170 eye doctors receive on-board training at Orbis Flying Eye Hospital in Ctg

Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, the world's only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching and surgical hospital onboard an aircraft, has launched a two-week training programme for Bangladeshi ophthalmologists at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.

Since 17 November, 170 eye doctors from various hospitals across the country have been receiving advanced training on the MD-10 aircraft. 

The initiative, which includes simulation-based and hands-on learning, will continue until 28 November.

Photo: Courtesy

The MD-10 aircraft housing the flying eye hospital landed in Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport on 14 November.

Today (21 November), the aircraft bustled with activity as participants engaged in specialised sessions on eye surgeries and treatments. 

Divided into groups, they received hands-on training in cataract, glaucoma, retina, oculoplasty, and corneal disease procedures. 

The programme also featured neuro-ophthalmology workshops, optometry webinars, and training on nursing and biomedical technologies.

"This is the 11th visit of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital to Bangladesh," said Alana Catherine Calise, programme manager of Orbis. 

"Alongside the training aboard the aircraft, we are conducting sessions at the Chattogram Eye Hospital and Training Centre to enhance participants' practical skills."

Orbis International, a US-based charitable organisation, has been working in nearly 200 countries for 39 years and operates the world's first and only flying eye hospital. 

The organisation's clinical staff and volunteer faculty provide hands-on training, focusing on eye surgeries and patient care while using cutting-edge simulation tools.

Doctors participating in the programme expressed their appreciation for the unique training methods. 

Dr Razia Sultana of Chattogram Medical College, who participated in the training, said, "The advanced machines and technologies used for this training are unavailable in Bangladesh. The simulation programme allowed us to gain invaluable experience without the risks associated with practising on human eyes."

Dr Omar Fernando Salamanca, an ophthalmology expert with Orbis, highlighted the significance of the training, saying, "We are equipping participants with the skills to treat a variety of eye conditions using advanced technologies. Although this is our final flying visit to Bangladesh, Orbis will continue its training efforts at various hospitals and centres across the country."

This training marks the 11th visit of the Flying Eye Hospital to Bangladesh, with previous missions in 1985 and 2017.

Kristin Taylor, vice president of global communications and marketing at Orbis International, said the organisation has made significant contributions to eye care in Bangladesh over the past four decades. 

"In Bangladesh, it has conducted more than 78 lakh eye examinations, provided treatment and optical services to over 45 lakh individuals, supported more than 2.58 lakh eye surgeries, and trained over 40,000 people in eye care," she said.

"Additionally, Orbis has established 42 vision centres, including female-led Green Vision Centres aimed at overcoming barriers to women's eye care. The organisation has supported 17 secondary hospitals, four tertiary hospitals, four training centres, and two digital learning hubs."

Jenna Montgomery, associate director of global communications at Orbis, said the organisation has equipped 400 community clinics in Bangladesh with vision screening tools and helped develop national guidelines for diagnosing and managing retinopathy of prematurity, a leading cause of childhood blindness. 

"Since 2000, Orbis has partnered with local eye hospitals and NGOs to prevent eye diseases and restore vision, reaching areas such as the Rohingya community in Cox's Bazar and female tea workers in Sylhet," she added.