Orbis International's Flying Eye Hospital: A Lifeline for Mongolia's Eye Care
August 7, 2024, 5:20 am
In the vast expanse of Mongolia, where the steppes stretch endlessly and the sky meets the earth, a unique aircraft is making a significant impact. The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, a fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on a plane, has landed in Ulaanbaatar for a three-week training project. This initiative, running from August 4 to 22, 2024, is a beacon of hope for local eye care teams and patients alike.
The Flying Eye Hospital is not just a plane; it’s a mobile classroom. It brings together medical experts and local practitioners to enhance skills and knowledge in eye care. This marks the ninth visit of the Flying Eye Hospital to Mongolia since its first mission in 1989. Each visit builds on the last, creating a legacy of improved eye health across the nation.
Supported by the Alcon Foundation, FedEx, and OMEGA, this project aims to strengthen the capabilities of local hospitals. The training will take place both on the aircraft and at two partner hospitals: the National Center for Maternal and Child Health and the Third Central Hospital. Participants will engage in hands-on surgical training, simulation exercises, and workshops focused on various ophthalmic subspecialties.
The goal is clear: to elevate the skills of local eye care teams. Training will cover critical areas such as pediatric cataract surgery, adult glaucoma treatment, and oculoplastics. The program also emphasizes the importance of anesthesiology, nursing, and biomedical engineering. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of eye care are addressed, creating a well-rounded healthcare system.
Dr. Chimgee Chuluunkhuu, the Country Director of Orbis Mongolia, emphasizes the importance of collaboration. Partnerships with the Ministry of Health and local hospitals have been instrumental in increasing access to quality eye care. This project is a continuation of Orbis's commitment to Mongolia, which spans over three decades.
The Alcon Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of Orbis for more than 40 years. Their contributions include not only financial support but also the provision of state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment. Alcon’s biomedical engineers will lead workshops, sharing their expertise to ensure that local teams can operate and maintain essential medical technology.
FedEx, another key partner, has provided logistical support for over 30 years. Their commitment includes a significant financial contribution and the provision of aircraft maintenance and pilot training. FedEx pilots volunteer their time to fly the Flying Eye Hospital around the world, ensuring that this vital resource reaches those in need.
OMEGA, a luxury watchmaker, has also played a crucial role in supporting Orbis. Their involvement highlights the intersection of corporate responsibility and humanitarian efforts. OMEGA’s initiatives have included training projects in various countries, emphasizing the importance of eye care for all, regardless of background.
Orbis's work in Mongolia is not just about immediate training; it’s about building a sustainable eye care system. The organization has made significant strides in pediatric eye health, advocating for its prioritization among policymakers. In 2023 alone, Orbis facilitated over 31,800 patient visits for eye care and trained more than 940 eye care professionals.
The impact of Orbis's efforts is profound. By training local professionals, they are creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for eye care. This approach ensures that the skills and knowledge gained during the training will continue to benefit the community long after the Flying Eye Hospital departs.
In a country where access to quality healthcare can be a challenge, initiatives like this are vital. They not only improve individual health outcomes but also raise awareness about the importance of eye health. The collaboration between Orbis and local health authorities is a model for how international organizations can work effectively within local contexts.
As the Flying Eye Hospital prepares to depart, the legacy of its visit will endure. The skills imparted, the partnerships forged, and the lives touched will resonate throughout Mongolia. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of dedicated individuals and organizations working towards a common goal.
In a world where vision loss can often be preventable, Orbis International stands as a guardian of sight. Their commitment to training and capacity building ensures that communities are equipped to tackle eye health challenges head-on. The Flying Eye Hospital is more than just a plane; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future for eye care in Mongolia.
As the sun sets over the Mongolian horizon, the Flying Eye Hospital takes off, leaving behind a trail of knowledge and inspiration. The journey continues, but the mission remains the same: to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensure that everyone has the gift of sight.
The Flying Eye Hospital is not just a plane; it’s a mobile classroom. It brings together medical experts and local practitioners to enhance skills and knowledge in eye care. This marks the ninth visit of the Flying Eye Hospital to Mongolia since its first mission in 1989. Each visit builds on the last, creating a legacy of improved eye health across the nation.
Supported by the Alcon Foundation, FedEx, and OMEGA, this project aims to strengthen the capabilities of local hospitals. The training will take place both on the aircraft and at two partner hospitals: the National Center for Maternal and Child Health and the Third Central Hospital. Participants will engage in hands-on surgical training, simulation exercises, and workshops focused on various ophthalmic subspecialties.
The goal is clear: to elevate the skills of local eye care teams. Training will cover critical areas such as pediatric cataract surgery, adult glaucoma treatment, and oculoplastics. The program also emphasizes the importance of anesthesiology, nursing, and biomedical engineering. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of eye care are addressed, creating a well-rounded healthcare system.
Dr. Chimgee Chuluunkhuu, the Country Director of Orbis Mongolia, emphasizes the importance of collaboration. Partnerships with the Ministry of Health and local hospitals have been instrumental in increasing access to quality eye care. This project is a continuation of Orbis's commitment to Mongolia, which spans over three decades.
The Alcon Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of Orbis for more than 40 years. Their contributions include not only financial support but also the provision of state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment. Alcon’s biomedical engineers will lead workshops, sharing their expertise to ensure that local teams can operate and maintain essential medical technology.
FedEx, another key partner, has provided logistical support for over 30 years. Their commitment includes a significant financial contribution and the provision of aircraft maintenance and pilot training. FedEx pilots volunteer their time to fly the Flying Eye Hospital around the world, ensuring that this vital resource reaches those in need.
OMEGA, a luxury watchmaker, has also played a crucial role in supporting Orbis. Their involvement highlights the intersection of corporate responsibility and humanitarian efforts. OMEGA’s initiatives have included training projects in various countries, emphasizing the importance of eye care for all, regardless of background.
Orbis's work in Mongolia is not just about immediate training; it’s about building a sustainable eye care system. The organization has made significant strides in pediatric eye health, advocating for its prioritization among policymakers. In 2023 alone, Orbis facilitated over 31,800 patient visits for eye care and trained more than 940 eye care professionals.
The impact of Orbis's efforts is profound. By training local professionals, they are creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for eye care. This approach ensures that the skills and knowledge gained during the training will continue to benefit the community long after the Flying Eye Hospital departs.
In a country where access to quality healthcare can be a challenge, initiatives like this are vital. They not only improve individual health outcomes but also raise awareness about the importance of eye health. The collaboration between Orbis and local health authorities is a model for how international organizations can work effectively within local contexts.
As the Flying Eye Hospital prepares to depart, the legacy of its visit will endure. The skills imparted, the partnerships forged, and the lives touched will resonate throughout Mongolia. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of dedicated individuals and organizations working towards a common goal.
In a world where vision loss can often be preventable, Orbis International stands as a guardian of sight. Their commitment to training and capacity building ensures that communities are equipped to tackle eye health challenges head-on. The Flying Eye Hospital is more than just a plane; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future for eye care in Mongolia.
As the sun sets over the Mongolian horizon, the Flying Eye Hospital takes off, leaving behind a trail of knowledge and inspiration. The journey continues, but the mission remains the same: to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensure that everyone has the gift of sight.