I always saw Lou as a larger-than-life figure. His gentle nature and kindness were inspiring to me. Lou was never comfortable in the limelight or accepting accolades. That was just his nature — very quietly going about his business in the background, simply getting the job done and doing things the right way.

When I think of Lou, the first thing that resonates for me is his great sense of humor and infectious laugh (of course he loved to laugh at his own jokes). I always looked forward to seeing him at OOSS meetings since he had the unique ability to lighten up a conversation and warm the room. Regardless of the issue, he did not have to say much since he had the unique ability to capture the essence of a situation and communicate his thoughts in a direct and honest fashion.

Bruce Maller, Founder and President of BSM Consulting

Lou was a businessman, a supporter, a contributor, a friend and a very kind man. Even in the early days, Lou was always there, and always helpful.

Dave McIntyre, MD

Lou was a close friend of mine. I met him in 1983 at the 3rd annual OOSS meeting in Grand Cypress, Fla., and for the next decade, we traveled together from workshop to clinic to symposium, extolling the virtues of outpatient ophthalmic surgery. Lou journeyed to Washington on innumerable occasions to assist me in my advocacy efforts on behalf of our Society. He was a great teacher and an integral part of our Society’s educational programming. Having developed or managed more than 150 ASCs, he brought exceptional business acumen to OOSS’s leadership deliberations and to all of us who sought his advice. As our Board would vigorously debate reimbursement and regulatory issues, Lou always reminded us that, first and foremost, we are advocates for the patient.

Mike Romansky, JD, Senior lobbyist & VP of Corporate Development, OOSS

Lou was one of the first of my introductions to the OOSS board. He had a way of making you feel welcome – like you have been doing this for years when you first start. … I only wish I had the chance to know him longer, both to just talk and have fun and learn some of his great wealth of ASC information.

Jeffrey Whitman, MD

To have simply known Lou Sheffler would have been privilege enough. To have worked with him was a true honor. Lou was a “go to” resource for OOSS ­— always available to answer questions, always excited to take on the most complex of ophthalmic ASC issues. And Lou was always present when time to confide — at once the most trusted of friends, the most admired of mentors. He was all those things and more … and he will be forever missed, forever remembered.

Kent Jackson, Executive Director of OOSS

It’s not really possible to describe how his smile immediately increased the happiness level in the room. … Yes, he was absolutely brilliant and truly unique in his profession, but his huge heart and wonderful sense of life — really the best of human qualities — were even more unforgettable.

Lou learned outpatient surgery from the ground up, mastering the positions of surgical technician, ASC administration and design, government relations and virtually every facet of the ophthalmic surgical profession to such an extent as to become singularly irreplaceable.

Lou never directly cared for a single patient, but his contributions continue to be invaluable to those of us who do. Indeed, they permit us to deliver much better care to untold thousands undergoing eye surgery, and that is quite a legacy.

If OOSS had a Hall of Fame, he should be in it. It’s worth starting one in his honor.

Richard J. Mackool, MD