Heroes of Orbis: Dr. Henry O'Halloran

Originally from Ireland and now based in San Diego, Dr. O’Halloran first learned about Orbis through a friend connected to Orbis Ireland. That introduction eventually led him to join an Orbis Flying Eye Hospital project in Ghana in 2019, as well as one in Mongolia, and most recently a hospital-based training project in Lima, Peru.

In December 2025, Dr. O’Halloran served as Volunteer Faculty during a strabismus-focused training at San Bartolomé Hospital in Lima. Over five days, the team screened 21 pediatric patients and performed sight-improving surgery on 16 children between the ages of 2 and 13.

What makes the experience especially meaningful for Dr. O’Halloran is our commitment not just to treating, but teaching. Rather than simply performing surgeries, the program focused on building local expertise so doctors can provide care long after our teams leave.

Dr. O’Halloran says, “The Orbis approach of teaching local surgeons how to do the surgery is a great way to do things. Teach a man to fish rather than give a man a fish.”

During the training, he saw firsthand how quickly local surgeons develop new skills with the right guidance.

“They’re very enthusiastic and very keen to learn—very fast learners. By day two, my trainee surgeon was ready to start doing the cases by herself with me just watching.”

He also notes that the collaborative culture within Orbis projects strengthens the entire care team.

“The level of collegiality among the Orbis people is pretty cool to watch. By the end of the week, you can see the difference—the team really gels together.”

For Dr. O’Halloran, that spirit of mentorship and collaboration is what makes Orbis stand out.

“I think Orbis is a natural leader and clearly has done spectacular work in the ophthalmic world throughout the world.”

Through volunteers like Dr. O’Halloran, we continue to train eye care teams, strengthen local health systems, and ensure that more children everywhere have the chance to see clearly.