ASCRS News
September 2021
by Jaya Minhas
Program Manager, ASCRS Foundation
The ASCRS Foundation’s mission is to provide humanitarian cataract surgery and support physician education in the U.S. and in developing countries. It is made possible through the support of the Foundation community. Donors, partners, and volunteers help create immeasurable change in the lives of underserved patient populations needing access to cataract care. Join ASCRS’ philanthropic pillar and make a difference today.
2022 ASCRS Foundation grants and awards
The Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award was established to honor and recognize outstanding humanitarian work addressing cataract blindness. Each year the awardee is recognized at the ASCRS Annual Meeting, and a $50,000 prize is given to a charitable ophthalmology organization of their choice. The 2022 nomination period is now open through October 15.
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 developing world healthcare systems, teaching institutions, and community programs. Recipients develop a customized international volunteer plan that provides the opportunity for a young eye surgeon to learn firsthand the intricacies behind global eyecare efforts. The application period is now open through October 15.
ASCRS was founded by young, enterprising ophthalmologists, and the ASCRS Foundation’s Resident Excellence Awards carry on and honor that tradition. The ASCRS Foundation gives 10 awards each year to enable ophthalmology residents exhibiting exemplary performance to attend the ASCRS Annual Meeting. The categories for consideration include research, patient care, leadership, and education. Recipients receive a travel grant, four nights of accommodations, complimentary meeting registration, and invitations to select events. The nomination period is November 1–January 3, 2022.
For more information or to apply, visit www.ascrs.org/foundation/grants-and-awards.
Treating preventable cataract blindness across international borders
During the 2021 ASCRS Annual Meeting, the Foundation brought its international partners together to discuss next steps in the collaborative international effort to treat preventable cataract blindness and enhance in-country physician training. During the pandemic, appropriate precautions were taken to allow continued patient treatment, and ASCRS Foundation partners spearheaded a transition to virtual training that created a pathway for U.S. and international eye surgeons to mutually learn from one another.
To learn more about the ASCRS Foundation’s work in developing countries and strategic partnerships, visit www.ascrsfoundation.org or contact medical liaison Barbara Erny, MD, at berny@ascrs.org.
Operation Sight: Make a change in your community
Operation Sight is the Foundation’s U.S.-based charitable cataract surgery program. It is fueled by more than 670 registered ASCRS members and charitable organizations committed to making cataract care accessible.
Save the date for the 2021 National Sight Week, October 17–23. Join the Foundation in celebrating the collective power of the ophthalmology community to make cataract care accessible to those most in need. There are patients in your community vetted and approved by the ASCRS Foundation awaiting care. To learn more, visit www.ascrsfoundation.org or contact Jaya Minhas at jminhas@ascrs.org.
Mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday, November 30
On November 30, the ASCRS Foundation will again participate in Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving that kicks off the holiday season. Watch your email for inspiring stories of how your support changes lives. In 2021, the Foundation has seen a dramatic increase in demand for its charitable programs.
Charitable giving benefits under CARES Act extended
The CARES Act expanded the deductibility of charitable contributions, and in 2021 many provisions were expanded, making this year a favorable time to support the Foundation.
Individual taxpayers who take the standard deduction may deduct charitable gifts up to $300, and married couples who file joint returns can deduct charitable gifts up to $600. Individual taxpayers who itemize their deductions may now deduct certain charitable contributions up to 100% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. Prior to the CARES Act, taxpayers were limited to deducting 60% of the taxpayer’s adjusted income. Individual taxpayers can continue to carry forward any excess charitable contributions for 5 years, but the enhanced 100% deduction limitation is set to expire after 2021. In 2021, corporations may deduct charitable gifts up to 25% of the corporation’s taxable income (increased from 10%).
This information does not constitute legal or financial advice, and restrictions apply. Consult your tax, legal, or financial advisor and obtain professional counsel of an attorney to assist you.
Many ways to give to the ASCRS Foundation
Give online at www.ascrsfoundation.org/donate or mail a check made payable to ASCRS Foundation, 12587 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 348, Fairfax, VA 22033. Checks and envelopes must be dated and postmarked no later than December 31, 2021, for your contribution to be processed in calendar year 2021.
Consider making a grant recommendation through your donor-advised fund to the ASCRS Foundation to help support its mission. The Foundation’s tax ID number is 23-7388748.
Your financial advisor can assist you in making a stock or securities gift. Inform your broker that you would like to make a gift of stock to the ASCRS Foundation and connect with us at info@ascrsfoundation.org for additional
information on completing your gift.
If you are 70.5 or older, you may be able to take advantage of the IRA Charitable Rollover. Talk to your financial advisor.
For more information or assistance making your charitable contribution, visit www.ascrs.org/foundation/ways-to-give or contact Molly Gascoigne at mgascoigne@ascrs.org.
Contact
Minhas: jminhas@ascrs.org
