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Simul Can Play

April 05, 2017

Four-year-old Simul has had a very difficult childhood. His mother and father left him when he was only a small baby, and he was raised by his grandmother. At an early age, he began to have difficulty seeing. His grandmother heard about an eye health outreach program happening in their town and took Simul to be examined.

Director, Financial Planning and Analysis

October 30, 2020

As a member of the Finance Team, the Director, Financial Planning and Analysis provides global oversight of Orbis International financial planning, including the annual budget process, as well as the annual long-range forecast process, and on-going financial projections throughout the year.

Flying Eye Hospital Lands in Myanmar

September 27, 2019

The dust has barely had time to settle on the runway in Vietnam before the Flying Eye Hospital touched down for its next training project. Our staff and crew have hit the ground running in Mandalay, Myanmar, where we’ve just begun a two-week training project.

Chief Financial And Administrative Officer - Danusia Dzierzbinski

Danusia joined the organization as CFO in September 2019 and oversees the management of Orbis Finance.

Retinopathy of Prematurity: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Retinopathy of Prematurity is a potentially blinding eye disease that affects premature infants and is the leading cause of blindness among children worldwide. It's particularly prevalent in Latin America & South East Asia where more premature babies are being saved, but few hospitals have the skills & resources to deliver the care needed.

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Vietnam Flying Eye Hospital Project Wrap-Up

September 19, 2019

Our 2019 Flying Eye Hospital Project in Hue, Vietnam, has now drawn to close. The three-week project was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to the commitment and enthusiasm of our local partners from the Hue Eye Hospital.

Vietnam: Dung Can See His Family Again

September 19, 2019

Family man and farmer, Dung, started losing his sight to cataracts two years ago.

At first he was reluctant to get treatment as he wrongly thought he would become permanently blind and risk losing income. With both eyes severely impaired, he lost confidence and hope in doing things he enjoyed.

2018 Annual Report

September 11, 2019

In 2018 supporters across the globe generously gave over $246 million to Orbis International. Your support allowed Orbis International (excluding affiliates) to put 92.8% of that towards our sight saving work, 3.9% towards fundraising, and 3.3% towards management/general. Read the full report below.

Press Release: Orbis Appoints New CFO

August 28, 2019

NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2019 – Orbis International today announced the appointment of Danusia Dzierzbinski as Chief Financial Officer. Orbis, a leading global non-governmental organization, has been a pioneer in the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness for over 30 years. Dzierzbinski will join the organization’s Executive Leadership Team.

World Sight Day: All Eyes On 2020

October 08, 2019

Thursday October 10th is World Sight Day, one of the most important days in the eye health calendar - a day to come together and celebrate the achievements of the eye health community and raise awareness of the important issues on the horizon.

Peru: Building A Sustainable Future For Eye Health

We've been working alongside local partners to fight blindness in Peru since 2002; taking a comprehensive and sustainable approach to improve the quality of health systems and services, build the skills of local eye teams & educate communities on eye health awareness.

Orbis Airports Quiz: Crack The Code

August 21, 2019

How well do you know your EYE from your POO? Take our fun airport code quiz to find out, and make sure you sign up for all the latest news from our Flying Hospital as it travels the world fighting blindness.

Flying Eye Hospital Lands in Vietnam

August 21, 2019

Our world-class Flying Eye Hospital has arrived in Hue, Vietnam, for a three-week teaching and training project working alongside the Ministry of Health and the Hue Eye Hospital.

Dr. Wayman: Using Technology To Improve Eye Care In Peru

August 13, 2019

Dr. Laura Wayman has been a part of the Orbis Volunteer Faculty family for just over a year-and-a-half. In her day job she is Vice Chair for Education at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee.

Flying Eye Hospital Prepares For Vietnam

August 08, 2019

Our Flying Eye Hospital staff and crew are gearing up for the next project in Hue, Vietnam, marking its 10th trip to this beautiful country. The three-week project - due to begin later this month - will be focusing on diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and childhood blindness.

