Dubai, June 8, 2008 — En route to providing medical training and eye care treatment to the people of Syria, the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital — a specially equipped DC-10 aircraft with state-of-the-art ophthalmic surgical and training facilities — has landed at Dubai International Airport. For two days at the Executive Flight Services terminal, ORBIS will welcome aboard government officials and leaders of Dubai’s ophthalmic community for a tour of this unique aircraft. The purpose of the visit is to introduce the work of ORBIS in the hope of widening the international network of people dedicated to eliminating the growing tragedy of unnecessary blindness.

Amphion Innovations plc, a developer and operator of companies in the life sciences and medical technology sectors, with support from FedEx, an ORBIS Global Sponsor, have made the Dubai goodwill visit possible.  An independent nonprofit global development organization, ORBIS conducts goodwill tours as a way to explore future collaboration in eye care and education.

“We deeply thank Amphion Innovations and FedEx for hosting our visit,” said Geoffrey Holland, ORBIS International executive director and CEO. “For more than a quarter century, the ORBIS DC-10 has transcended its original purpose as a mode of transport to become an international icon. It is a catalyst for change and an unprecedented advocate for sight. With each mission, the Flying Eye Hospital is bringing hope and healing to many more people in the developing world who are blind or in danger of losing their eyesight.”

By connecting business with charity, ORBIS is able to design substantial programs that improve local ophthalmic skills, strengthen health care facilities, and foster ongoing awareness of eye health. These programs make it possible for organizations like Amphion Innovations and FedEx, who share the common vision of a world in which no one is needlessly blind, to get involved. 

Richard Morgan, CEO of Amphion Innovations said, "Amphion is delighted to be a sponsor of this visit by the ORBIS team to Dubai. We hope that this goodwill visit will lead to an expansion of blindness prevention programs in the Gulf and the wider region. We look forward to future visits to the region promoting an exchange of expertise and skills between ophthalmologists worldwide.”

ORBIS and FedEx: Delivering sight worldwide

“ORBIS makes wonderful use of aviation for the betterment of mankind. FedEx strongly supports ORBIS in its mission to eradicate the tragedy of avoidable blindness and encourages others to support this outstanding organization,” said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and CEO of FedEx Corporation.

As a global sponsor of ORBIS for more than 20 years, FedEx has committed its unparalleled networks, dedicated employees and vast aviation expertise to assist ORBIS in delivering the gift of sight to countless individuals throughout the developing world. In 2006, FedEx renewed its support to ORBIS with a US$5.5 million commitment, which includes financial, logistical and operational support for ORBIS and its Flying Eye Hospital through 2011. During this time, FedEx has agreed to support 10 Flying Eye Hospital programs and has created a new fellowship program — the FedEx Fellows — in which ORBIS will award  medical training fellowships to ophthalmologists from around the world.

Delivering unwavering support, FedEx Express completes the annual safety check for the Flying Eye Hospital at no cost to ORBIS. In addition, FedEx Express pilots volunteer their time to fly the Flying Eye Hospital to medical program locations worldwide. FedEx also gives complimentary access to its powerful network, providing transportation services in support of ORBIS initiatives around the world.

ORBIS sincerely appreciates the kindness of the people of Dubai, especially the Dubai Airports and Executive Flight Services, for their assistance and generous donation of services, which has helped make this visit possible.

Be part of the solution: Give the gift of sight

Since 1982, ORBIS programs have benefited people in 86 countries, enhancing the skills of more than 195,000 health care personnel and providing eye care treatment for more than 6.8 million people. At the same time, ORBIS has been building up the local capacity of eye care institutions through comprehensive long-term development programs tailored to the specific needs of ORBIS-sponsored partners in developing countries. In addition to clinical training aboard the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital and in local hospitals, this also includes technical assistance in effective disease control, monitoring and evaluation, human resource and organizational development, infrastructure and technology and community partnership.

To learn more about ORBIS, watch a video about ORBIS’s work or make a donation, please visit www.orbis.org. 

About Amphion Innovations plc

Amphion Innovations plc (LSE:AMP) creates shareholder value in high-growth companies in the medical and technology sectors by using a focused, hands-on company-building approach, based on decades of experience in both the US and UK. With strong ties throughout the Gulf region, Amphion Partner Company, Motif Biosciences Inc., works to accelerate the discovery of genetic variation involved in common diseases. 

Further strengthening its ties in the region, in 2007, Amphion and its Kuwaiti partners formed MSA, a Gulf-based joint venture that enables far-sighted global investors and institutions to participate in the next stage of the Gulf’s technological and life sciences development by investing in local companies while attracting and developing the best young Arab and Western entrepreneurial talent. 

For more information, please visit the Amphion website, www.amphionplc.com.

About FedEx

FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $37 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. 

Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. 

For more information, visit news.fedex.com.

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