Dr. Kraff honored with AMA's Benjamin Rush Award

Chicago-

Ophthalmologist Manus C. Kraff, MD, of Chicago is the 2009 recipient of the American Medical Association (AMA) Benjamin Rush Award for Citizenship and Community Service.

“The award recognizes physicians who have gone above and beyond their professional call of duty to make an outstanding public service contribution to their local community,” according to the organization.

In 2005, Dr. Kraff began offering his services free of charge to those serving in the military. He has performed more than 200 customized laser vision correction surgeries for military personnel who serve and have served in Iraq and Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001. Individuals have traveled from Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, and Kentucky to seek his care, according to the AMA.

“Dr. Kraff’s generosity in providing free eye care to those who have put their lives in danger to serve our country demonstrates an extraordinary act of kindness and selflessness,” said AMA President J. James Rohack, MD. “Dr. Kraff leads by example and is an inspiration to other physicians.”

Dr. Kraff is on the faculty at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois.