Training Teachers in Ethiopia to Save Sight

Trachoma is the biggest cause of infectious blindness worldwide and more people in Ethiopia are at risk from this painful disease than anywhere else in the world. With thanks to your support, Orbis is committed to strengthening the entire health service in Ethiopia.

As well as tackling Trachoma, Orbis works to treat refractive error and cataract with a focus on reaching rural communities. It is vital that these communities are aware of the signs and symptoms of eye disease and know where to go for treatment.

With a focus on teaching and training, Orbis is dedicated to the treatment and prevention of blindness where the need is greatest. Together with local partners, Orbis is providing quality eye-care and strengthening local health systems in hospitals, medical schools and outreach clinics. This is achieved through the teaching of sight-saving skills to eye-care professionals aboard the Flying Eye Hospital and in local hospitals.

The Flying Eye Hospital is the world’s only airborne ophthalmic training facility. It is a specially designed and converted MD-10 aircraft, which combines the latest in avionics, hospital engineering, technology and clinical expertise, making it possible to bring ophthalmic training to communities in developing countries.

Dr. Bezawit is a local eye specialist, based in Gondar, Ethiopia. She took part in training on board the Flying Eye Hospital during its visit to Addis Ababa in 2012. She recalls the affect the visit had on her by explaining:

"I remember the Flying Eye Hospital visit very well. The plane had an operating room, auditorium classroom, laser room and dry lab. One week after the Flying Eye Hospital visit we received training at our local hospital in Gondor. We learned how to screen and conduct evaluations on patients. We then spent a day operating with our trainers.  

As a new ophthalmologist, I really benefited from the training. After the visit, I came back with one major change in my life; the decision to proceed with paediatric ophthalmology. I now have the ability to conduct paediatric training in the local hospital."

Clearly, the training Dr. Bezawit received on board the Flying Eye Hospital and in her local hospital in Gondor has had an immensely positive affect on both her own life and those of her patients. Her decision to continue with paediatric ophthalmology is an important one as large numbers of children who suffer with eye conditions, such as Trachoma, miss out on school and lose the opportunity to reach their full potential. All too often there are barriers to reaching children and their families that need eye-care, whether these are geographical, financial or social.

Thanks to your support, Orbis continues to treat and prevent blindness where the need is greatest by teaching and training those in local communities and rural areas.  

Thank you!