ORBIS International, a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to blindness prevention in developing countries, stands out from other charities in several respects. Our world renowned Flying Eye Hospital, numerous endorsements from heads of states, highly educated and experienced volunteer medical staff, and our focus on long-term sustainability place ORBIS International in a class of its own.

Flying Eye Hospital: World’s only airborne ophthalmic hospital

ORBIS operates the world’s only Flying Eye Hospital, a DC-10 wide-body aircraft converted into an innovative teaching facility and ophthalmic surgical center. By bringing specialized training programs in both adult and pediatric ophthalmology directly to eye doctors and nurses in developing countries, the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital offers a unique solution to the difficulties medical professionals in these countries encounter in securing tuition, airfare and accommodations for overseas ophthalmic training.

Medical volunteers: Unparalleled expertise

ORBIS maintains an active pool of more than 500 volunteer medical faculty — many from the world’s most prestigious eye care institutions. This high level of expertise enables volunteer medical professionals to deliver hands-on ophthalmic instruction and patient care from the moment they arrive until the time they depart.

Capacity building: Creating a sustainable infrastructure

Rather than delivering short-term emergency assistance, ORBIS is dedicated to building up the long-term capabilities of local eye care institutions. ORBIS works with local and national governments, as well as private sector, community-based and nongovernmental organizations, to help its partners reach a state where they can provide, on their own, quality eye care services that are affordable, accessible and sustainable.

Along with clinical care training, ORBIS offers consultation in hospital management, administration and finance. ORBIS helps its partners develop effective organizational systems, maintain equipment and further relations with ministries of health. By contributing to the development of sustainable health care systems in the countries in which it works, ORBIS can affect many more lives than is possible through a single visit. 

Pediatric ophthalmology: A world leader

A child’s eye is vastly different from an adult’s, and to provide services in pediatric ophthalmology requires highly sophisticated, advanced training. Many eye care centers in developing countries offer no pediatric services whatsoever, leaving many children whose eye diseases could be cured if treated early permanently blind.

ORBIS is a world leader in delivering pediatric ophthalmology training to developing countries. ORBIS was one of the first organizations working in developing countries to make pediatric blindness prevention and treatment a priority. ORBIS is strengthening pediatric ophthalmology capacity by providing clinical training as well as financial and technical support. Congenital cataracts and glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity and inherited corneal diseases are among ORBIS’ pediatric specialties.

Flying Eye Hospital as goodwill ambassador

Over the past 25 years, ORBIS has been endorsed by 70 world leaders for its philanthropic efforts in blindness prevention and eyesight restoration. Here is what some of these leaders have said about ORBIS International:

“It is my personal conviction that beyond the new hope it brings to the visually impaired and the exchange of medical skills for which it is widely appreciated, ORBIS also has a most positive impact when it brings together peoples and communities who have been separated by mistrust and conflict.”

U.N. Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, 1988

“ORBIS shows what can be done when professional resources are mobilized in the service of others. Dedicated ophthalmologists, medical personnel and aviators from many countries have come together in a unique way to bring sight to the sightless across the world.”

U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, 1992

“Allow me to congratulate you on the activities  and impressive success of your organization, both in providing eye care to thousands of people worldwide and in bringing communities together across ethnic lines.”

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, 2006

ORBIS brings its high level ophthalmic care and training by invitation of the host country, regardless of political philosophy or standing in the world community.

You can help

You can be a part of ORBIS’s unique sight-saving work by offering your financial support or medical expertise. Please give generously so that others may see.