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April 21, 2017

Visions of Zambia: Portrait exhibition a success

March 29, 2018

Hundreds attended the inspiring portrait exhibition at the Mall galleries.

In photos: How Honorine is living life again

January 31, 2018

Six weeks after a successful surgery on our Flying Eye Hospital to treat a painful cataract in her left eye, we paid a visit to grandmother-of-four Honorine, 60, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to find out how she was getting on.

Peter Maddox: Development Associate, Orbis Canada

February 19, 2018

Peter was recognized because he is an excellent collaborator with colleagues around the world. He is immensely proud to work at Orbis and shows his determination to make a contribution in the fight to end blindness.

Hortance Manjo, Orbis Country Representative, Cameroon

February 19, 2018

Hortance is the dynamic face and heart of Orbis in Cameroon. She thrives on breaking barriers and overcoming challenges that impact the lives of people who would otherwise be unable to access quality care. Her role is diverse and yet she handles the pressure and manages all her interactions with a grace and integrity that embodies the Orbis Values.

Rishi Ray Borah: Director of Program, Orbis India

February 19, 2018

Rishi was named as one of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
(IAPB)’s Eye Health Heroes in 2017, but he has long been a hero of the Orbis team.

OCULUS Surgical

March 09, 2018

OCULUS Surgical has supported Orbis since 2017 with the donation of a OCULUS BIOM® system for the Flying Eye Hospital.

#IWD - Women are more affected by avoidable blindness than men

March 08, 2019

On International Women’s Day, Orbis is joining calls for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls the world over.

Orbis supporter, Stephen Pau, takes on 100 mile challenge

March 08, 2018

Fancy running 100 miles? Our fantastic supporter Stephen Pau does!

Orbis featured on CBS show 'The Doctors'

March 12, 2018

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital and star Volunteer Faculty member, Rudy Wagner, have been featured on the daily talk show 'The Doctors'. Make sure to give it a watch and share it with your friends.

Focus on volunteering: Dr Luu, Vietnam, paediatric anaesthetist

March 13, 2018

Dr Luu was trained by Orbis volunteer, Dr Choyce and become an Orbis volunteer herself

Spotlight: Visions of Zambia

March 15, 2018

You’ll have heard by now that talented figurative artist Tim Benson has collaborated with Orbis to share the stories of children and adults in Zambia with eye conditions, and the health staff trained by Orbis medical volunteers. The striking portraits he has created are now on show at the Mall Galleries, London, until the 17th March 2018.

Patient stories: treating Mamush, Ethiopia, for cataracts

October 10, 2017

Mamush lives in Hadiya Zone in southern Ethiopia. When he was just eight years old, a white spot began to grow in the centre of one of his eyes. Eventually, two white spots had grown in both eyes – bilateral cataracts.

Royal Visit to Orbis’s Work

January 29, 2018

In November, Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex, visited our sight-saving work in Bangladesh. The first stop was Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute & Hospital in Dhaka. There she met patients and staff including Head Nurse, Mammoth Adhikary, who took part in our first Flying Eye Hospital programme in Bangladesh in 1985!

Flying Eye Hospital lands in Peru

April 03, 2018

The Flying Eye Hospital has touched down in Trujillo, Peru, for a three-week training program to help strengthen the skills of eye teams right across the region.

Video: Changing the way the world sees

April 05, 2018

This Saturday 7th April is World Health Day! To commemorate we've put together a short video celebrating the contributions of our supporters and partners. Please take a moment to watch and share.

Preventing blindness: Orbis UK's World Health Day

April 06, 2018

This World Health Day we're calling for the right people to have the right skills to provide quality eye health care to those that need it

Passenger Experience Week selects Orbis as Charity Partner

April 09, 2018

As Charity Partner, Passenger Experience Week provides Orbis with an incredible opportunity to raise funds and awareness in the aviation industry.

Unveiling new technology on board the Flying Eye Hospital

April 10, 2018

We have entered week two of our Flying Eye Hospital program in Trujillo, Peru. It’s been an eventful first week working alongside our partner Instituto Regional de Oftalmología (IRO) helping train and share skills with some truly inspirational people.

Orbis marathon heroes: Long time supporter James

April 17, 2018

James Buchanan is running his first, and only, marathon for Orbis this April. He felt at the age of 59 it was time to make his lifelong ambition a reality.