Vietnam Nothing Can Stand In Khang's Way Now He Can See

August 06, 2019

Khang, 6, from Vietnam was born with ptosis later developing a squint which - if left untreated - can cause blindness. Thanks to the help of our supporters and amazing partners enabling him to have the two sight-saving surgeries he needed, this bright boy can look forward to a bright future.

VIetnam: Phuong no longer teased at school

August 01, 2019

Phuong from Hoai Nhon, Vietnam, was three months old when her family first spotted her crossed-eyes. After years of wrongly being told that glasses would fix her poor vision, an Orbis-supported school screening program finally gave little Phuong & her anxious mother hope for the future.

Vietnam: Young Tam saved from a life of blindness

July 30, 2019

Tam from Quy Nhon, Vietnam, struggled with his vision from an early age. But thanks to your support, and the work of our Vietnam country office and partners we were able to give Tam his sight back without any cost to his family. Tam was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts and had it not been spotted in time, he would have been blind permanently.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Diabetic retinopathy affects an estimated one-third of people with diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in adults between 35-50. But what is diabetic retinopathy, what causes it and what can be done to treat or prevent it?

The Race To Save Pinki's Sight

October 31, 2019

Born with cataracts in both eyes, little Pinki was in a race against time – she needed a sight-saving operation urgently or she would lose her vision forever.

Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

According to the International Agency for the Prevention Blindness glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness in the world, affecting around 3 million people. But what is glaucoma, how is it caused and what can be done to treat or prevent it?

Ghana: Flying Eye Hospital Project Highlights

December 17, 2019

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital team and our fantastic Volunteer Faculty have wrapped up their 18-day trip to Accra, Ghana.

Scroll down for all the latest from our final project of 2019, including photo slideshows and stories from patients and volunteers.

Press Release: Orbis among Top 100 Proposals for MacArthur $100 Million Grant

February 19, 2020

Orbis and partners in the Vision 4 Africa consortium among high-scoring 100&Change applications featured in Bold Solutions Network.

Legal​ Volunteer​ ​

February 18, 2020

The legal volunteer will work directly with the Orbis General Counsel (an experienced attorney who has practiced law for over ten years) and will be assigned tasks and projects based on their unique knowledge, skill sets, talents and interests. The volunteer should be able to commit to at least 1 day per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Love Is In The Air On Our Flying Eye Hospital

February 13, 2020

As today is Valentine's Day and we’re a romantic bunch here at Orbis, we wanted to share a heartwarming story about two pilots, Captains Cheryl and Pete Pitzer, who are not only in love with the Flying Eye Hospital – but also each other.

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Global Ophthalmology: A Call to Action

January 28, 2020

Dr. Milad Modabber joined our Flying Eye Hospital program as an associate ophthalmologist in Mongolia in the fall of 2018. In an article first published in 'Millennial EYE', he shares his thoughts on why he was inspired to volunteer & describes his experience working alongside our Volunteer Faculty to train & teach local eye doctors.

India: Vaishnavi can smile again now she can see

January 16, 2020

When Vaishnavi started to lose her sight to a cataract, her father feared she would struggle with her education. However, all thanks to a new pediatric eye care project set up at our partner hospital in India's poorest state, our Volunteer Faculty were able to remove her cataract while giving local doctors the opportunity to learn new skills.

Strabismus: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Strabismus is a common condition that causes the eyes to look in different directions when focusing. It usually presents itself in early childhood, but can also occur later on in life. If not detected and treated early, it can have a detrimental and permanent effect on vision - potentially leading to blindness.

Peru: Saving The Sight Of Triplets At Risk Of Blindness

December 19, 2019

When Elisa first learned that her newborn triplets were at risk for Retinopathy of Prematurity, she didn’t know what it meant. Her three older children hadn’t been screened for the condition and this was the first time she’d heard of it.

Orbis Appeal: Help Restore Sight & Hope For Girls Like Megha

December 10, 2019

If you met Megha, you would immediately see that this bright fourth grader from Nepal wears her glasses with pride. The simple lenses do more than just correct her vision. Without them she would have been destined to a life of poverty, dependence and despair. But it's thanks to kind people like you that Megha now can see a bright future.

