Harry Zeltzer

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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.

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

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.

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ilir lecaj ilir lecaj from Ipswich wrote on August 17, 2020 at 10:21 pm
I met Harry in Lac, Albania, in the end of August 1994, 26 years ago. I was his interpreter for 2 weeks. His team of students and optometrists checked peoples eyes and gave glasses for free. He stayed in my home for two weeks and we became good friends. Harry was a very good communicator, he even had learned few Albanian words. The day he left Harry told me that if you ever come to USA come and see me in Ipswich MA. I came, I won a Diversity Visa Lottery controlled by the State Department, and in the end of December 2000 I ended up in Clearwater FL. The beginning was thought in Florida, I contacted Harry and he asked me to come to Ipswich MA. In May of 2001 my family and I ended up in Ipswich MA. So, we met Harry again after 7 years. Harry and his wife Joan, helped us to settle in Ipswich MA. Back in early 2000 Harry was very much engaged with VOSH International. He took care of the website and finances, later he became the President of VOSH. As I had realized, I could tell that VOSH was growing and they were getting more donations, new chapters were being created all over the world. Over the years I remember driving Harry in and out from Logan Airport. He would go to 2-3 missions a year and few VOSH meetings. I have been living in Ipswich ever since and would Harry and I would get together weekly. He had a very good way of talking about issues, very good memory and was a pleasure to have a coffee or beer with him. He will be missed, his place that no one can fill. ilir lecaj
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