As a long-time runner and supporter of Orbis (since 2007), he felt which better charity for him to run for.

Vintage footage of Orbis through the years

May 02, 2018

This is an AMAZING video put together by an Orbis supporter featuring vintage footage of our Flying Eye Hospital in the news in the 70s and 80s. You’ll see ‘Project Orbis’ in Cuba during the Cold War, improving relations between the Turks and Greeks in Cyprus and even hosting Mother Theresa.

In photos: changing lives in Cameroon – Saliou

May 10, 2018

We recently returned from a trip to Cameroon to learn how Orbis is transforming lives of people with avoidable blindness. There, we met a handful of the 150,000 people who have lost their sight in the country. Cameroon has the fifth highest prevalence of blindness in the world and so much of this is avoidable.

Celebrating nurses worldwide on International Nurses Day

May 11, 2018

This International Nurses Day, Alex Duffy, Advocacy Officer celebrates nurses worldwide and talks through how they have made a difference to eye health.

Angeline Chaipa on volunteering for Orbis

May 11, 2018

Did you know that 90% of healthcare is delivered by nurses? They’re an amazing and important workforce. Nurse Angeline Chaipa from Moorfields Eye Hospital, began volunteering with Orbis last year To celebrate International Nurses Day we are revisiting a blog she wrote whilst on her very first volunteer assignment with Orbis.

In Photos: Changing lives in Cameroon – Mariya

May 16, 2018

We recently returned from a trip to Cameroon to learn how Orbis is transforming lives of people with avoidable blindness. There, we met a handful of the 150,000 people who have lost their sight in the country. Cameroon has the fifth highest prevalence of blindness in the world and so much of this is avoidable.

Patient stories: treating Moline, Cameroon, for cataracts

January 29, 2018

Mama Moline is 58 and a grandmother of 12. She arrived at Yaoundé Central Hospital on the first day of the Flying Eye Hospital’s visit. Her vision was extremely limited.

Operation Sight so far

January 29, 2018

The support for Operation Sight has been really encouraging. The generosity of supporters like you means that in 2017 we were able to achieve so much together.

Dr William Dean

June 11, 2018

Clinical Research Fellow, International Center for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

CNBC Features the Flying Eye Hospital

November 29, 2017

A big thanks to CNBC International who made this great video about our amazing Flying Eye Hospital. The short video features Bruce Johnson, Director of Aircraft Operations and Maintenance, giving a walk through of our MD-10 aircraft to CNBC reporter, Tom Chitty.

World Sight Day: new statistics highlight need to increase efforts

October 11, 2017

On World Sight Day 2017, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) have released the most up-to-date figures on the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment around the world.

Give the gift of sight this Christmas

November 09, 2017

Ann-Marie Ablett is a medical volunteer with Orbis. She’s been on an incredible 31 Orbis missions – taking time out from her NHS job as an ophthalmic nurse to go and help save people’s sight in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Maples

November 16, 2017

Novus

November 16, 2017

Flying Eye Hospital arrives in Bangladesh

November 17, 2017

The Flying Eye Hospital has arrived in Bangladesh on the final leg of its 2017 tour. Its goal, to raise awareness of the issue of childhood blindness and train local eye teams in the latest eye care techniques.

Orbis Africa redirect

November 20, 2017

In remembrance of Simon Speirs

November 20, 2017

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Simon Speirs, who was fundraising for Orbis while taking part in the Clipper Round the World Race.

Your support helps Suhati see

November 21, 2017

Yesterday marked Universal Children's Day – a moment to remember the rights of children such as access to healthcare, and education.

Countess of Wessex Visits the Flying Eye Hospital

November 21, 2017

The Countess of Wessex visited the Flying Eye Hospital and two partner hospitals during her tour of Bangladesh to help raise awareness of avoidable blindness.

Operation Sight update from an amazing volunteer

November 23, 2017

My name is Ann-Marie Ablett – I’m an NHS nurse and an intrepid Orbis medical volunteer. As I write this, I’m on my way back to the UK after two weeks in Kolkata, India, where I was training ophthalmic teams in some of the most effective and cutting-edge sterilisation techniques.

CNN step on board the Flying Eye Hospital

December 06, 2017

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta steps on board the amazing Flying Eye Hospital during its recent visit to Cameroon. The three part series can be watched below. A big thanks to CNN and everyone who made the this possible.