One Mother's Mission To Save Her Daughter's Sight

October 31, 2019

Mother’s instinct told Verah that something was wrong with her daughter’s vision, which started her mission to find her baby Racheal the sight-saving care she needed.

Orbis launch fund to invest in tech & innovation

December 03, 2019

With global blindness and visual impairment expected to triple by 2050, we’ve launched a new fund designed to help us invest in technology & innovation to reach more people - more efficiently - than ever before.

New Funding for Orbis International Will Increase Global Access to Eye Care through Technology

December 03, 2019

Philanthropists Susan and John A. Sobrato donate $1 million to launch Silicon Valley Orbis Innovation Fund

Flying Eye Hospital Lands in Ghana

November 21, 2019

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital has touched down in Accra, Ghana, for a three-week teaching and training project. It’s the third time the plane has been in Ghana where our teams will be working alongside our usual partners - the Ministry of Health, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Watch our new documentary film - A Solution In Sight

Watch our new documentary film following some of our amazing team on our recent project in Myanmar. The film follows VP of Clinical Services Hunter Cherwek, Flying Eye Hospital staff members Andrew Choyce and Angela Purcell as well as guest appearances from Noelle Whitestone, Volunteer Faculty Dr. James Lehmann and the Mayor of Mandalay

Watch & Share: Solution In Sight

November 18, 2019

Watch our new documentary film following some of our staff and crew on our recent project in Myanmar. This short film gives a behind-the-scenes account of what it's like to work on the front lines of the fight against avoidable blindness.

What Is Trachoma Disease and How Does It Cause Blindness?

Trachoma is an infectious eye disease and one of the leading causes of blindness globally. If left untreated it can develop into trichiasis - a painful condition where the eyelids turn inwards and the eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye leading to irreversible blindness.

Powering The Fight Against The Crisis In Sight

October 31, 2019

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital is unlike any plane you’ve seen before. A state-of-the-art teaching facility complete with operating room, classroom and recovery room – this amazing aircraft has been an example of the marriage between medicine and aviation since 1982.

Every Blink Was Painful For Asegedech

October 31, 2019

Asegedech was one of the 1.2 million people in Ethiopia suffering from trachoma – a cruel and agonizing infection that slowly tortures and blinds.

Why I'm a Partner in Sight

July 30, 2019

As one of Orbis’s volunteer doctors, I already donate my time and skills to the fight against avoidable blindness – so why do I also give a monthly donation?

Hear from Orbis Chief Pilot Captain Gary Dyson this Veterans Day

November 10, 2020

Wednesday 11 November is Veterans Day and we wanted to celebrate by sharing this interview with our amazing Chief Pilot Gary Dyson. Gary is a U.S. Air Force veteran who now leads our fight against blindness. Being of service to others has been a lifelong mission.

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Which Orbis Hero are you? Take the quiz today

December 19, 2018

Take this fun quiz to find out which member of the Flying Eye Hospital crew you'd be.

And don't forget to share your results!

International Women's Day: Meet Orbis hero Valerie Suberg

March 07, 2019

In honor of International Women's Day we're delighted to introduce you to a vital member of the Orbis family - Valerie Suberg - our Senior Manager of Aircraft Maintenance. Without this incredible woman, our Flying Eye Hospital would never get off the ground - literally.

Chief Pilot Gary Dyson Wins Endeavor Award

March 04, 2019

We’re thrilled to announce our wonderful Flying Eye Hospital Chief Pilot, Gary Dyson, has won an Endeavor Award. The award recognizes pilots who go above and beyond to transform lives by volunteering their time and skills to good causes.

Orbis CEO unveils new program in Bangladesh

February 21, 2019

A staggering one-third of 10 million diabetics in Bangladesh risk going blind because so many sufferers go undiagnosed. A new project in the Gopalganj district - unveiled by our CEO Bob Ranck - is dedicated to combating an explosion of blindness caused by diabetes.

