As I write, residents of Texas, Florida, much of the Southeastern United States, and the Caribbean are still reeling from the devastation and flooding wrought by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. We are awed and humbled by the force of nature and saddened by the loss of life. And we are moved and inspired by the accounts of ordinary people transformed by tragedy into everyday heroes.

The images are seared into our mind’s eye: a police officer holding two children rescued from a flooded house, a woman airlifted by helicopter from her roof pleading for the rescue of her mother, neighbors gathered at Interstate 75 Exit 49 in Lenox, GA, with a sign advertising “FREE FOOD” for evacuees headed north. Their selflessness reminds us of the essential goodness in human nature.

The devastating storms coincided with the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 — with its stark reminders of the both the unfathomable evil and the transcendent good of which people are capable. I am reminded again of the incredible bravery of individuals who rushed to save others, in some cases, losing their own lives.

Why does it take tragedies to bring out the best in us? After all, we surgeons are “everyday heroes” to our patients. Why are we not to our broader community?

We need to go out of our way to get engaged.

In this month’s issue, Dr. Maria Scott, an OOSS vice president and founder and medical director of the Chesapeake Eye Care and Laser Center, shares her experience and the lessons learned in providing charitable cataract surgery through the ASCRS Foundation’s Operation Sight program. Since 2014, Operation Sight volunteer surgeons have performed more than 1,300 cataract surgeries free of charge. Participating in a charitable surgery program is a great way to be an everyday hero.

At the 2017 OOSS Symposium at AAO/AAOE New Orleans, OOSS will introduce its first class of OOSS Scholars, up-and-coming ophthalmic surgeons with interest in owning an ASC. The program offers the opportunity for OOSS and OOSS members to mentor the next generation of ophthalmic ASC leaders. Mentors are everyday heroes, in my book.

There is heroism in speaking up on behalf of others as well. Write to your congressional and senatorial representatives to take action on the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) debacle now — not later — to ensure that bright young people who know no other home than the United States are allowed to continue to contribute to our society, as so many of them are already doing.

Pay extra attention to local, city, and state concerns and participate in discussions about these local matters with the same positive, problem-solving methods we apply to patient care.

Let’s all make an effort to be everyday heroes. ■