#Vietnam #Orbis International #Da Nang #Flying Eye Hospital

Orbis International Celebrates 30 Years of Advancing Eye Health in Vietnam

In a remarkable testament to the power of sustained collaboration, Orbis International is celebrating its 30-year journey in improving eye health across Vietnam. This initiative is characterized by a strong partnership with local health authorities and communities, emphasizing training, capacity-building, and the establishment of eye care networks. Over these decades, Orbis has made significant strides in raising awareness and developing systems that address the eye health needs of millions.

Long-Term Partnership for Eye Care

Orbis's journey began in 1996, rooted in a commitment to provide quality eye care in Vietnam. Through collaborations with various hospitals, health institutions, and local governments, they have significantly influenced Vietnam’s healthcare landscape. The organization has trained over 40,000 eye care professionals and has offered essential services to more than 5.2 million individuals. These numbers reflect not just the reach of the organization but also its impact on countless lives.

At the forefront of these initiatives is the Flying Eye Hospital project, a unique mobile training facility that allows local healthcare professionals to gain hands-on experience. In the latest phase, the Flying Eye Hospital is stationed in Da Nang, providing vital training and mentorship to around 230 eye care professionals. This innovative approach ensures that learning and knowledge exchange continue beyond the project duration, as trained professionals carry these new skills back to their communities.

Innovative Training through Cybersight

Orbis integrates modern technology into its training programs, including its Cybersight platform, which acts as a bridge connecting in-person training to ongoing education. Through this telemedicine service, participants can engage with global experts, access educational material, and build upon their skills, providing a continuum of care that extends far beyond the Flying Eye Hospital’s visit.

This multifaceted approach not only helps improve the skills of local eye care professionals but also fosters a culture of knowledge-sharing, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. The emphasis on local leadership is crucial, as it empowers Vietnamese institutions to take the lead in eye health, ensuring sustainability of the advancements made.

A Future Focused on Local Leadership

Orbis’s Vietnam Country Director, Ngoc Pham, emphasizes that the focus should remain on developing local capabilities. “Our role is to support, innovate, and enhance local leadership,” he states. This philosophy underpins Orbis’s work, leading to a model where Vietnamese health institutions can independently drive improvements in eye care.

The collaboration with FedEx, which generously supported the Flying Eye Hospital project, illustrates the holistic approach to solving health issues. FedEx’s involvement ensures safe and efficient logistics of getting the Flying Eye Hospital to where it is needed most, allowing the Orbis team to focus on what they do best—training and capacity building.

FedEx’s managing director in Vietnam and Cambodia, Ee-Hui Tan, highlighted the shared goal of both organizations: “Together with Orbis, we are investing in the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals, strengthening Vietnam's eye care system.”

Looking Ahead: Continuous Growth and Innovation

With a proven track record, the future appears bright for Orbis and its partners. In response to the growing complexities of eye health challenges, Orbis is poised to scale its efforts further. By innovating in areas like AI-supported screening and digital health initiatives, they aim to expand access to quality eye care throughout the country.

Orbis is not just about immediate fixes but building systems that empower communities to thrive long-term. Their commitment reflects an understanding that eye health is integral to overall community wellbeing.

As Vietnam continues to emerge as a leader in eye health within the Asia-Pacific sphere, the lessons learned from this partnership will resonate regionally and globally. By focusing on sustainable, long-term solutions, Orbis ensures that every individual in Vietnam can access the quality eye care they deserve, effectively transforming lives for the better.

In conclusion, the 30-year partnership between Orbis International and Vietnam represents a significant milestone in global eye health efforts. It reiterates the importance of collaboration, innovation, and local leadership in creating a world where quality healthcare is accessible to all.