The STATE OF THE FOUNDATION

The Masket Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and healing, dedicated to serving underserved populations and advancing the field of ophthalmology through compassionate care and innovative initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our mission encompasses providing comprehensive eye care to those in need, empowering communities through education, and fostering transformational change.

At the heart of our efforts lies our commitment to providing life-changing interventions to individuals who lack access to essential eye care services. Through our unwavering dedication, we offer comprehensive anterior segment eye surgery including cataract and corneal transplantation, in addition to artificial iris surgery completely free of charge, ensuring that patients facing debilitating vision challenges receive the treatment they desperately need. These transformative procedures not only restores vision but also enhances quality of life, empowering individuals to pursue their dreams with renewed confidence.

In addition to our clinical initiatives, the Foundation proudly supports a prestigious fellowship program, nurturing the next generation of ophthalmologists and equipping them with the skills and expertise needed to address the evolving needs of our communities. Through mentorship, hands-on training, and academic opportunities, our fellows are poised to make meaningful contributions to the field, driving innovation and excellence in eye care.

As we reflect on our achievements, we remain deeply grateful to our dedicated supporters and partners whose generosity enables us to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. Together, we continue to uphold our core values of compassion, integrity, and excellence, striving to create a world where everyone has access to the sight-saving care they deserve.

Looking ahead, the Masket Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to serving those in need, advancing knowledge and education in ophthalmology, and driving positive change in communities around the world. With your support, we will continue to illuminate pathways to brighter, healthier futures for all.

In May 2015, the Foundation embarked on fundraising efforts, marking the beginning of a journey to transform lives through compassionate care and innovative interventions. Among our earliest success stories is Gabby, a recent high school graduate who has endured challenges with her eye appearance since birth. Through the generosity of our supporters, we were able to provide Gabby with the life-changing artificial iris surgery she desperately needed. Witnessing the remarkable transformation in Gabby's appearance and confidence has been a source of immense joy and fulfillment for us.

I’m not sure how to put into words all the things I feel in my heart right now. This has been such a long journey for me. For as long as I can remember I have hoped for the day that I could look in the mirror and feel good about the way I look. I was born with congenital cataracts in my right eye, and at just two weeks old, I had my first surgery to remove the lens. Over the years I have had at least 20 different surgeries. These surgeries were for many different challenges I faced with this eye, such as glaucoma, lens replacement, muscle correction and scar tissue removal. Through this process, I had damage occur to my iris and cornea, as well as scar tissue that covered my lens. This left me with almost no sight and a very noticeable discoloration to my right eye as well as a disfigured iris.

Since the time I was in elementary school I have always had self-esteem issues in connection with my eyes. Over the years I have endured name-calling from fellow students that has made me feel bad about myself. I was once even told I looked possessed, because of the way my iris looked. I couldn’t go anywhere without being asked about my eye. I remember telling my Mom once that I just wanted to be a regular kid who can go into a restaurant or store and not be asked about my appearance by a stranger. I had to try very hard to feel pretty, but I would put on a smile, and have a positive outlook and try not to let other people get to me. Deep down I wished there was some way I could have the opportunity to have eyes that looked normal.

Incredibly, this miracle came true for me last March! With the help of The Masket Foundation, Dr. Samuel Masket and Dr. Nicole Fram performed surgery on my eye and gave me a new iris! It is an indescribable feeling to look in the mirror and see two beautiful eyes staring back at me. The iris in my right eye is a perfect match for the one in my left eye. I was also fortunate enough to have the scar tissue removed and a new lens and cornea put in at the same time. My eyes look amazing now. 

This August I will start a new chapter in my life. I have graduated from High School and will be heading off to college. This I will do with a new found confidence and joy! I have decided to major in Pre-Med, thanks to the love and inspiration I received from my wonderful doctors, most notably Dr. Masket and Dr. Fram. I don’t know how I will ever be able to thank them for giving me this new hope for my life, but I expect to someday be able to “pay it forward”. I would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Barbara Masket and The Masket Foundation for helping make this dream I have carried around my entire life come true.

Forever Grateful,

Gabby