Photo: Messenger
Trainees immersed in advanced eye care training at the world’s only flying eye hospital, Orbis Flying Eye Hospital. The training involves hands-on surgical practice and patient care sessions conducted by Orbis’ clinical staff and volunteer faculty.
Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, the world’s only flying eye hospital, is currently providing specialized training in eye care, including cataract surgery, oculoplastics, surgical retina procedures, pediatric glaucoma, and corneal treatments. Professionals in anesthesiology, nursing, and biomedical engineering are participating in this unique initiative.
While visiting the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, stationed at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport, on Thursday was found abuzz with activity as trainees immersed themselves in advanced eye care practices.
The training, which began on November 17 and will continue until November 28, is hosted by Orbis International, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving eye health. However, simulation training and eye care workshops are being organized.
Highlighting the objectives of the initiative, Maurice Geary, the hospital’s director, told The Daily Messenger that, "This is the 11th time the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital has come to Bangladesh and the fifth visit to Chattogram. This year, we aim to train 180 professionals in anesthesiology, nursing, and biomedical engineering."
Maurice Geary emphasized Orbis’ long-standing collaboration with Bangladesh's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which spans 39 years.
The organization has significantly contributed to the development of local expertise in pediatric eye care, microsurgery, retina surgery, corneal disease management, and diabetic retinopathy. To date, Orbis has provided over 7.8 million eye examinations, delivered treatment and optical services to more than 4.5 million adults and children, supported over 258,000 eye surgeries, and trained over 40,000 people in eye care practices across Bangladesh.
Orbis has also established 42 vision centers, primarily in rural areas, including women-led Green Vision Centers aimed at overcoming gender-based barriers to healthcare. The organization has supported the development of 17 secondary hospitals, four tertiary hospitals, four training and resource centers, and two digital training centers in the country.
This two-week eye care training program in Chattogram is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with support from Alcon Cares, Alcon Foundation, and FedEx. Orbis first launched its training programs in Bangladesh in 1985, with its most recent visit in 2017.
The initiative aims to enhance local capabilities in eye care services while raising awareness about eye health across Bangladesh.
Dr. Munir Ahmed, country director of Orbis Bangladesh, told The Daily Messenger that “We are honored to bring the Flying Eye Hospital back to Bangladesh in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and CEITC. Our long-term partnerships are critical to increasing access to quality eye care in Bangladesh.”
Messenger/Reimon/SK/EHM