Making progress on avoidable blindness

January 29, 2018

On World Sight Day 2017, the latest figures on the global prevalence of visual impairment were published online.

Volunteer stories: Ann-Marie Ablett, clinical nurse lead

December 07, 2017

I have just returned from my 32nd project as a medical volunteer for Orbis. This wasn’t a Flying Eye Hospital visit (the plane was in Cameroon) but rather a special project in Kolkata, India, where I was helping train local medical teams in the best and most up-to-date techniques for sterilising surgical tools and preventing infection.

Childhood vision

December 18, 2017

Shockingly, across the world there are nearly 30 million adults and children who are blind – needlessly. Through our Flying Eye Hospital, expert medical volunteers, hospital partners and local eye care programmes, we have the tools and expertise to train and treat those who need our help the most.

Patient stories: treating Ismail, India, for retinopathy of prematurity

December 19, 2017

Having been born prematurely, Ismail suffered with loss of vision from birth. Thanks to your support, Ismail and his family are very positive about their future.

FlightSafety International sends Alcon Flying High in Farnborough

December 19, 2017

It was a beautiful day at Farnborough Airport, but whilst the views of the private jets across the taxiway from the FlightSafety International Centre were impressive on arrival, the more amazing sights lay inside.

Flying Eye Hospital returns from Bangladesh - roll on 2018!

December 20, 2017

The Flying Eye Hospital has just returned from its final journey of the year – a two-week programme in Chittagong, Bangladesh. We were honoured that HRH The Countess of Wessex joined us to celebrate the amazing work of the dedicated Orbis teams in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Happy New Year from Orbis – we have huge plans for 2018!

January 03, 2018

It’s Ann-Marie here, NHS ophthalmic nurse and, for over a decade now, medical volunteer for Orbis. As another year begins, I wanted to write and tell all our supporters about Orbis’s exciting plans for 2018.

Qatar Airways

January 05, 2018

Qatar Airways has been the official airline of Orbis UK since 2015.

3 Continents, 5 Countries and 15 Weeks of Training Ahead

January 18, 2018

The Flying Eye Hospital crew is ready and excited for another exciting year on board our unique aircraft. In the upcoming 2018 year, we will be on three continents for a total of 15 weeks of training!

Gransnet meets Orbis patients in Cameroon

January 22, 2018

Cari Rosen is author, writer and editor of Gransnet – a social networking site for the over 50s. She recently visited the Flying Eye Hospital and our partners in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to meet women losing their sight and join our medical volunteers while they trained local doctors.

Patient stories: treating Honorine, Cameroon, for cataract

January 24, 2018

Honorine’s cataract was so severe that she could no longer cook or sew. While Honorine still worked, she could barely see the machete she used as a peanut and maize farmer, so was terrified she would hurt herself. That all changed after she underwent sight-saving treatment on our Flying Eye Hospital in Cameroon

Visions of Zambia: Free portrait exhibition celebrates Orbis work

February 07, 2018

To help raise awareness of childhood blindness, figurative artist Tim Benson has collaborated with Orbis to help share the stories of children and adults in Zambia with eye conditions such as cataracts and squints through painted portraits.

Bristol men’s 45-mile challenge in memory of Orbis fundraiser Simon Speirs

May 23, 2018

Two fundraisers have raced an incredible 45 miles in extreme conditions for their former work colleague, Simon Speirs, who sadly died in 2017, while raising money for Orbis in The Clipper Round the World Race.

Dr Elethia Dean

June 11, 2018

Nursing Certification, Consultant, ASC Compliant LLC.

EURETINA Race raises €3,570

September 18, 2017

On Saturday 9th September 120 runners took part in the 5km Retina Race in aid of Orbis, which this year was held in the vibrant city of Barcelona, raising an incredible €3,570 towards our sight saving work.

Industrial Optimizers

January 04, 2019

Industrial Optimizers has committed to supporting Orbis UK, kick-starting the partnership with a donation of £1000.

BDOC

November 06, 2018

The BDOC is the German association of surgical ophthalmologists, with over 1.300 members.

Supporter Stories: Meet some of our Great Ethiopian Run Heroes

November 13, 2018

To celebrate 20 years of working in Ethiopia, we will have some of our amazing supporters and corporate partners join us for this year’s Great Ethiopian Run.

World Diabetes Day: the hidden risk of blindness

November 14, 2018

On World Diabetes Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the role that the Orbis family plays in eliminating one of the fastest growing causes of avoidable blindness – diabetic retinopathy.

