Message from the Chair: An Enduring Vision

When we created a vision statement many years ago, Alan S. Crandall, MD, and I knew our colleagues might view it as overly ambitious. Unrealistic. Audacious.

Who were we, a little eye center in Utah, to say we intended to create a world where no one is left behind? That no one with a blinding condition, eye disease, or visual impairment should be without hope, understanding, or treatment?

But that statement was—and continues to be—a leap of faith. It was the world as we imagined it could be and a guiding light for our efforts. It was one of many, many ways Alan shaped the culture of Moran. Together, Alan and I vowed to embrace new technologies, to empower the people who worked for us, and to always hire the best person for the job.

Randall J Olson, MD, left, and Alan S. Crandall, MD.

Throughout his 39 years at Moran, Alan personified our vision and ideals. The past year challenged us all in new ways. Yet we had Alan’s unwavering example to follow.

During the pandemic’s shutdown, we quickly implemented a battery of protocols to safely treat patients in danger of losing their sight without our care. We also ramped up telehealth to protect those most at risk.

When COVID-19 curbed our international outreach efforts, Alan and the program he created continued to provide care locally and expanded to form new community partnerships.

We initiated a needs assessment to learn how we can better serve Utahns unable to access eye care. And a new endowed directorship funded by the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation will help take the program to new heights.

This issue of Focus acknowledges the profound loss of Alan’s unexpected passing in October 2020. His generous spirit and exceptional mind were the heartbeats of our institution.

But make no mistake: His death is not the end of our collective willpower but a rallying cry for those of us who remain to follow his example. It is up to us to continue his amazing legacy. Our calling could not be more apparent, and I am indescribably proud of the faculty and staff building on the foundation Alan created.

When the time is right, we’ll hold a real blowout to celebrate Alan’s life and legacy. It will be a party to remember, one that he certainly would have been the life of.

Alan, we dedicate so many of our past achievements and our bright future to you, dear friend. As you would often say, “Let’s get on with it.”

Sincerely,

Randall J Olson, MD

Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences CEO, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah

2020-2021 MORAN ADVISORY COUNCIL

Toni Bloomberg, La Jolla, California

William “Bill” Child, Salt Lake City, Utah

Thomas “Tim” Dee III, Salt Lake City, Utah

Christena Huntsman Durham, Salt Lake City, Utah

Spencer F. Eccles, Salt Lake City, Utah

Christine A. Fairclough, Salt Lake City, Utah

Wayne A. Imbrescia, John A. Moran Eye Center

Claudia S. Luttrell, Salt Lake City, Utah

John A. Moran, Palm Beach, Florida

Randall J Olson, MD, John A. Moran Eye Center

Lynn Ward, John A. Moran Eye Center

John E. Warnock, PhD, Los Altos, California

Norm A. Zabriskie, MD, John A. Moran Eye Center