#Orbis International #Rwanda #Kigali #Flying Eye Hospital

Orbis International's Groundbreaking Initiative in Rwanda

Orbis International, a global nonprofit dedicated to fighting preventable blindness, has made a significant leap in advancing eye health in Rwanda. For the first time, the organization introduces its groundbreaking Flying Eye Hospital, a state-of-the-art aircraft, to support local eye care teams. This project, which runs for two weeks in Kigali, is in collaboration with Rwanda's Ministry of Health and aims to bolster the skills of local medical professionals in a practical, hands-on environment.

The Flying Eye Hospital is a fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on a plane, generously donated by FedEx. This unique aircraft is designed to deliver educational training and patient care in areas lacking adequate eye care facilities. It features an operating room, a classroom, a recovery room, and advanced simulation training suites, providing a rare opportunity for local medical staff to learn the latest techniques and practices in ophthalmic care.

A Historic Training Initiative

This training project coincides with a greater mission to elevate eye health across Rwanda, marking the country as the 84th in which this innovative program has been implemented. Orbis has made strides in numerous countries since its inception in 1982, combining in-person training with advanced technology to improve eye care globally.

During this two-week initiative, Orbis staff and volunteer faculty will engage participants through various training modalities, including simulation-based training, surgical hands-on practice, and workshops targeting specialized areas such as cataracts, oculoplastics, and medical retina. This approach is tailored not only to enhance surgical techniques but also to provide comprehensive training in ancillary disciplines like anesthesiology, nursing, and biomedical engineering.

One of the highlights of the training includes the use of virtual reality (VR) tools to simulate cataract surgeries. Participants will not only practice on these portable VR devices, co-developed by Orbis, but will also receive one of the devices as a donation for continued practice after the program concludes. This initiative reflects Orbis’s commitment to equipping medical professionals with cutting-edge technology to refine their skills.

Dr. Ciku Mathenge, Medical Advisor for Orbis in Africa, expressed her excitement, stating, "I am delighted that Orbis is bringing the Flying Eye Hospital to Rwanda for the first time. This support is vital for Rwanda's national focus on eye health and will empower the next generation of ophthalmologists in East Africa to deliver high-quality care within their communities."

Corporate Support for a Noble Cause

The success of this project would not have been possible without support from notable partners such as the Alcon Foundation and OMEGA, both of which have been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities and operational aspects of the Flying Eye Hospital. The Alcon Foundation has collaborated with Orbis for over 40 years, providing significant funding and technical expertise that has enriched training across multiple nations.

Similarly, OMEGA's involvement since 2011 has allowed for continued efforts in combating avoidable blindness through various initiatives, including funding training projects and providing essential materials for young patients. Their commitment helps raise awareness about pressing eye health issues worldwide, and their contributions extend beyond financial support, showcasing a deep-rooted partnership with Orbis.

Expanding Eye Health in Rwanda

The cooperation between Orbis and the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO) marks a critical step towards advancing the training of eye care professionals in the region. Over the past decade, this partnership has focused on growing the number of qualified professionals who can provide essential eye health services. Since 2021, joint initiatives have tackled prevalent issues such as diabetic retinopathy, enhancing detection through innovative AI technology linked to Orbis’s Cybersight platform.

This inaugural mission of the Flying Eye Hospital is emblematic of Rwanda's burgeoning reputation as a leader in eye health innovation. The collaboration with government bodies and local institutions amplifies the potential for sustainable eye care solutions, strengthening the overall health system in the region. By sharing expertise and training leaders in eye health, Orbis is paving the way for a brighter future for countless individuals battling vision impairments.

In summary, Orbis International's Flying Eye Hospital initiative not only signifies a first for Rwanda but also represents a transformative opportunity for local eye care teams to acquire vital skills. With ongoing support from partners and a focus on sustainable practices, this project aims to lay a solid foundation for lasting improvements in eye health within Rwanda and beyond.