An homage to a great humanitarian

Farewell to a friend

Harry I. Zeltzer, OD, DOS, FAAO, FVI

Executive Director Emeritus VOSH/International

1929-2020

It is with great sadness that we communicate the passing of Harry I. Zeltzer, OD, DOS, FAAO, FVI. Harry represented the ideals and values that VOSH/International stands for and has and will continue to be a source of inspiration to make quality eye health accessible by all.

The VOSH/International family feels proud to have counted with Harry’s leadership, expertise and commitment throughout the years. Since 1997 when he joined the Board of directors to 2001 when he became President of VOSH/International he promoted organizational changes and innovation in our operations that we continue to benefit from. In 2008 he was awarded the VOSH/International Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, now in his name, is conferred to other VOSH humanitarians, following in Harry’s footsteps.

For those who knew him personally, Harry will be remembered as a humanitarian full of energy, ideas and initiatives. He kept a very special place in his heart for VOSH/International. From the first time he joined an eye care VOSH clinic, his commitment to share his professional skills continued taking him to participate in a multitude of clinics around the world and in the US. Harry volunteered for month-long clinics in order to reach those most in need often in very remote locations. His wife Joan Richards became an active partner in all this work and a constant supporter of Harry’s initiatives

Harry was also a visionary and the best ambassador VOSH/International could have wished for. The growth and change that the organisation has experienced, it is in a big extent due to Harry’s constant awareness raising about VOSH/International, its chapters and work. Under his Presidency (2001-2003) he grew our membership, profile, financial stability and partnership building; all focused on building capacity so we can reach more people in need.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Harry and V/I President Ruth McAndrews, OD Honoring Al Rosenbloom, OD in Tampa, 2007

In 2003, Harry accepted to become the first volunteer Executive Director of VOSH/International and until 2013 he represented, advised and mentored several generations of VOSH members. From 2013, Harry has been our Executive Director Emeritus. Without a doubt Harry made all the difference.

Harry made many friends within VOSH and the global eye health sector. He will be remembered for his kindness, gentle nature, strong commitment and leadership. He treated everyone with respect and dignity all the times everywhere.

We thank Harry for all he did for VOSH/International and commit ourselves to continue his example. Our deepest condolences go to Joan, Harry’s lifetime soulmate, family and friends.

To view Harry’s obituary, please click here

unnamed (9) — Harry showed compassion and professionalism to patients and colleagues everywhere

We have opened up a guest book here for visitors to share their thoughts and memories of Harry with others.

Dale Cole, OD from Salina, KS wrote on August 16, 2020 at 5:32 pm

I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of a true friend—Harry Zeltzer. Our first meeting was at a V/I annual meeting. He had no room at the hotel so he became my roommate for the weekend. We ended up talking way into the night. Such a fascinating man. Even learned he had invented the first X-chrome contact for color deficient folks. We quickly formed a life-long friendship. Harry became President of V/I and I was Vice-President. Together we travelled the world representing VOSH. I was continually amazed that Harry knew so many of the folks we met—and never forgot a name! Through his connections with Vistakon, Marco and B&L, we generated funding for V/I programs. One example of Harry’s efforts—In Ghana, Harry had been visiting with their college Optometrist and discovered a major need for equipment and books. With his guidance, we delivered a cargo shipment of exam chairs, pheropters and accompanying equipment for their clinic (and surrounding area clinics). Marco donated 4-5 opthalmoscopes and retinoscopes which we presented to the clinic. From that experience, a program was developed to collect used equipment in the US and shipped it worldwide. I have so many great memories of our travels together. So many laughs and so much accomplished for the good of humanity. VOSH/International came to life with Harry’s enthusiasm, knowledge and people skills. I will truly miss Harry. He will live in my heart forever. Enjoy your new ventures, Harry!

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