Global eyecare nonprofit Orbis International has commenced a two-week training project in Rwanda on board the Flying Eye Hospital.
The project is hosted in collaboration with the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO) and Kibagabaga Hospital, and supported by the Alcon Foundation and OMEGA.
Go deeper with GlobalData
It is designed to enhance the skills of local eye care teams, promote eye health awareness, and ensure sustainable access to quality eye care in Rwanda.
Orbis International has been delivering in-person training since 1982 and virtual training to more than 200 countries and territories through its telemedicine and e-learning platform, Cybersight.
The training aboard the Flying Eye Hospital, an ophthalmic teaching hospital on a plane donated by FedEx, will include hands-on surgical instruction, simulation training, patient care, and workshops.
This initiative marks the hospital’s first mission to the country, expanding its global reach to 84 nations.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataThe sessions offered will focus on various ophthalmic subspecialties, such as strabismus, oculoplastics, cataract, and medical retina, alongside essential skills in nursing, anaesthesiology, and biomedical engineering.
A select group of participants will be using virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance their cataract surgery skills.
Orbis has co-developed a portable VR tool for this purpose and will donate a device to the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology to facilitate ongoing surgical practice.
In addition, Orbis is collaborating with Haag-Streit to provide further VR simulation training.
Orbis Africa medical adviser Dr Ciku Mathenge said: “Orbis will collaborate with its long-standing partner, RIIO, on this impactful training project and thus support a residency programme that is setting the standard for training the next generation of ophthalmologists in East Africa.
“Introducing cutting-edge simulation technology and sharing advanced skills from global experts will empower RIIO’s residents and Rwanda’s young ophthalmologists to deliver high-quality eye care in their own communities.”
In May 2023, Orbis International, with FedEx Express’ support, introduced an eye surgical programme in Vietnam.
