Orbis International

Orbis International is a non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to saving sight worldwide. Founded in 1982, its mission is to transform lives by preventing and treating avoidable blindness and visual impairment. Orbis is known for its innovative approach to delivering eye health services through its Flying Eye Hospital, a state-of-the-art ophthalmic hospital and teaching facility on board an MD-10 aircraft, as well as through hospital-based training programs and community-based projects around the world.

History

Orbis International was established in 1982 by a group of dedicated ophthalmologists, aviators, and philanthropists who were motivated by the staggering statistic that millions of people suffer from avoidable blindness. The organization's unique approach to fighting blindness involved the creation of the Flying Eye Hospital, a fully equipped mobile teaching hospital inside an airplane, which allowed for direct intervention in areas lacking medical infrastructure and for the training of local healthcare professionals.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Orbis International is to improve the quality of life for individuals by preventing and treating blindness and eye diseases. Its vision is a world where no one is needlessly blind or visually impaired. To achieve this, Orbis focuses on areas with the greatest need and potential for impact, working in partnership with local hospitals, universities, government agencies, and other NGOs.

Programs and Initiatives

Orbis International operates several key programs to fulfill its mission:

Flying Eye Hospital

The Flying Eye Hospital is a fully equipped mobile teaching hospital on board an MD-10 aircraft. It travels around the world, providing hands-on training to local eye care professionals and delivering sight-saving surgeries in areas where they are needed most.

Hospital-Based Training

Beyond the Flying Eye Hospital, Orbis conducts hospital-based training programs in various countries. These programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of local communities and focus on building long-term capabilities in eye health care.

Cybersight

Cybersight is Orbis's telemedicine platform, offering online training and mentorship to eye care professionals in remote and underserved areas. It enables them to consult with Orbis's network of volunteer experts, access educational resources, and participate in live webinars and courses.

Community-Based Projects

Orbis also supports community-based projects that aim to increase access to quality eye care, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. These projects often involve screening for eye conditions, providing glasses and other visual aids, and raising awareness about eye health.

Impact

Since its inception, Orbis International has had a significant impact on global eye health. It has conducted programs in over 90 countries, trained thousands of healthcare professionals, and helped millions of people to see again or for the first time.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, Orbis International faces ongoing challenges, including the rising prevalence of eye diseases linked to aging populations and lifestyle changes, and the need for sustainable funding. Looking forward, Orbis aims to expand its reach through technological innovations like Cybersight, strengthen healthcare systems, and advocate for eye health to be included in global health agendas.

See Also

• Ophthalmology
• Visual impairment
• Non-governmental organization
• Telemedicine

External Links

• Official website

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