Orbis International has launched a three-week training initiative in Ghana aboard the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, an ophthalmic teaching aircraft-based hospital.

This initiative, welcomed by the country's Ministry of Health, is set to take place in Accra and Kumasi, in collaboration with Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and the Ghana Ophthalmic Nursing School.

The project seeks to enhance the skills of local eye care teams and contribute to the establishment of sustainable access to sight-saving services across the nation.

This is the fourth visit of the Flying Eye Hospital to Ghana, with previous visits held between 1990 and 2019.

Orbis' volunteer faculty and clinical staff will conduct simulation training in medical retina, strabismus, glaucoma, and cataract treatment, alongside practical training in oculoplastics.

The project also encompasses training for biomedical engineers, anaesthetists, and nurses.

The simulation training will take place aboard the Flying Eye Hospital, which is currently stationed at Kotoka International Airport.

In Kumasi, the project will provide training in anaesthesia, nursing, and surgery.

Orbis Ghana country director Adolf Ollennu said: “It is my privilege to work with the Ministry of Health to welcome the Flying Eye Hospital back to Ghana.

“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.

"A strong commitment to finalising and implementing a national eye health policy will ensure that quality, sustainable care reaches everyone who needs it.”

Since 1982, Orbis has reached a total of 97 countries with in-person programmes, delivering training both on and off the Flying Eye Hospital, and over 200 countries and territories virtually through its e-learning and telemedicine platform, Cybersight.