1.1 billion people live with a visual impairment, yet 90% of these cases are preventable or treatable. To help restore sight for nearly a billion people, the eye care solutions we all focus on need to maximise the number of people who can be effectively treated.
That's why Orbis are so focused on training local eye care teams around the world. By equipping eye care health workers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can help build sustainable healthcare services that can adapt and thrive over time and create a ripple effect to benefit generations to come.
As we celebrate World Sight Day (10th October), we're sharing a powerful story that illustrates this ripple effect through the connected journeys of two doctors and a child.
Sarnai hugging a goat in her home in the countryside of Mongolia.
Sarnai, a young girl from Mongolia, arrived at the National Centre for Maternal and Child Health in Ulaanbaatar with severely deteriorating eyesight. Her journey began with travelling 60 km just to see her local doctor, followed by an exhausting 300 km journey to reach the National Centre for Maternal and Child Health. Her family faced numerous obstacles in accessing timely care, with each step feeling like a desperate fight for her vision.
Dr. Battsetseg, a dedicated eye care professional at the Centre, was determined to help Sarnai. However, despite her efforts, initial treatments were not working. Time was of the essence, and Sarnai’s sight loss was worsening.
Sarnai getting her eyes checked by Dr. Battsetseg at Orbis supported Mother and Child Hospital in Mongolia.
Several years prior, Dr. Battsetseg, had the opportunity to train with Dr. Ron Pelton. Dr. Ron Pelton is an Orbis expert medical volunteer from Colorado US, who visited Mongolia with the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital. This training was a turning point for Dr. Battsetseg, equipping her with new skills and techniques to tackle complex cases. Dr. Pelton not only provided medical expertise but also inspired confidence in her abilities.
When Sarnai’s situation became critical, Dr. Battsetseg, sought out Dr. Pelton through Cybersight, Orbis’s telemedicine platform. This innovative technology allowed her to consult with Dr. Pelton in real time, providing the critical support she needed.
Dr. Battsetseg on a videocall through Orbis Cybersight with Dr. Pelton.
Through their collaboration, Dr. Pelton helped Dr. Battsetseg diagnose Sarnai's condition as an unusual tumour affecting her eye. Together they devised a clear plan for surgical intervention. This partnership not only empowered Dr. Battsetseg but also gave her the tools to help Sarnai regain her sight.
When Sarnai awoke from surgery, she could see clearly again. The outcome was not just joy, it was a testament to the power eye care training and its enduring impact for communities.
Dr. Battsetseg and Sarnai at the Orbis supported Mother and Child Hospital in Mongolia.
Dr. Battsetseg's training with Orbis not only benefited Sarnai but also set the stage for a broader impact within her community. Equipped with new knowledge and skills, she is now positioned to train other eye care professionals in Mongolia, ensuring that the ripple effect continues.
Each patient Dr. Battsetseg treats will benefit from the expertise she gained, and each trainee she mentors will, in turn, carry that knowledge forward. This sustainable model of training and mentorship creates a future where local healthcare teams can independently address visual impairment and blindness in their communities.
This World Sight Day, we invite you to join us in our mission to empower eye care professionals like Dr. Batsetseg. By signing up, you're not just helping children like Sarnai regain their sight—you’re helping transform their futures. Together, we can create a sustainable system of eye care around the world, that benefits entire communities for generations to come.
Join us today and help make quality eye care accessible to everyone!
Photos of Sarnai, Dr. Battsetseg and Dr Pelton.
