ASCRS names Stephen H. Speares executive director

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery’s (ASCRS) Executive Committee announced that Stephen H. “Steve” Speares will serve as the society’s next executive director, according to a prepared statement.

Speares replaces David Karcher, who retired after leading ASCRS for 38 years.

“Steve’s breadth of experience, excellent leadership skills, solid understanding of ophthalmology and pioneering spirit will take ASCRS to new heights,” said Karcher in the statement.

“I am excited to lead ASCRS and build on Dave’s incredible track record of leadership, dedication to ophthalmology and unwavering commitment to those in the profession,” said Speares in the statement. 

“As we move into this new era, I look forward to leveraging the society’s founding vision, rooted in innovation, to identify new opportunities to increase the value ASCRS brings to anterior segment surgeons, and the patients they serve,” he said.

Speares, who is currently vice president, Europe and Middle East at Glaukos, will formally begin his role in April 2018, at the ASCRS annual meeting in Washington, DC. Previously, he worked at Alcon Laboratories, where he held a variety of operational positions during his 18 years there.

Karcher will stay on in an advisory role to the association until the transition is complete.