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Alan S. Crandall receives inaugural Chang Humanitarian Award at ASCRS
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WASHINGTON — Alan S. Crandall, MD, was presented the inaugural Chang Humanitarian Award for his humanitarian work in the field of cataract blindness. He was presented the award by David F. Chang, MD, who also endowed the award to ASCRS.
The goal of the humanitarian award is to highlight the unsung efforts of individuals and their organizations who are working to reduce the enormous global backlog of cataract blindness, Chang said.
“Alan is one of ophthalmology’s true heroes, whose unique combination of surgical skill, teaching ability and compassion has enabled and inspired so many ophthalmologists working in developing countries,” Chang said during the opening ceremonies at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting.
Crandall began his outreach work on a trip to Kumasi, Ghana, after a patient’s request for help. In 2012, he helped arrange funding for the creation of the Eye Centre at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
Crandall has performed outreach work in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Nepal, Indian, China, Guatemala, Tonga, Haiti, Micronesia and Cuba. He performs regular service in the Navajo Nation in Utah.
“I will continue as long as I possibly can, doing what I love doing. That’s spending time teaching and giving care, particularly to the poor. We do care for the Navajo Nation, we care for our local and global folks.... All I can say is, I gain more every time I go on a trip and help someone. All you have to do is, when you unpack the next day, you’ll understand how beautiful it is,” Crandall said. – by Robert Linnehan
Reference: Chang DF. ASCRS Foundation update. Presented at: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting; April 13-17, 2018; Washington.