ZEISS
The Power List 2019 – Champions of Change
James V. (Jim) Mazzo
Global President Ophthalmic Devices Zeiss
What does ZEISS do to support humanitarian projects around the world?
For over 125 years, ZEISS has placed a great emphasis on its commitment to corporate responsibility, and has been supporting initiatives to fight avoidable blindness. We bring vision care to poverty-stricken communities in remote and rural areas around the world. Social responsibility has always been a part of the corporate culture of ZEISS. The ZEISS Group is owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, which promotes and supports science and education for the benefit of mankind. Both ZEISS and the foundation support leading academic, scientific, and cultural institutions in a variety of ways, from fellowships to our active involvement with global and regional associations.
Being a Champion of Change requires making a commitment in both your personal and professional life. As a leader in the ophthalmic industry, I support many initiatives in the healthcare industry, and business and education communities. Some of my contributions include serving as Board Chairman for AdvaMed; on the University of California at Irvine foundation; as Vice Chair Trustee Chapman University; as past trustee for the University of San Diego; founder and member of the executive committee of OCTANe; a member of the International Intraocular Implant Club (IIIC); Leerink’s Special Advisor Medical Devices; Executive Committee Board Member with the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA); ASCRS Governing Board; Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Steering Committee; the AAO Foundation Advisory Board; the ICO Foundation Advisory Board; and the AGS Foundation Advisory Board. I also serve on NASA’s Mission to Mars Committee.
How does ZEISS work with philanthropists and lobbyists for a better future?
According to the World Health Organization, 36 million people around the globe are blind, and a large percentage are from remote regions, where the greatest challenge is access to medical care. We want to make modern medical treatment accessible to as many people as possible. However, access to this level of care is nearly impossible for certain demographics, especially those in remote locations. Through our partnerships with organizations such as the ASCRS Foundation and Christoffel’s Christian Blind Mission (CBM), we believe we are making a difference.
What specific eye care projects does ZEISS support in developing countries or underserved regions?
ZEISS supports many projects around the world. Most recently, we partnered with CBM and India’s Poona Blind Men Association to open a new training center for treating cataracts at the H.V. Desai Eye Hospital in Pune, India. The center’s goal is to train ophthalmologists and medical personnel throughout the country in phacoemulsification, and using modern ophthalmic devices.
We also partnered with iCare For India, an Eyecare and Medical Mission Trip in Andhara Pradesh, India, where we provided care for over 4,000 people without access to eye care. Over 8,000 patients were treated during this partnership, which included performing 560 cataract surgeries, 1800+ pairs of glasses and 2,000+ readers given to patients. Additionally, over 3,000 medications were distributed for conditions including infections, allergy, dry eye, and glaucoma.
And through ZEISS’ continued partnership with the ASCRS Foundation we donate equipment to help transform both clinical and educational needs for underserved countries. This year we have provided equipment to the OCTs at Gondar University in Ethiopia. Our goal is to advance eye care every step of the way.
