Training Eye Care Teams in Zambia: Building Skills and Saving Sight

That’s why Orbis partners with local hospitals like Lusaka Eye Hospital to deliver practical, hands-on training programmes that provide eye care professionals the latest skills — right where they work. Recently, a dedicated team of Zambian eye doctors and medical staff took part in a week-long cataract surgery training supported by Orbis medical volunteers, marking another step forward in strengthening Zambia’s eye health system.

This training model, a key part of Orbis’s global mission, makes sure that knowledge and skills stay in the communities that need them most — creating lasting impact beyond the classroom or operating theatre.

Globally, over 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, and 90% could be prevented or treated. The shortage of skilled eye care professionals means many people, especially in low- and middle-income countries, struggle to access timely, effective care.

Orbis trains local hospital teams so they can give expert care for years to come.

“Building skills in local hospitals ensures that high-quality eye care doesn’t end when a training programme finishes — it continues and grows,” explains Emmanuel, Orbis Zambia’s Communications Officer. “By providing local teams with knowledge and confidence, we strengthen eye health services where they’re needed most.”

Training within hospitals uses familiar settings, equipment, and patients — helping medical staff apply new techniques immediately and for the long term. We adapt to local needs, whether it’s complex cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, or care for children.

“Training alongside local teams, sharing real cases and challenges, builds confidence and expertise that lasts,” says Emmanuel. “It’s about strengthening the whole eye care system, one hospital at a time.”

At Lusaka Eye Hospital, the recent week-long training focused on phacoemulsification cataract surgery, a safe and effective method that uses ultrasound to remove cataracts with fewer problems and faster healing.

Orbis expert medical volunteer Dr Rosie Brennan, a UK-based eye doctor with a lot of experience in cataract surgery, led the training. Over five focused days, Dr Rosie worked side-by-side with Zambian eye care professionals — providing mentorship, demonstrating surgical techniques, and guiding participants through patient assessments.

“It’s a privilege to work with such passionate professionals,” said Dr Rosie Brennan. “They’re already delivering great care — I’m here to support and share advanced techniques that will help them handle more complex cases with confidence.”

Her motivation to volunteer stems from a deep belief in sustainable impact: 

“Training one surgeon means restoring sight for thousands. That’s why I commit my time and skills to Orbis programmes.”

Dr Patrice, a cataract surgeon at Lusaka Eye Hospital, described the training as an important opportunity to build his skills.

“Every time we train, it’s a chance to grow,” he shared. “The trainer brought vast experience, especially in phacoemulsification. Even small tips improved my surgical precision.”

He also praised the training’s organisation:

“From preparing patients to using equipment, everything was clear and smooth. It’s helped me become more confident.”

Most importantly, Dr Patrice emphasise the training’s impact on patients:

“When we improve our skills, patients benefit by regaining their sight and improving their lives. That’s the ultimate goal.” 

Similarly, Dr Chansa highlighted the practical, real-world nature of the training.

“Some of the most important lessons aren’t found in textbooks,” he explained. “Working alongside an experienced surgeon, I learned how to manage complications and tricky situations — details that really matter in the operating room.”

He gave an example of managing a particularly soft cataract case:

“The trainer showed me a different technique that worked beautifully. It was impressive and very useful.”

This training in Zambia shows how Orbis is committed to hands-on learning with local hospitals around the world.

“We don’t just train individuals — we strengthen entire eye care systems,” explains Emmanuel. “When local professionals gain advanced skills, they become mentors and leaders, expanding access and quality of care beyond their own clinics.”

By working with hospitals like Lusaka Eye Hospital — which are part of their communities — Orbis makes sure improvements last. Local teams are trained to keep teaching others, growing skills across Zambia and beyond.

The impact of this work goes far beyond the operating theatre. Restoring sight restores independence and hope. Children can attend school and dream bigger; adults can work and support their families; elderly patients regain quality of life.

“The best part is knowing that what we learn here changes lives,” says Dr Patrice. “Each successful surgery brings joy, independence, and renewed purpose to our patients.”

Emmanuel sums up the spirit of the collaboration: 

“A heartfelt thank you to our trainers and the participants. Your dedication is making a lasting impact in Zambia — reducing avoidable blindness and building a future where quality eye care is available to all.”

Orbis’s work in Zambia and around the world continues to grow — Mixing in-person training with new digital tools and local outreach. But the core remains the same: empowering local teams to provide the best possible eye care.

“Hospital training will always be a cornerstone of what we do,” says Emmanuel. “Because building skills where they’re needed most is the surest way to create lasting change.”

Together with partners like Lusaka Eye Hospital, Orbis is proud to help build a world where no one lives with avoidable blindness.

Help us train more eye care teams.

Thanks to supporters like you, Orbis is able to train dedicated eye care professionals like Dr Chansa and Dr Patrice, helping restore vision and transform lives in communities around the world.

Your support means we can continue delivering hands-on training, sharing life-changing skills, and strengthening eye health systems where they’re needed most.