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JULY 25, 2021 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | 3 ASCRS ANNUAL MEETING DAILY NEWS MD, were recognized during the session. Dr. Laibson shared how important it has been to him to be a mentor to younger ophthalmol- ogists, and Dr. Brint has been a pioneer in the field. Tadeusz Krwawicz, MD, and Jerry Shields, MD, were inducted into the ASCRS Ophthalmology Hall of Fame. Dr. Fine spoke about Dr. Krwawicz's contributions to ophthalmology. Dr. Shields, a pioneer in ocular oncology, could not attend the meeting, so his colleague, Dr. Laibson, accepted the award on his behalf. The session concluded with a discussion on "Lessons Learned from the Time of COVID" featur- ing David Parke II, MD, CEO of the American Academy of Oph- thalmology, Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, Parag Parekh, MD, Dr. Hoffman, and Dr. Holland. Dr. Parke shared a timeline of COVID, putting into perspective the speed and magnitude of the pandemic. It's critical to consider it in global terms both as a med- ical event and a socioeconomic event, he said. Dr. Parke shared some of the leadership lessons learned from COVID. In emergencies, he said, you have to make decisions with incomplete information. Some- times you don't have the time for prolonged professional debate. Safety is first, he said, and every- thing else is second. Conflict may be inevitable between members' business needs and community responsibilities, Dr. Parke said, adding that leadership requires making a decision and owning the consequences. The session continued with Dr. Holland interviewing Richard Hoffman, MD, current ASCRS president, and Terry Kim, MD, immediate past president. Dr. Kim and Dr. Hoffman were both given their presidential medals. Dr. Kim discussed his expe- rience as ASCRS president and the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. He initially set a goal to expand both domestic and international mem- bership, which was difficult when colleagues and members could not be together. "I wanted to reach out to every refractive and cataract surgeon in our country to let them know the benefits of be- ing an ASCRS member," he said. Dr. Kim said he thinks ASCRS is "the best organization out there in terms of education and resourc- es we provide for surgeons here and around the world." Dr. Hoffman described how he came to practice ophthalmology with Howard Fine, MD, and how he became involved with ASCRS, noting how rewarding it has been. He also discussed the goals for his presidency, including continuing to fight Medicare cuts and prior authorization issues, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and updating the ASCRS bylaws. Thomas Oetting, MD, was recognized as the winner of the first ASCRS Educator Award. This award acknowledges an ASCRS member who has made education an enduring career priority. ASCRS Executive Director Steve Speares took to the stage, mentioning ASCRS' mission fo- cusing on educating, advocating, and donating. He highlighted the advocacy aspect, recognizing Nancey McCann, who recently retired as ASCRS director of Gov- ernment Relations after 28 years with the society. She has been a truly special asset for ASCRS and ASOA members, he said, fight- ing for the interests of anterior segment surgeons, their practices, and their patients. "She was our go-to to understand policy chang- es and the impact on members," Mr. Speares said. Rather than focusing on political party, Mr. Speares said Ms. McCann's main focus was always ophthalmology, and "ophthalmology was better for it." "It has been an honor and privilege to work for ASCRS for 28 years and represent oph- thalmology and all of you," Ms. McCann said. "I am in awe of what you do for your patients every day." Though she noted that there are still many obstacles, she thinks ASCRS can be proud of its many successes. The session continued with David Chang, MD, and the pre- sentation of the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award. The award was recently renamed in honor of the late Alan Crandall, MD. This year's winners were Geoff Tabin, MD, and Sanduk Ruit, MD. Dr. Tabin was in attendance at the meeting, wearing one of Dr. Crandall's signature bolo ties. Dr. Ruit was unable to attend because of travel restrictions. Dr. Tabin said he was "really humbled" to receive the award, noting that Dr. Ruit is "the genius behind what we've accomplished." This year's ASCRS David A. Karcher Honored Guests, Stephen Brint, MD, and Peter Laibson, continued from page 1

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