Global eye care nonprofit Orbis International has announced the start of a training project in Ghana on board the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, the world's only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on a plane.

The training begins today, Monday, October 13, 2025.

With an invitation from the Ministry of Health, the three-week training project is taking place in Accra and Kumasi in partnership with the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), and the Ghana Ophthalmic Nursing School.

The project is aimed at building the skills of local eye care teams, raising awareness about eye care resources available in Ghana, and continuing the building of lasting access to sight-saving care in the country.

This is the Flying Eye Hospital’s fourth visit to Ghana, the first three of which took place between 1990 and 2019.

Each visit has built momentum in strengthening the country’s eye care system, and this project continues to build on the progress Orbis and the Ministry of Health have achieved together over the years.

Orbis clinical staff and Volunteer Faculty (medical experts) will lead simulation training in treating cataract, glaucoma, strabismus, and medical retina, and hands-on surgical training in surgical retina, oculoplastics, and strabismus.

The project will also include training for nurses, anesthesiologists, and biomedical engineers.

The simulation training will be delivered on board the Flying Eye Hospital currently parked at Kotoka International Airport, at KBTH, and at the Ghana Ophthalmic Nursing School in Accra.

In Kumasi, the project will offer surgical, nursing, and anesthesia training.

“It is my privilege to work with the Ministry of Health to welcome the Flying Eye Hospital back to Ghana,” said Adolf Ollennu, Country Director of Orbis 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 provided training both on and off the Flying Eye Hospital, reaching 97 countries with in-person programs and more than 200 countries and territories virtually through Cybersight, Orbis’s telemedicine and e-learning platform.

The Alcon Foundation has been a generous supporter of Orbis for more than 40 years, providing monetary donations for the Flying Eye Hospital.

Alcon has provided additional support to the Flying Eye Hospital through donations of state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment, surgical products, and supplies through Alcon Cares. 

“The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital is a powerful example of how innovation and collaboration can expand access to quality eye care,” said Charles Herget, Vice President, Alcon Social Impact and Sustainability.

“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 that became the current Flying Eye Hospital and also provides Orbis with ongoing financial support, in-kind shipping, and global aircraft operations support. Volunteers from FedEx pilot the Flying Eye Hospital to its worldwide destinations, and FedEx is represented on the Orbis International Board of Directors. 

“Around the world, FedEx team members take immense pride in our decades-long sponsorship of Orbis,” said Taarek Hinedi, Vice President of FedEx Middle East and Africa operations.

“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 has been a proud supporter of Orbis since 2011. OMEGA is an avid supporter of Flying Eye Hospital projects — including a first-of-its-kind training project held in Doha, Qatar, in 2022, for women in eye care from conflict-affected areas and 2023’s project in Zambia. OMEGA also works in cooperation with its celebrity brand ambassadors to increase awareness of Orbis and its mission.

“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 honored to be a part of it,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO, OMEGA.

Orbis in Ghana

Orbis’s country program in Ghana started in 2014, and for more than 20 years, the organisation has been partnering with the ministry of health and local health institutions to bolster the nation’s eye care system and reduce avoidable vision loss. The programme started with a focus on pediatric ophthalmology at KATH, providing training for eye care professionals, essential medical equipment, and financial assistance to families unable to afford treatment.

Since then, the Ghana programme has grown to strengthen eye care across the country. Efforts include improving hospital facilities, making eye care part of basic health services so problems can be spotted and treated earlier, and raising awareness about common eye conditions and treatment options. Orbis has helped set up and improve a children’s eye unit in a local hospital and 25 primary eye care units across 19 districts, while continuing to support the two main national eye hospitals. The programme has also worked with the government to track eye health in national health records, shape the country’s Eye Care Strategic Plan, and launch a National Retinoblastoma Program for children with eye cancer.

In addition, Orbis Ghana has proudly announced it has opened a permanent office location in Accra just this year, signaling its long-term commitment to building on progress and strengthening eye care in the years ahead. Over the next three years with support from the Aumund Foundation, the programme will expand to provide access to quality eye care across 20 districts of Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.

All of this work is helping more Ghanaians — particularly children — get the quality eye health services they need to preserve their sight.

About Orbis International

Orbis International works around the world to prevent blindness and restore sight for children and adults in places where eye care is out of reach — so vision problems do not make it harder to learn, earn a living, or enjoy life. Around 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, but with the right care, 90% of it is completely avoidable. That is why Orbis trains doctors, nurses, and other eye care professionals to provide care in their own communities — and works to make sure people of all ages can access the eye exams, glasses, medicine, and surgeries they need to protect and restore their sight. Orbis began this work more than 40 years ago with the Flying Eye Hospital, a teaching hospital on a plane that brings expert training and care where they are needed most. Today, we also work with local hospitals and clinics across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to make eye care available to more people, and we use and develop technology — like our award-winning Cybersight e-learning and telehealth platform, artificial intelligence screening, and virtual reality training — to help eye care teams treat patients more effectively. Orbis ranks in the top 3% of U.S. charities, having earned top marks for transparency and accountability from Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau. To learn more, please visit orbis.org.

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

About FedEx

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $89 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

About OMEGA

OMEGA is a prestigious Swiss watchmaker and member of the Swatch Group Ltd. Since 1848, the brand has been synonymous with excellence, innovation and precision, as well as a pioneering spirit, demonstrated by conquests of the oceans and space. In fact, since 1965, the OMEGA Speedmaster has been worn on each of NASA's manned missions including all six moon landings. As well as this, no brand is more actively involved in sports timekeeping. In addition to partnerships in golf, sailing, athletics and swimming, OMEGA has served as the Official Timekeeper at 30 Olympic Games. Most importantly, OMEGA has a tradition of excellence in watchmaking. This reputation was reinforced in 2015 with the introduction of METAS-approved Master Chronometer certification, representing the Swiss industry's highest standard of precision, magnetic resistance and performance.