ASCRS News: ASCRS Foundation Update
Fall 2026
Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, officially took on the role of ASCRS Foundation Chair in the spring. Dr. Al-Mohtaseb shared some thoughts with EyeWorld about her involvement with the Society, the importance of the ASCRS Foundation and its Operation Sight program, and what she’s looking forward to in this role.
EyeWorld: When did you first get involved with the ASCRS Foundation?
Dr. Al-Mohtaseb: I previously had the privilege of serving as Chair of the ASCRS Young Eye Surgeons (YES) Clinical Committee, which grew out of my passion for educating and mentoring the next generation of ophthalmologists. Helping young surgeons develop their careers has always been incredibly rewarding.
Over the past several years, I found myself asking, “How can I continue to serve ASCRS? Where can I make the greatest impact next?” That question ultimately led me to the humanitarian work of the ASCRS Foundation.
EyeWorld: Why did you want to expand your involvement, and what made you want to become Chair of the ASCRS Foundation?
“ I want every ASCRS member to know that there is a place for them in the Foundation’s mission.”
Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD
Dr. Al-Mohtaseb: There was one particular experience that completely shaped my decision. Through another humanitarian organization, I met a 2-year-old girl named Zayna and her grandmother. They were refugees, and Zayna had tragically lost her family and one of her legs and had come to the U.S. to be fitted for a prosthetic limb. Her grandmother, now her sole caregiver, had dense bilateral cataracts and could only see count fingers. I had the privilege of performing cataract surgery on both of her eyes.
Watching her remove the eye patch and clearly see her granddaughter for the first time—and watching the tears stream down her face—is a moment I will never forget. It reminded me that restoring sight is about so much more than vision. It restores independence, dignity, hope, and the ability to care for the people we love.
That experience convinced me that I wanted to dedicate my time and energy to the humanitarian mission of the ASCRS Foundation.
EyeWorld: What has your experience been like performing charitable surgery, and what would you say to surgeons considering volunteering?
Dr. Al-Mohtaseb: Operation Sight has become an incredible resource for patients across the U.S., and under the leadership of Sarah Duval, Operation Sight Program Manager and Communications Liaison, the program has built an outstanding system that makes volunteering remarkably easy for surgeons. The ASCRS Foundation coordinates the patient screening, logistics, and support, allowing surgeons to focus on what they do best—restoring sight. Whether you can volunteer for one surgery a year or many each month, the program is designed to fit whatever level of commitment works for your practice.
I would encourage every ASCRS member to become a volunteer surgeon. Once you experience the impact that restoring sight has on their life, you’ll understand why this work is so meaningful. Anyone interested in learning more or volunteering can visit the Operation Sight website at operationsightusa.org.
EyeWorld: Do you have any particular goals or initiatives as the new Chair?
Dr. Al-Mohtaseb: One of my biggest priorities is expanding the ASCRS Foundation’s humanitarian impact, both globally and here at home. Internationally, we are developing a centralized global mission initiative that will help visualize where humanitarian ophthalmic work is taking place around the world. Many organizations are doing extraordinary work, but efforts are often fragmented. By creating a coordinated view of global outreach, we can reduce duplication, identify underserved regions, build partnerships, and maximize the impact of our collective efforts.
Domestically, the need continues to grow. This year alone, Operation Sight has seen approximately twice as many patient inquiries compared with last year. That tells us there are still thousands of patients in the U.S. who lack access to sight-restoring care.
One of my primary goals as Chair is to expand Operation Sight by increasing the number of volunteer surgeons, growing the number of patients treated, and developing partnerships with additional foundations and organizations that share our mission.
EyeWorld: What do you want ASCRS members to know about the Foundation? How can ophthalmologists, industry members, and partners contribute?
Dr. Al-Mohtaseb: I want every ASCRS member to know that there is a place for them in the Foundation’s mission. If you’re a surgeon, I hope you’ll consider becoming a volunteer with Operation Sight. Even a small amount of your time can completely change someone’s life. If you’re part of a charitable foundation or nonprofit organization, I’d encourage you to reach out to explore opportunities to partner with the ASCRS Foundation. Working together allows us to reach more patients and expand access to care.
And of course, we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our industry partners. Their generosity and collaboration are essential to helping us grow our programs and reach more patients around the world.
Whether through volunteering, partnerships, or financial support, every contribution helps restore sight and transform lives.
