Dr. Osher to sign children's books at ASCRS

When he's not performing cataract surgery or coaching youth basketball or baseball teams, Robert H. Osher, MD, carves time out of his busy schedule to write children's books. He will be signing seven children's books during lunch hours at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) annual meeting here April 27 to May 2.

Three book signings are scheduled in the ASCRS exhibit hall:

• Saturday, April 28; Bausch & Lomb Booth 1641;
  12 to 1 p.m.

• Sunday, April 29; Advanced Medical Optics Booth 941;
  12 to 12:45 p.m.

• Monday, April 30; Alcon Laboratories Booth 2041;
  12 to 1 p.m.

He said that his love for kids is the impetus behind much of his writing.

Having five children of his own and having coached more than 60 youth sports teams, "I know kids and I love kids," quipped Dr. Osher, professor of ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and medical director emeritus, Cincinnati Eye Institute.

"As soon as I leave the operating room, I'm always heading to some court or ballpark," Dr. Osher said. "There is something special about working with youngsters, and I have always enjoyed both teaching and entertaining them."

Always a storyteller with his own children, Dr. Osher created spontaneous tales over the years to impart values, humor, or even suspense. When Dr. Osher's malignant kidney cancer was diagnosed in the 1990s, he began putting his stories onto paper as a way to leave a legacy for his children.

His books include "A Lightning Bug's Story," "A Special Tree," "Bullyfish," "Horsefly," "Presents from Dad," "The Blue Balloon," and "Wake Up!" At least two additional books are in progress.

Dr. Osher has held seven book signings in recent years, with all proceeds donated to charitable organizations such as Beech Acres Foster Care, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, the Friars Club, the Eye Foundation, and Xavier Athletics.

Don Bell, director of the ASCRS Foundation, said all proceeds from the ASCRS book signings will go to the foundation in support of the Robert M. Sinskey Pediatric Eyecare Clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ASCRS members interested in contributing to the foundation's Ethiopian project can forward donations to: ASCRS Foundation, 4000 Legato Rd., Suite 850, Fairfax, VA 22033. All contributions to the ASCRS Foundation are tax-deductible.