Leaving a Legacy of Sight: Ian’s Story with Orbis

For Remember a Charity Week, we’re sharing the story of Ian Fleming, a UK-based ophthalmic anaesthetist and long-standing Orbis volunteer. His journey shows how one person’s legacy can change countless lives.

Ian was born and raised in Africa, where he saw the challenges people faced in accessing good quality health care – especially the sight-saving eye care that many of us take for granted. He saw how the lack of eye care could shape every part of life, from going to school to earning a living.

“Low vision or blindness, so much of which is preventable, has such an impact on every aspect of life,” he explains.

This early experience inspired him to work in eye care, and his commitment to Orbis.

Ian has spent over 20 years as part of the Orbis Volunteer Faculty, taking part in more than 20 programmes across 14 countries. Throughout these programmes h trained and supported anaesthesia teams so that safe, sight-saving surgeries can take place.

“Like the founders of Orbis, I recognised the best way to improve global eye care is to work with the local teams where they are based.”

Through teaching, mentoring, and working alongside his counterparts, Ian has seen first-hand the progress in eye care around the world. But he also knows that many more people need urgent care.

For Ian, supporting Orbis doesn’t stop with volunteering. He has also chosen to leave a gift in his will, ensuring that future volunteers can continue this essential work. 

“I’ve seen first-hand the improvements in eye care in the countries I’ve visited, which is why I continue to volunteer with Orbis. But it’s also why I’ve left a gift in my will, a legacy that I hope will allow those who come after me to carry on this essential work.”

Leaving a gift in your will to Orbis is one of the most powerful ways to protect sight for generations to come. It ensures that children can stay in school, parents can provide for their families, and communities can thrive.

Without your support, someone may live their life in darkness, but your legacy could change that.

Ian’s story is one of dedication, compassion, and hope. His legacy will live on in every patient whose sight is saved.

As Ian says: “I hope that you will consider doing the same. Please do.”

• Learn more about leaving a gift in your will to Orbis
• Talk to your family about the legacy you’d like to leave
• Know that even a small percentage of your estate can create lasting change

By remembering Orbis in your will, you can ensure that sight-saving work continues long into the future.