Orbis International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and treating blindness, has announced the return of its Flying Eye Hospital to Bangladesh. This unique initiative, supported by the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Alcon Cares, the Alcon Foundation, and FedEx, aims to enhance the skills of local eye care professionals and improve eye care services across the country.
From November 17 to 28, 2024, the Flying Eye Hospital will be stationed at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram. This state-of-the-art, fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on a plane will serve as the hub for a comprehensive two-week training program. Orbis’s clinical staff and Volunteer Faculty, consisting of medical experts, will provide hands-on surgical training, patient care education, simulation training, and ophthalmic workshops. The goal is to build the capacity of local eye care teams, elevate the standard of eye care, and raise awareness about eye health in Bangladesh.
Dr. Munir Ahmed, Country Director of Orbis Bangladesh, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are honored to bring the Flying Eye Hospital back to Bangladesh in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and CEITC. Our long-term partnerships are critical to increasing access to quality eye care in Bangladesh. Thank you to Alcon Cares, the Alcon Foundation, and FedEx for helping to make this project happen. Their support is essential to Orbis and our mission to build strong and sustainable eye care systems.”
This project marks the eleventh visit of the Flying Eye Hospital to Bangladesh, with the first taking place in 1985 and the most recent in 2017. Training activities will be conducted both on the Flying Eye Hospital and at the Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex (CEITC), Orbis’s partner hospital. The program will focus on various ophthalmic subspecialties, including cataracts, oculoplastics, surgical retina, pediatric glaucoma, and cornea, as well as anesthesiology, nursing, and biomedical engineering.
The Flying Eye Hospital’s return to Bangladesh is a testament to Orbis’s commitment to long-term partnerships and sustainable eye care solutions. By providing advanced training and resources, Orbis aims to empower local healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality eye care and address the pressing needs of their communities.
Alcon, a long-time partner of Orbis, has played a crucial role in supporting this initiative. For over forty years, Alcon has provided in-kind donations through Alcon Cares and monetary contributions through the Alcon Foundation. Their expert biomedical engineers and trainers also participate in Orbis projects, sharing their knowledge and skills to help local participants operate and maintain critical medical technology.
The collaboration between Orbis International, the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and various supporting organizations highlights the importance of global partnerships in tackling health challenges. By working together, these entities are making significant strides in improving eye care and preventing blindness in Bangladesh.
As the Flying Eye Hospital embarks on this mission, it brings hope and the promise of better eye health to countless individuals. Through education, training, and collaboration, Orbis International continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, ensuring a brighter future for communities around the world.
Source: Orbis International Brings the Flying Eye Hospital to Bangladesh to Improve Eye Care