Female ophthalmologists from across the Middle East work with simulation equipment during an Orbis Flying Eye Hospital training prroject in Doha, Qatar

Empowering women in conflict zones to save sight

Globally, there are 112 million more women than men living with vision loss, including blindness. Many barriers prevent both women and men from accessing eye health services, but these barriers can often be more problematic for women.

Barriers differ around the world and across communities, but a lack of education, difficulty in accessing finances, and an inability to travel mean that women and girls are disproportionately affected by blindness.

To maximize our impact and help ensure equitable access for all, Orbis has made it a priority to create training programs that directly address the additional obstacles that women and girls face in accessing healthcare.

Which is why we’re proud to report that our latest Flying Eye Hospital training project was designed specifically to empower women living in conflict-affected areas. The pilot project brought together ophthalmologists and nurses from Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

Training participants from the Middle East stand with Orbis Volunteer Faculty and Seymour teddy bears outside of the Flying Eye Hospital in Doha, Qatar — An amazing group of women spent a week training on board our Flying Eye Hospital.

Empowering and enhancing the skills of female eye care workers will ultimately ensure better eye care for women and girls in their communities. With better eye care comes better opportunities, better wellbeing, and more independence.

Guided by an all-women group of Volunteer Faculty, the participants worked with cutting-edge simulation devices such as virtual reality, artificial eyes, and life-like manikins to develop the skills and know-how to fight avoidable causes of vision loss like cataracts (clouding of the lens) and glaucoma (a build-up of pressure in the eye). Simulation training is proven to improve outcomes for patients. Throughout the project, 200 artificial eyes were used to hone complex surgical skills and improve outcomes for their patients back at home.

Scroll through the gallery and see this wonderful group of women in action.

Outside of the plane, our Volunteer Faculty plus guest speakers gathered for a Women Leaders in Eye Health Coffee Hour, which was watched by our women in training, and also live streamed on Cybersight. Tune in to watch the Coffee Hour.

Orbis Volunteer Faculty, project participants and guest speakers get involved in a Women Leaders in Eye Health Coffee Hour talk at Hamad International Airport — Hot topics in eye health were discussed during our Coffee Hour.

Meet the Extraordinary Women

During the project, we were delighted to work with some exceptional women. Hear more from them below:

Dr. Sanoor Mahmoood

Ophthalmologist, Iraq

"This project was a way to help people more. I chose ophthalmology because when I was an undergrad, the local people from my city were going to a neighbouring county to get the care they needed. Logistically it was expensive, it was a burden for them, they had to pay lots of money to get treatment there. That’s why I felt it was my duty to develop my skills in ophthalmology, and one day have the opportunity to serve my people.

"When I was a grad student, I also watched a documentary about The Flying Eye Hospital. The first day of my training I called my sister and she said, Sanoor you remember we were watching that documentary and it had an effect on me! I got to see it and work on it in real life!"

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Dr. Tasneem

Ophthalmology Resident, Sudan

"I feel amazing, this program was very organized. I would like to thank all the Orbis team for their great effort...it was awesome to be a part of this project. It’s been very helpful to improving my skills especially in our country, as we don’t have a program like this. In my training now I’m not needing to begin from zero, it’s shortened the way for me. I would like to share in more and more programs like this."

Dr. Esraa AlNaihoom

Ophthalmology resident, Libya

"It was an amazing week. It was so concentrated and full of information. The expert volunteers were generous and shared everything they have learned over the years. It’s incredible how much we’ve learned in a short period of time. Imagine if we had more time for this – we would master everything! Every small detail during the training was making me happy; I learned a lot.

"Women ophthalmologists are increasing in my country, and we’re becoming more competitive in the field. It’s good for us to have access to this type of training and learn to apply the perfect techniques, step by step."

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Dr. Samita Moolani

Consultant Ophthalmologist, and Orbis Volunteer Faculty member, India

"I think that the women that came to train are from areas where conflict can suppress their ability to learn. This program has included some very brilliant young women with a passion for education and ophthalmology. At the start of every session, I often found them to be unsure of themselves and at the end of the day, especially when almost all of them were holding advanced technology in their hands, there was a change in the way they looked.

"Their eyes were gleaming with excitement for learning, something that would not have been possible had it not been for this program."

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Dr. Maria Jose Montero Romero

Associate Director of Clinical Services on board the Flying Eye Hospital

"It’s been an honor to lead on this all-women program. There are 112 million more women than men that suffer from vision loss globally. The availability of female medical professionals is crucial for tackling this gender imbalance. It’s important we create opportunities and support their progression.

"Strong partnerships and teamwork are vital to driving down unnecessary blindness, everywhere, for everyone. Without like-minded individuals and organizations, projects like these simply aren’t possible. I’d like to thank the Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity and all those who helped us to realize this program. We hope the week will be a stepping stone to generating more opportunities for women in eye care, wherever they may be."

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Thank You for Making This All Possible

A nurse and Orbis training project participant from Sudan makes the peace sign in front of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital — An enormous thanks to all involved for bringing this amazing project to life.

This training opportunity couldn’t have been brought to life without the incredible support of our generous partners. A big thank you for the leadership of Qatar Fund for Development and Qatar Charity, with endorsement by the Qatari Ministry of Public Health and additional support from partners Qatar Airways, Qatar Executive, and Hamad International Airport, who generously provided on-the-ground support throughout the week. We’re also delighted to have the support of OMEGA, the title sponsor of our Flying Eye Hospital visits to the Middle East in 2022.

We’re grateful for the skills and dedication of our Volunteer Faculty, volunteer Flying Eye Hospital pilots, and team of women who are committed to fighting avoidable blindness and removing the extra barriers to access many women and girls face.

A big thank you to all our wonderful supporters. As a result of this program, many women and girls from conflict zones will now receive improved eye care. And with your continued support, we'll be able to deliver more training to improve the lives of even more women and girls.

Donate Today

Help us empower more women to fight avoidable blindness!

Two female ophthalmologists practice surgical skills using a manikin during a Flying Eye Hospital training project in Doha, Qatar

Partners unite to launch ground-breaking training program on the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital

October 30, 2022

Partners include Orbis, Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity, OMEGA, Qatar Airways Group, Hamad International Airport and Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health.

Blindness Gender Inequality - Women & Girls

Blindness is a gender issue: globally there are 112 million more women than men living with vision loss, including blindness. Below, we explore the reasons behind this injustice and profile some of the women who are doing something about it. After all, a brighter future for women is a brighter future for the planet.

Empowering women in conflict zones to save sight

Meet the Extraordinary Women

Thank You for Making This All Possible

Donate Today

Partners unite to launch ground-breaking training program on the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital

Blindness Gender Inequality - Women & Girls

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