Orbis International's Flying Eye Hospital Arrives in Peru to Expand Access to Essential Eye Care

Orbis International has launched a two-week ophthalmic training project today in Arequipa, Peru, utilizing its Flying Eye Hospital, the world's only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on a plane. The project is carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Hospital Regional Honorio Delgado Espinoza, aiming to enhance access to high-quality eye care and training for rural and indigenous communities throughout southern Peru.

The Flying Eye Hospital is part of Orbis’s broader initiatives to strengthen health systems nationwide in Peru. Each visit has contributed to the development of eye care capacity and blindness prevention, aligning with the goals shared by Orbis and the Ministry of Health.

During the project, Orbis clinical staff and Volunteer Faculty will provide various forms of training, including simulation-based and hands-on surgical training, along with workshops covering key ophthalmic subspecialties such as cataract, glaucoma, oculoplastics, and medical retina. A significant number of the Volunteer Faculty are from Latin America and are native Spanish speakers, providing culturally relevant training that supports long-term impact.

Support for this initiative comes from Alcon, FedEx, and OMEGA, with Alcon providing financial contributions and state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment, while FedEx donated the aircraft used as the Flying Eye Hospital and offers logistical and operational assistance. OMEGA has also supported the project by increasing awareness of Orbis's mission and providing teddy bears to young patients treated on the plane.

Orbis has operated in Peru for decades, working to improve eye care access in rural areas, enhance screening and treatment processes, and raise awareness of critical eye health issues. In 2022, Orbis established a five-year partnership with the Ministry of Health to support the strengthening of eye health systems across five regions.