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Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences October 09, 2025

frazier vosh articleMarcela Frazier, O.D., MPH, FAAOMarcela Frazier, O.D., MPH, FAAO, will receive the 2025 Harry I. Zeltzer Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity International (VOSH/International), for her steadfast commitment to improving the accessibility of comprehensive vision care.

Awarded in memory of Harry I. Zeltzer, O.D.former president and executive director of VOSH/International, this honor is bestowed upon an individual who displays a lifelong commitment to improving eye health.

Since 1970, VOSH/International has provided professional vision care through volunteer-led clinics and offers support to eye health providers and optometry programs around the world. As of July 2024, there are 112 professional and student-led chapters in 31 countries.

Frazier, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, has touched the lives of countless children as a pediatric optometrist at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye, particularly those in the Hispanic community. Originally from Medellin, Colombia, Frazier served as the faculty advisor for , the student chapter at UAB, and brought her students on several humanitarian trips across Latin America to provide comprehensive eye care to children in need.

A passionate educator and leader, Frazier has taught lectures on pediatric optometry at several Latin American schools and provided simultaneous translations in Spanish at many VOSH/International meetings. During her time as a member of VOSH/International’s Board of Directors, Frazier led numerous efforts to continue expanding the organization’s reach in Latin America.

Frazier currently leads the UAB Hispanic and Latin American Faculty Association, serving as a key advocate for underrepresented patients and doctors locally.

“Dr. Frazier’s work with the VOSH has been remarkable, and we are proud to see her recognized by this important organization which works tirelessly to improve the vision of children locally and internationally,” said Brian Samuels, M.D., Ph.D., the Eyesight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair and Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

Through her love for children and her community, Frazier remains devoted to giving back to her patients and profession to improve visual welfare around the world. Frazier will receive this award October 12, 2025, at the VOSH/International Annual Meeting held at the New England College of Optometry in Boston.

Click here to read more about Frazier’s impact and the Harry I. Zeltzer Lifetime Achievement Award.

 


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