Martin Spencer, MD, Receives the 2024 ASCRS Foundation Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award
The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation proudly announces Martin Spencer, MD, as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 ASCRS Foundation Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award. This prestigious award, endowed by a generous gift from philanthropists David and Victoria Chang, honors individuals who demonstrate exemplary dedication to humanitarian efforts with a focus on addressing cataract blindness and disability. Dr. Spencer, through years of dedicated service, has collaborated extensively with Seva Foundation and Seva Canada, contributing significantly to humanitarian efforts in Nepal and numerous other countries worldwide. Serving on the board of both organizations, he has prioritized service quality, volume, and program sustainability, embodying the spirit of the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the ASCRS Foundation Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award. This recognition not only symbolizes the collective efforts of those committed to eradicating cataract blindness and disability, but underscores the importance of sustained, impactful humanitarian service. I share this honor with the dedicated teams at Seva Foundation and Seva Canada, whose collaborative spirit propels our shared mission forward. Together, we will continue to make strides in restoring sight and improving countless lives around the world.”
Established in 2017, the ASCRS Foundation Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award recognizes and celebrates exceptional contributions to humanitarian work in the field of cataract blindness and disability. This annual accolade is awarded to individuals or organizations for their charitable accomplishments. The award recipient is formally acknowledged at the ASCRS Annual Meeting, accompanied by a $100,000 donation in their name to the charitable ophthalmic organization of their choice.
Dr. Spencer has earmarked the financial prize to be split between Seva Canada and Seva Foundation efforts to strengthen eye program quality and sustainability.
“We are elated to recognize Dr. Martin Spencer as the 2024 recipient of the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award. His profound commitment to alleviating cataract blindness and disability through humanitarian service is truly commendable. This award reflects not only his individual accomplishments, but also highlights the collective impact of organizations working towards a common goal,” said ASCRS Foundation Chair Dr. Susan MacDonald.
The ASCRS Foundation extends its congratulations to Dr. Martin Spencer for this well-deserved honor and looks forward to officially presenting the award at the ASCRS Annual Meeting in Boston, MA.
