So, when is the most important time?

A recent family loss reminded me of the true wisdom of “The Three Questions,” as told in a parable by Leo Tolstoy. In short, the lesson is about acting in the now and on behalf of the one(s) we are with. In this age of high demand, constant stress, virtual disconnection, and continuous distraction, the real losses in life remind us what matters most.

Whether in crisis or in a state of managed change, it is only in the present that we have the power to benefit those we serve. As I reflect on the work of OOSS, always moving forward with and on behalf of the ophthalmic ASC community, Tolstoy’s parable rings true. During our Annual Meeting and Perspective, held during ASCRS Los Angeles in May 2017, OOSS President Jeff Whitman, MD, and several board members and partners will discuss details and aggressive actions underway in key areas of growth, advocacy, education, and analytics. We are especially pleased to feature Stephen Lane, MD, who will present a formative OOSSGives partnership with the ASCRS Foundation to promote and support Operation Sight.

Former OOSS President Bradley Black, MD, first championed the concept of OOSSGives in 2013. The goal, as adopted by the OOSS board, was to encourage, support, and acknowledge ASC involvement in philanthropic service. OOSS looked first to work with established association partners to maximize efficiency and impact, and avoid duplicating efforts. Operation Sight was an obvious choice for a partnership, with its established mission of “connecting eligible patients, who need cataract care but can’t afford it, with volunteer surgeons.” To further that mission, OOSSGives provides added support for the patient-surgeon connection by developing resources for and promoting involvement of ophthalmic ASCs.

Maria Scott, MD, OOSS Vice President, and an OOSS-nominated member of the AAO Leadership Development Program (LDP) Class of 2017, has chosen to develop a best practices guide for ASC philanthropy for her LDP project. Her passionate commitment to the concept of OOSSGives and her involvement with Operation Sight and other philanthropic endeavors through her practice and ASC will, no doubt, enhance the value of the guide. Additionally, OOSS is conducting a brief survey to learn more about how OOSS-affiliated ASCs engage in philanthropy. Survey results, which OOSS will share with participants, will inform Dr. Scott’s project. The guide that Dr. Scott develops will provide the curricular foundation for OOSSGives and will be featured at OOSS events and available via OOSS University.

In Tolstoy’s parable, the wise hermit tells the king, “Remember then: there is only one time that is important — Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when you have any power.” For OOSS, and for our OOSSGives initiative, this is our most important time. ■