A life dedicated to fighting blindness in Mongolia

February 14, 2019

As one of the most qualified cataract ophthalmologists in Mongolia Dr. Enkhutshin's work ethic is pretty inspiring. With the country's cataract rates so high and a cataract surgical rate the lowest in Asia, she's committed to fighting blindness in her country by sharing her top class eye care skills with local eye care teams.

Vote for Chief Pilot Gary Dyson

February 14, 2019

We’re delighted to announce our Chief Pilot Captain Gary Dyson has been nominated for an Endeavor Award. This prestigious award recognizes pilots who go above and beyond and give back to their communities through volunteering.

Combining tech & hands-on training to help more people see

March 25, 2019

Here at Orbis we recognize that the need for innovative technologies and global collaboration is more important than ever in the fight against avoidable blindness. That's why we've developed special 'blended learning' courses - alongside partners such as the Alcon Foundation - to boost the skills of eye care teams around the world.

What's in your eye?

December 20, 2018

The human eye is an amazing organ! Let’s take an in-sight-ful look at what’s actually happening inside your eye. Warning: this article couldn’t be cornea... see what we did there?

Meet the bear with the best job ever!

December 19, 2018

Our volunteers fly all over the world to fight avoidable blindness. But, while they’re giving the gift of sight, there’s a particularly fluffy member of our team making a different kind of impact…

Jamaica 2006: Building Lasting Partnerships

March 22, 2019

The first Flying Eye Hospital program of 2019 will be taking place in Jamaica at the beginning of April – marking the 8th time our crew have visited this beautiful island.

Explore the history of the Flying Eye Hospital

For more than 25 years, the Flying Eye Hospital has been at the cutting edge of aviation, technology and change – bringing vital eye care to thousands of people worldwide.

Orbis Appeal: changing the way the world sees

December 17, 2018

Make no mistake: our Orbis supporters have changed and saved lives. Supporters, like you, believe it is our shared duty to lend a hand wherever there is a need — and we are grateful for your partnership.

Season's greetings

Season's greetings from everyone at Orbis. We wish you an amazing holiday season and a great 2019!

Birketo can see his grandson again

December 10, 2018

As we’re celebrating two decades of sight-saving work in Ethiopia we’re sharing stories of the lives being transformed thanks to the Orbis family. One of the people we caught up with is Birketo. He was almost totally blind for three years but thanks to an Orbis-sponsored cataract program he can now see again.

Partnering with influential women in the community

In 2017 we began partnering with 'Queen Mothers' - respected women who have influential positions in their communities, to help improve public awareness on eye care in Ghana.

The women fighting blindness in Zambia

In 2015 we conducted a research initiative to investigate why fewer women than men were accessing cataract surgical treatment in the Northwest province.

Meet The Women Fighting Blindness in Bangladesh

The Singra Vision Center in Bangladesh is a unique place to go for eye care. It’s successfully run by three hardworking and dedicated eye health professionals who are all women in their 20s.

Helping women fight trachoma in Ethiopia

We recently celebrated our 20th anniversary working in Ethiopia. For the past two decades, we've been part of the international consortium leading the elimination efforts of blinding trachoma, an infectious disease that affects women disproportionately.

How we're run

At Orbis, everything we do is guided by our vision to transform lives through the prevention and treatment of blindness. We have high standards for how we achieve this. We know that without you millions of people would be needlessly blind throughout the world.

Flying Eye Hospital Lands in Jamaica

March 27, 2019

The first Flying Eye Hospital project of 2019 is under way – marking the 8th time the plane has landed in Jamaica and our 25th project in the Caribbean!

In pictures: Bold-Erdene's Future Looks Bright

Bold-Erdene was 10 years old when volunteer oculoplastics surgeons treated his left eyelid on our Flying Eye Hospital in Mongolia.

Without that surgery to correct his ptosis in 2014 he would have been at risk of going blind in his left eye. Read more about how his life has been transformed thanks to your support!

Watch this robot.... fight blindness!

May 24, 2019

The world is on the cusp of a tech revolution and more skilled tasks are being performed by machines than ever before – like fighting avoidable blindness around the world…

Watch: Bob's mid-year message

Bob's July message focuses on some of the great wins we've already had in 2019 and some of the pledges and successes we're set to have in the build up to 2020. It's been a great year so far, keep up the good work.