Timeline: 20 years in Ethiopia

November 22, 2018

We're celebrating 20 years of fighting blindness in Ethiopia. Take a moment to scroll through the highlights from this amazing milestone. A big thank you to all our wonderful staff, partners and volunteers, without whom, none of this would be possible.

Meet Abiyot: Integrated Eye Care Worker, Ethiopia

November 22, 2018

Abiyot is an Integrated Eye Care Worker in Gamo Gofa, Ethiopia, where he grew up. He lives there with his wife and four children. Trained just two years ago, he has made a significant impact on his community already.

Eye care in Ethiopia: Banchi, schoolteacher

December 11, 2018

One of the many life-changing initiatives Orbis has spearheaded in Ethiopia to improve eye care and vision loss, is treating and preventing the spread of trachoma in schools.

Patient stories: treating Malate, Ethiopia, for trachoma

December 12, 2018

Mother of two Malate had been suffering with trachoma for a year without seeking help for fear of the cost. When she met Abiyot, an Orbis-trained Integrated Eye Care Worker, everything changed. Now, having undergone trachomatous trichiasis surgery, Malate is excited to start this new chapter in her life.

Patient stories: treating Aylito, Ethiopia, for trachoma

December 11, 2018

Aylito underwent trachoma surgery in 2013 to save the sight in her right eye. We caught up with her in 2018, five years on, to try and understand the effect that this Orbis intervention has had on her life.

Great Ethiopian Run: Emma's story

December 17, 2018

​For the very first time, Orbis UK sent a team of runners out from the UK to take part in the Great Ethiopian Run. Here, runner Emma tells us all about the experience.

Great Ethiopian Run: visiting Gamo Gofa

December 19, 2018

​Travelling to Ethiopia for the Great Ethiopian Run was incredible and a lot of fun. But visiting Gamo Gofa, runner Emma says in her second blog, was the most memorable and moving part of the trip.

Meet the bear with the best job ever!

January 24, 2019

Our volunteers fly all over the world to fight avoidable blindness. But, while they’re giving the gift of sight, there’s a particularly fluffy member of our team making a different kind of impact…

Orbis in Ethiopia: 20 years of fighting avoidable blindness

October 25, 2018

Last night Orbis UK marked 20 years of fighting blindness in Ethiopia with an event in London to thank the supporters, volunteers and partners who’ve made our work in the country possible.

What's in your eye?

January 24, 2019

The human eye is an amazing organ. Here we take a look at what’s actually happening inside your eye.

Rough Runner

February 18, 2019

Rough Runner is a new breed of sports event, merging distance running with a variety of hilarious obstacles. Feeling up to the challenge? Join us for a day of fun and support Orbis as you take on an obstacle course like no other...

Farnborough International selects Orbis as Charity Partner

February 21, 2019

As Charity Partner for the 2020 Farnborough International Airshow, Orbis will have an unparalleled opportunity to reach new supporters and raise awareness

Governance and Compliance Manager

February 28, 2019

The Governance and Compliance Manager will ensure that Orbis UK complies with UK legal and regulatory requirements, working across a portfolio that covers Trustee governance, regulatory compliance, legal agreements, policy development, data protection and risk management.

Chief Pilot Gary Dyson Wins Endeavor Award

March 04, 2019

We’re thrilled to announce our wonderful Flying Eye Hospital Chief Pilot, Gary Dyson, has won an Endeavor Award. The award recognises pilots who go above and beyond to transform lives by volunteering their time and skills to good causes.

International Women's Day: Meet Orbis hero Valerie Suberg

March 07, 2019

In honour of International Women's Day we're delighted to introduce you to a vital member of the Orbis family - Valerie Suberg - our Senior Manager of Aircraft Maintenance. Without this incredible woman, our Flying Eye Hospital would never get off the ground - literally.

Through the eyes of women and girls

March 13, 2019

Did you know there is a gender gap in blindness? 55% of people who are visually impaired are women. Below, we explore the reasons behind this injustice and profile some of the women who are doing something about it. After all, a brighter future for women is a brighter future for the planet.

MEET THE WOMEN FIGHTING BLINDNESS IN BANGLADESH

October 09, 2018

The Singra Vision Center in Bangladesh is a unique place to go for eye care. It’s successfully run by three hardworking and dedicated eye health professionals who are all women in their 20s.

