Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, named chairman of ASCRS Foundation

The executive committee of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery has chosen Ocular Surgery News Chief Medical Editor Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, as the second chairman of the ASCRS Foundation, the agency announced in a press release.

A founding partner of Minnesota Eye Consultants with extensive nonprofit and administrative experience, Dr. Lindstrom has overseen initiatives for the University of Minnesota, the Eye Bank Association of America, the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank and the Phillips Eye Institute. In addition, Dr. Lindstrom has served as a past president of the ASCRS and is a distinguished lecturer, teacher, consultant and ophthalmic surgeon.

Dr. Lindstrom will succeed I. Howard Fine, MD, whose 6-year term concluded in October.

Under Dr. Fine's direction, the ASCRS Foundation matured to a $5 million organization with a growing network of support, programs and accomplishments. As ASCRS Foundation chairman, Dr. Fine oversaw the organization's humanitarian program, which included the building, outfitting and operation of the Robert Sinskey Eye Institute, a full-service surgical eye care facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that now employs a staff of seven and treats more than 7,000 patients annually.

By supporting programs designed to increase awareness of cataract, glaucoma, presbyopia and refractive surgery, the foundation's Eye Surgery Education Council has become one of the foremost resources for eye care education. In addition, the foundation's research division has funded more than 40 independent studies designed to advance ophthalmic treatment and surgery and to promote research among young physicians.

Dr. Fine will continue to serve as a member of the foundation's governing board and humanitarian oversight committee, the release said.