Watch below:

Orbis International Gala 2019

When: Thursday 17th October, 2019 6:30 p.m. - Cocktails; 7:30 p.m. - Dinner

Where: The St. Regis, New York City

Please join us for cocktails and dinner as we celebrate the work of Orbis and the generous supporters who make it possible.

Women Deliver: Seven take-aways

June 18, 2019

This June, over 8,000 extraordinary people came together at Women Deliver in Vancouver to share ideas and champion a more equal world for women across the globe. Here are some takeaways that we found inspiring:

Vietnam: Trinh's Journey to Clear Sight

Looking at 15-year-old Trinh now, you would never know that she had undergone surgery on both eyes. However prior to her operation, a serious collision with a truck had left her with a severe case of strabismus, which made it very difficult for her to see.

Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the world, accounting for around 35% of global blindness according to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. But what are cataracts, what are their main causes and what can be done to treat or prevent them?

Update: Women Deliver 2019

June 05, 2019

We're fortunate to have some extraordinary women at the heart of the Orbis family. Right now, five of us are at the Women Deliver conference in Canada where thousands of people have come together to tackle the biggest issues women and girls face around the world.

See Her Potential

June 02, 2019

Blindness is a gender issue – one that leaves millions of women and girls without the same access to quality eye care that men receive. Thanks to our amazing local partners and committed supporters, we're working to close the gender blindness gap and help women and girls reach their full potential.

Five Reasons Blindness Is A Gender Issue

May 28, 2019

Gender is something that’s discussed a lot these days, but no one is talking about the gender gap in blindness – 139 million women & girls are living with blindness and vision loss. That's 25 million more women than men.

So why does this injustice exist? Here are five reasons...

Flying Eye Hospital Lands in Chile For State-of-the-Art Simulation Training

May 16, 2019

The Flying Eye Hospital has touched down in Santiago, Chile, for the very first time ahead of its second project of 2019. Thanks to the generosity of our project sponsor Collins Aerospace, we will focus on strengthening the skills of local teams through cutting-edge simulation training.

Full Screen Flying Eye Hospital Tour

Denzil's Cataract Surgery On Board Our Flying Eye Hospital

May 15, 2019

According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness over 1.1 million people suffer from vision loss in the Caribbean, with Cataract accounting for 50% of this.

Q and A with Dr. Bradford Lee - First-Time Volunteer Faculty

May 15, 2019

Oculoplastics surgeon Dr. Bradford Lee joined the Orbis family in March 2019 to share his top class skills with local eye doctors from across the Caribbean. The former Cellist and Pianist works at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Florida. We sat down with him in Kingston to find out more about his first experience with Orbis.

Jamaica: Flying Eye Hospital Project Highlights

May 15, 2019

The Flying Eye Hospital and our family of staff, crew and Volunteer Faculty have recently returned from a hugely successful 19-day program in Kingston, Jamaica.

Below we share some amazing images and brand new updates from our partners and volunteers.

The Teachers Making A Difference In Eye Health

May 02, 2019

Those who can, teach. For many of the children we've worked with, it was school that first revealed issues with their sight. So as it's Teacher Appreciation Week, we're paying tribute to the wonderful, hard-working individuals who do so much to help their students. Read some of their stories below.

Flying Eye Hospital Jamaica Project In Numbers

April 29, 2019

When you think of Jamaica, you might imagine clear waters, white sand and beautiful views. But did you know that many people in the Caribbean are suffering from treatable blinding conditions?

Life On Board The Flying Eye Hospital: 10 questions with Celia Yeung

May 14, 2019

Communications manager, Celia, has just completed her last Flying Eye Hospital project in Kingston, Jamaica. We took a moment to sit down with one of the most inspiring members of the Orbis family and reflect on her incredible work over the past seven and a half years.

Flying Eye Hospital Celebrates First All-Female Flight Crew

April 25, 2019

We have some exciting news! Our Flying Eye Hospital welcomed its first ever all-female flight crew last week on a flight between Kingston, Jamaica and Memphis, Tennessee.

