ESCRS Launches New Humanitarian Service Award to Honour Global Impact in Eye Care

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) has announced the creation of a prestigious new accolade - the ESCRS Humanitarian Service Award - designed to recognise and support exceptional contributions to improving eye care access for underserved populations worldwide.

Established with the aim of championing sustainable, high-impact humanitarian work, the award will honour individuals whose efforts in cataract and refractive surgery have delivered measurable, lasting benefits to communities facing significant barriers to quality eye care. Priority will be given to initiatives targeting low-income regions, with particular emphasis on work carried out in sub-Saharan Africa.

Celebrating Transformational Service
The award acknowledges professionals whose humanitarian projects demonstrate both scale and sustainability. Eligible work includes:

• High-volume cataract and refractive surgery
• Training and upskilling of local clinicians
• Development of eye-care infrastructure
• Community education initiatives
• Implementation of innovative outreach models

The recipient will be named the ESCRS Humanitarian Laureate - a title reflecting both excellence and long-term commitment. Their work should exemplify the ESCRS mission to combat avoidable blindness by expanding access to safe surgical care and strengthening ophthalmic systems.

Significant Support to Advance Humanitarian Impact

In recognition of their achievements, the Humanitarian Laureate will receive:

• A charitable grant of up to €100,000 to support the ongoing work of a chosen non-profit organisation.
• An invitation to deliver the ESCRS Humanitarian Lecture.
• Formal recognition at the ESCRS Annual Congress, where their work will be highlighted before the global ophthalmology community.

This substantial investment underscores the Society’s dedication to fostering long-term, sustainable change. The award also intends to inspire others in the field to engage in impactful humanitarian initiatives.

A Commitment to Global Ophthalmic Equity
The launch of the ESCRS Humanitarian Service Award marks a significant step in the Society’s evolving commitment to global equity in eye health. By recognising and supporting leaders in humanitarian ophthalmology, ESCRS aims to amplify transformative work and help accelerate progress toward eliminating preventable blindness worldwide.
 
For professionals working tirelessly to deliver sight-saving care in challenging contexts, this new award offers not only recognition but valuable resources to deepen and expand their impact - ultimately bringing high-quality eye care within reach for the communities that need it most.

Nominations for the inaugural award close on 20 February 2026. The Laureate will be announced in spring/summer 2026 and honoured at the ESCRS Annual Congress in September 2026.

Visit the webpage for full eligibility criteria and nomination details.