Orbis Flying Eye Hospital (FEH), the world's only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital aboard an MD-10 aircraft, championed by Global eye care nonprofit organisation Orbis International, has returned to Ghana for a critical three-week training project.

The visit, supported by global partners including the Alcon Foundation, FedEx, and OMEGA, aims to significantly bolster the skills of local eye care professionals and enhance sustainable sight-saving services across the nation.

Key Training to Combat Avoidable Blindness

This is the Flying Eye Hospital’s fourth visit to Ghana, building upon momentum established during previous trips between 1990 and 2019.

The project is being conducted in Accra and Kumasi following an invitation from the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), and the Ghana Ophthalmic Nursing School.

Orbis' team of expert clinical staff and Volunteer Faculty (VFs)—leading medical experts from around the world—will deliver a comprehensive curriculum. Training will focus on:

• Simulation Training: Treating common conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, strabismus, and medical retina. This will take place on board the FEH, currently parked at Kotoka International Airport, as well as at KBTH and the Ghana Ophthalmic Nursing School.
• Hands-on Surgical Training: Specialised surgical instruction in surgical retina, oculoplastics, and strabismus in Kumasi.
• Capacity Building: specialised training for ancillary staff, including nurses, anaesthesiologists, and biomedical engineers, ensuring a holistic strengthening of the entire eye care team.

"We hope this visit not only showcases the eye care services and expertise already available in Ghana but also reinforces the importance of prioritising eye health at the national level," said Adolf Ollennu, Country Director of Orbis Ghana. "A strong commitment to finalising and implementing a national eye health policy will ensure that quality, sustainable care reaches everyone who needs it."

Long-Term Impact and International Support

The Orbis programme in Ghana, which formally began in 2014, has a proven track record of strengthening the eye care system and reducing preventable vision loss.

Key achievements include:

• Establishing and improving a children’s eye unit and 25 primary eye care units across 19 districts.
• Supporting the two main national eye hospitals (KBTH and KATH).
• Collaborating with the government to shape the country’s Eye Care Strategic Plan and launch a National Retinoblastoma Programme for children with eye cancer.
• In a strong signal of its long-term commitment, Orbis Ghana has opened a permanent office location in Accra this year. The programme will also expand over the next three years, with support from the Aumund Foundation, to provide quality eye care across 20 districts in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.

Globally, Orbis estimates that approximately 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, yet 90% of it is completely avoidable with the right care.

Partners Laud Collaborative Mission

The mission is made possible by the dedication of Orbis' long-standing corporate partners:

Alcon Foundation, which has supported Orbis for over four decades, provides monetary donations, state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment, and surgical supplies.

Charles Herget, Vice President of Alcon Social Impact and Sustainability, noted, "Alcon is honoured to contribute advanced ophthalmic technologies and training support to help equip Ghana’s eye care professionals with the tools they need to succeed."

FedEx donated the MD-10 aircraft itself and provides ongoing financial support, in-kind shipping, and global operations support, with volunteer pilots flying the plane worldwide.

Taarek Hinedi, Vice President of FedEx Middle East and Africa operations, stated, "The joy we experience as we help communities overcome preventable blindness is the deepest reward and the strongest motivation to keep flying forward together."

OMEGA, a proud supporter since 2011, highlights the dedication required for such long-term projects. Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, remarked, "Time is essential when strengthening eye care within any region, and this fourth project in Ghana shows how Orbis has committed so many hours and years to the country. That long-term dedication is clearly so beneficial to the organisation’s work and OMEGA is honoured to be a part of it."

In addition to in-person training, Orbis continues to leverage its award-winning Cybersight telemedicine and e-learning platform, which has virtually reached eye care professionals in more than 200 countries and territories globally since 1982.