What It's Really Like Inside the Flying Eye Hospital

Seeing the project from the very beginning, Colman was able to witness firsthand the difference your support makes and the early impact of these life-changing initiatives.

Here, Colman shares his reflections and insights in this exclusive Q&A.

"I'm always struck by the size of the airplane, much bigger than the short-haul planes we're used to.  

Its main purpose is training eye care professionals. Next to the operating theatre, trainees work on different equipment with the team. At the front, the classroom is where most learning happens, and operations from the theatre are streamed live so trainees can ask questions in real time.

Seeing all this happening inside an aircraft is impressive, something you can only truly appreciate by being there.”

"The biggest thing that stands out is the contrast between the conditions they work in and how capable the eye care professionals are. Despite limited equipment, these individuals are professional, kind, and passionate, and gain huge benefit from volunteer training.

We also visited a school screening program which is being funded by the Aumund Foundation. Teachers, trained over recent months, were screening children for eye conditions. It really highlights the vital role volunteers play, both in upskilling teachers and supporting programs that detect eye problems early.”

"Visiting a country program while the Flying Eye Hospital was there highlights the collaboration across Orbis and how the Flying Eye Hospital accelerates eye care, bringing together key government and health partners.

Ultimately, the impact is felt day to day, even when the plane isn’t there, showing the strength of teamwork and collaboration across the organisation.”

"The hands-on training really highlights how intricate eye care is, especially surgery. Having world-leading experts and advanced technology to train local professionals is highly sustainable. Simulation after simulation builds lasting skills.

Seeing the simulation replicate real-life scenarios and watching local eye care professionals respond to feedback in real time, reveals those 'penny drop' moments. Being there to witness it is powerful."

"There’s no hierarchy, everyone’s questions are answered, and every person is treated as an individual. It’s clear this is made possible by donors, and you can see how much they genuinely enjoy it. It’s more than just a task."

"Hundreds of thousands of children are going to be screened thanks to the Aumund Foundation. They’re also funding integrated, comprehensive eye care, addressing challenges at all levels. The combination of the Flying Eye Hospital and the country programs demonstrates sustainability, shaping policy and funding while local teams deliver care day after day. Together, they result in lasting change for the most people.”

"Ultimately, it’s about the people. The aircraft is impressive, but it means nothing without them. Even small contributions, like funding an office, show the growth of their work and the next steps they’re taking to make an even greater impact."

“Aumund has always supported Orbis in different ways previously, and in recognition, a plaque was placed on a seat onboard the Flying Eye Hospital in memory of Franz-Walter Aumund, the founder, who passed away a few years ago.”

“This was the first time the Aumund Foundation team saw it, and even sat in the seat, alongside Seymour. The moment was deeply moving.”

For the team, the plaque wasn’t just a marker on a seat, it was a reminder of generosity, vision, and the emotional impact of giving.

"You see firsthand that donations truly make a difference. Local eye care teams can save more sight thanks to supporters, and simple solutions, like a school screening, wouldn’t exist without their help."

By supporting Orbis, you’re part of a movement that brings eye care to communities that need it most. From the Flying Eye Hospital to local school programmes, your donation ensures life-changing care reaches those who would otherwise go without.

This project concluded more than two weeks before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency airworthiness directive expanding flight restrictions to include MD-10s.