Orbis International Welcomes John Slattery as New Chair of the Board

Orbis International, a prominent NGO focusing on global eye care, has officially appointed John Slattery as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. This significant transition marks a new chapter for the organization, which strives to prevent blindness and restore sight in underprivileged communities around the world.

John Slattery, an experienced leader in the aerospace industry, comes to Orbis with over 25 years of expertise in aviation. His previous positions include Chairman at Forgital Group and President & CEO of GE Aviation. With this robust background, Slattery aims to deepen Orbis's partnerships within the aviation sector, which is vital for the expansion of their mission.

One of the organization’s groundbreaking initiatives is the Flying Eye Hospital, a fully equipped aircraft serving as an ophthalmic teaching hospital. This unique platform delivers sight-saving care and education to regions where it is most needed. Slattery’s connection to Orbis began nearly two decades ago, joining the board in 2006, and he has since been a steadfast advocate for its mission.

During his tenure, Slattery has been instrumental in enhancing the visibility of Orbis, notably helping to orchestrate its record-breaking gala in 2025. His commitment to eye care will be pivotal as Orbis emphasizes the necessity of vision care, essential for enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

In his inaugural remarks as Chair, Slattery expressed his pride in stepping into this role, stating, “The Flying Eye Hospital brings world-class training and care to places where it's needed most and offers a unique connection to the aviation sector, which we hope to build on.” This statement underscores his dedication to leveraging his experience for Orbis's forward momentum.

Statistics suggest that around 1.1 billion people worldwide live with vision impairment, yet 90% of these cases are preventable with adequate eye care. This alarming figure highlights the urgent need for organizations like Orbis, which trains local healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive eye care in their communities.

Orbis is not only focused on treatment but also on technological advancements in eye care. The organization has implemented initiatives like Cybersight, an award-winning e-learning platform that facilitates training and telehealth solutions to aid local eye care providers.

The organization stands among the top 3% of U.S. charities concerning transparency and accountability, earning accolades from platforms like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau. This reputation empowers its mission, as Slattery and the Board aim to enhance global access to effective eye care.

In summary, John Slattery’s appointment heralds a new era for Orbis International, one that promises to expand its reach and elevate the essential services it provides. Slattery's strategic vision, combined with Orbis's mission, is set to profoundly impact thousands of lives by ensuring that vision impairment does not hinder anyone's potential to learn, work, and enjoy both life and opportunities. For further insights into Orbis's ongoing efforts and initiatives, you can visit their official website at orbis.org.

Slattery’s leadership is expected to pave the way for innovative partnerships, a strengthened commitment to community-based care, and expanded global recognition of the critical importance of eye health. Together with the dedicated Orbis team and supporters, he is determined to make avoidable blindness a thing of the past.

Topics Health)

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