HELPING WOMEN FIGHT TRACHOMA IN ETHIOPIA

December 03, 2018

We recently celebrated our 20th anniversary working in Ethiopia. For the past two decades, we've been part of the international consortium leading the global effort to eliminate blinding trachoma, an infectious disease that disproportionately affects women.

Passenger Experience Week supports Orbis for the second year running

March 19, 2019

As Charity Partner for Passenger Experience Week 2019, Orbis will have an opportunity to reach new supporters and raise awareness.

The women fighting blindness in Zambia

January 11, 2016

In 2015 we conducted a research initiative to investigate why fewer women than men were accessing cataract surgical treatment in the Northwest province.

Patient stories: treating Mandido, Ethiopia, for trachoma

November 05, 2018

Mandido, 50, had trachoma for three years, which had a profound effect on her ability to work and support her family. Her husband is unable to work, making her sight crucial for their future

Tom Davies's World Sight Month

October 12, 2018

Eyeware designer Tom Davies launches World Sight Month to support Orbis

Dr Michael Vrabec

June 11, 2018

Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology

Orbis holds first ever live video consultation with Syrian doctor

July 16, 2018

Volunteer Faculty member Professor Dan Neely held a live video consultation with a doctor in Syria last week, using technology to help Orbis have an impact in otherwise unreachable locations.

Dr Rudy Wagner

June 11, 2018

Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Dr Kakarla V. Chalam

June 11, 2018

Professor & Director of Retina, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California.

Dr Nathan Schwarts

June 11, 2018

Red Lion Surgery Center, Philadelphia

Dr Alessia Adduci

June 11, 2018

Faculty Department of Anesthesia & Intensive Care, Catholic University of Rome

Dr Elizabeth Castro

June 11, 2018

Technical Support Specialist, Alco Laboratories Inc. California.

Supporting Orbis: Amazon triples donations in June

June 15, 2018

Orbis supporters who shop with AmazonSmile can triple their charitable donations from June 15-29

Orbis UK is on the move!

June 25, 2018

Find out more about our office move and how to get in touch with us at our new location.

Aerospares 2000 raises £1,307 for Orbis’s Sight Saving Work

June 14, 2018

UK based Aerospares 2000, which sources specialist plane parts for the aviation industry, is donating $1 from every sale to Orbis until 2020. Since the company began its support at the end of 2017, over £1,300 has been raised to assist our work, with donations increasing each quarter.

Delivering eye care to Rohingya people in Bangladesh

June 19, 2018

Since February 2018, Orbis has been screening and treating Rohingya people in South East Bangladesh as the first eye care organisation to establish services within the camps.

Vulnerable Supporters Policy

June 27, 2018

Read about how we abide by the Institute of Fundraising Principles in our Vulnerable Supporters Policy.

UK Aid helps expand sight-saving work in Ethiopia

July 12, 2018

Orbis UK is delighted to have been chosen as one of 30 charities to receive a UK Aid Direct grant from the UK government. The grant will enable us to extend our vital sight-saving work in Ethiopia, where almost two million people are visually impaired.

Celebrating 20 years of fighting blindness in Ethiopia

July 31, 2018

Orbis UK is proud to announce a huge milestone – Orbis has been fighting blindness in Ethiopia for 20 years. Orbis's Addis Ababa office was officially registered in 1998 and became the very first programme office outside the United States.

World Sight Day - #WhyICare

October 09, 2018

Thursday 11th October is World Sight Day and we're taking the opportunity to ask our supporters and partners to tell us why they care about eye care - #WhyICare.

UK hosts its first ever Global Disability Summit

July 23, 2018

The Global Disability Summit is taking place in London in July and is bringing together governments, multilaterals, private sector and civil society to drive real change in ensuring the rights, freedoms, dignity and inclusion of all persons with disabilities.

Glasses study shows huge productivity boost for workers

July 23, 2018

A landmark study, published today in The Lancet Global Health, shows how a simple pair of glasses can boost workers’ productivity and reduce poverty.

Prime Minister recognises Orbis volunteer Polly Holt with award

July 26, 2018

Orbis UK’s very own Polly Holt, who has volunteered with us for over eight years, has been recognised by Prime Minister Theresa May for her ongoing dedication and support.

Supporter stories: Anne-Marie and the Great Ethiopian Run

July 27, 2018