Orbis CEO Unveils First Children’s Initiative in India’s Poorest Region

April 15, 2019

In Bihar, India, over 700,000 people are blind with less than half unable to access sight-saving surgery. The region also has the lowest literacy rates for girls and half of the population currently lives below the poverty line.

Ophthalmic Provisional Staff Nurse

February 24, 2020

While we currently do not have any open vacancies for an Ophthalmic Provisional Staff Nurse, we continue to accept applications for the role. If you're an ophthalmic nurse who wants to work in public health and are willing to travel intensive role, we'd love to hear from you! We'll reach out when there's an opening on the team again.

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Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a day for doing good – for supporting the organizations you care about and making more of their important work possible. And this year, if you choose to support Orbis, your gifts will go even further!

Orbis supporters say "thank you" to front line eye care heroes - and they respond

Last month we asked the Orbis Community to send messages of thanks to Orbis eye heroes who've been working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic -- and we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of gratitude!

Saving Children's Sight: 7 Questions With Dr. Shamsiya Murat

September 10, 2020

Marla — the adorable girl with special pink glasses — has become quite the celebrity in the Orbis community. Dr. Shamsiya Murat, an Orbis-trained doctor from Mongolia, saved Marla's sight when she was just 42 days old.

5 Reasons Orbis Supporters Love Little Marla

September 09, 2020

The Orbis community loves little Marla! The girl from Mongolia with special pink glasses captured the hearts of many supporters. Since posting Marla's moving story on social media last year, we have received thousands of likes, comments and shares.

Derek Hodkey Joins Orbis As New President and CEO

September 07, 2020

We’re delighted to announce that Derek Hodkey has been appointed to lead Orbis and our fight against avoidable blindness as our new President and CEO.

Press Release: Orbis International Announces New CEO & President

September 07, 2020

Derek Hodkey appointed to lead the global nonprofit and continue advancements in fighting avoidable blindness.

2019 Annual Report

September 10, 2020

In 2019 supporters across the globe generously gave over $378.5 million to Orbis International. Your support allowed Orbis International (excluding affiliates) to put 94.9% of that towards our sight saving work, 2.7% towards fundraising, and 2.4% towards ensuring our systems and service delivery are worthy of your donations. Read the full report.

Send a message

Every day, Orbis’s frontline eye workers perform acts of courage and bravery. Despite the risks that COVID-19 poses, some are safely providing sight-saving care in their communities while others are contributing their skills to help fight the pandemic. Please join us in thanking them for showing up for their patients.

Saving Little Marla From A Life of Blindness

September 02, 2020

Little Marla was born with congenital cataracts. If she hadn't received surgery at an Orbis-supported hospital in Mongolia, she would have suffered permanent vision loss. Now, she is just one member of the generations of children who can now grow up to lead independent lives with healthy sight.​

Heroes of Orbis: Dr. Mary O'Hara M.D.

Dr. Mary O’Hara is a pediatric ophthalmologist specializing in strabismus at Davis, University of California, in Sacramento and a long-serving member of our Volunteer Faculty - our team of world leading experts who give up their free time to share their amazing skills.

Heroes of Orbis: Dr. Shamsiya Murat

Mongolian pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Shamsiya Murat has become one of the talented few Retinopathy of Prematurity specialists working in the capital of Ulaanbaatar.

Flying Eye Hospital Virtual Tour

Step on board and take a fully interactive Virtual Reality Tour of the amazing Flying Eye Hospital.

Meet the Man Behind the Flying Eye Hospital

August 19, 2020

In celebration of National Aviation Day, we pay tribute to our very own national treasure, Bruce Johnson. See how a retired Air Force flight engineer turned FedEx flight instructor oversees an ‘engineering masterpiece’ in the fight against preventable blindness — even during COVID-19.

Kat Saves Sight All Year Round As A Partner In Sight

August 17, 2020

As a teacher and an Orbis Partner in Sight — one of Orbis's loyal monthly donors — ​Kat Corbett is passionate about transforming the lives of children through healthy sight.