Orbis International, the nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming eye care worldwide, has returned to Bangladesh with its groundbreaking Flying Eye Hospital. From November 17 to 28, 2024, the world’s only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on a plane is stationed in Chattogram, providing essential training for eye care professionals from across the country. This marks the eleventh time the Flying Eye Hospital has visited Bangladesh, underscoring the long-standing collaboration between Orbis and local health authorities.
The project, which is taking place at the invitation of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is part of Orbis’s broader mission to enhance the capabilities of local eye care teams. With support from key partners, including the Alcon Foundation, FedEx, and Alcon Cares, the initiative offers hands-on training in a range of ophthalmic subspecialties, including cataracts, pediatric glaucoma, oculoplastics, and surgical retina. The training is designed to elevate the skills of local medical professionals, improve the quality of care, and build sustainable, self-sufficient eye care systems in Bangladesh.
Dr. Munir Ahmed, Country Director of Orbis Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of the Flying Eye Hospital’s return. “We are honored to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and CEITC. Our partnerships are vital in increasing access to quality eye care in Bangladesh, and we are grateful to Alcon, Alcon Cares, and FedEx for their continued support,” said Dr. Ahmed.
The project takes place at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram, where the Flying Eye Hospital is docked, and at Orbis’s partner facility, the Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex (CEITC). During the two-week program, clinical staff and volunteer medical experts from Orbis will deliver both surgical training and educational workshops for local healthcare professionals. These sessions aim to improve technical skills in areas like anesthesiology, nursing, and biomedical engineering, crucial for maintaining high-quality care.
Alcon, which has supported Orbis for over four decades, continues to play a major role in these efforts. The company provides both financial support through its Alcon Foundation and in-kind donations via Alcon Cares. Additionally, Alcon’s biomedical engineers contribute to the training program, sharing their expertise in maintaining and operating essential medical technology. Duane Stumpf, an Alcon Cares and Alcon Foundation Board Member, emphasized the company’s commitment to making eye care accessible globally. “We believe in creating self-sustaining eye health systems and training proficient teams to combat avoidable vision loss,” Stumpf said. “This partnership with Orbis is integral to achieving those goals.”
FedEx, a longstanding supporter of Orbis’s mission, has also made significant contributions. Over the years, the logistics giant has donated over US$22 million in financial and in-kind support, including crucial shipping services to transport equipment and supplies to remote areas. FedEx pilots, who volunteer their time, also fly the Flying Eye Hospital to Orbis projects around the world. Justin Brownlee, Senior Vice President of FedEx, praised the unique nature of the Flying Eye Hospital and the innovation behind its work. “We’re incredibly proud of the work that our FedEx pilots and other volunteers are doing to support Orbis’s mission. The Flying Eye Hospital program is an example of innovation and compassion, bringing hope to some of the most underserved areas.”
This collaboration aims to leave a lasting impact on Bangladesh’s eye care system, not only by enhancing the skills of local professionals but also by fostering a deeper awareness of eye health issues. The Flying Eye Hospital, with its state-of-the-art facilities and expert training staff, is playing a crucial role in building a sustainable foundation for the future of eye care in Bangladesh and beyond.
With the ongoing support of Alcon, FedEx, and other partners, Orbis is making strides toward a world where everyone has access to high-quality eye care, regardless of their location.