Fairfax, VA – ASCRS and ASOA today announced the launch of their Ophthalmology Image Library as a new member service enabling the sharing of ophthalmic photos and electronic images online.

To gain access, members of those organizations must log on. Once on, they can select to upload or download images from one of six major categories: cataract, cornea, glaucoma, pediatric, refractive, and retina. Within those categories, there are some 30 subcategories from which to choose.

The initial collection of images was obtained through donations from ASCRS members Howard Fine, José L. Gűell, Thomas Kohnen and Samuel Masket. The library will continue to increase in value to the membership as members make donations of images.

Those who upload images give permission to the Library and ASCRS members who use the images for noncommercial scientific, medical, or educational purposes. A photo credit is permanently attached to each image. Similarly, those who download images must agree to use them in the manner previously described. Downloaded images can be printed, mailed electronically, or kept in the member’s “my images” location on the Web site.

The system is also able to help members assemble images in a slide program, add text, and allow others (including non-members and students) to view the program by clicking on a hyperlink, which will direct them to the member’s slide show.

Members can upload images themselves or send collections (35 mm slides, prints up to 11 X 17, or electronic images) to ASCRS to be uploaded (contact John Long at (703) 591-2220 before doing so).

The Library can be visited by going to the ASCRS or ASOA Web site and clicking on the link to the Image Library.