (i.e., robotics, heads-up digital microscopes, non-thermal nuclear emulsification) and ophthalmolog y as a whole. "I think there will be bigger changes that will happen and take us to another level," she said. As innovation in ophthalmolog y quickens, it is even more important that ophthalmologists have an organi- zation they can go to and count on to keep them up to date in all areas of what they do so they can continue to deliver the best eyecare possible, Dr. ompson said. "ASCRS is investing heavily in the future of ophthal- molog y so their members are equipped to navigate an ever-changing landscape, which helps both the depth of joy they receive from their professional journey and optimizes the care of the patients that we and our fellow employees serve," he said. oughts om ASCR S Outgoing President Elizabeth Yeu, MD, and ASCR S Incoming President Vance ompson, MD

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