The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery is an international, educational society with more than 8,000 members. Its mission is to advance the art and science of ophthalmic surgery and the knowledge and skills of ophthalmic surgeons by providing clinical and practice management education and by working with patients, government, and the medical community to promote the delivery and advancement of high-quality eye care.Since its founding in 1974, ASCRS has led the field through significant advances in technology and clinical science through its educational programs, publications and on-line resources. ASCRS has become the surgeons' primary source of up-to-date clinical information, published research, and regulatory information affecting the practice of medicine.