Flying Eye Hospital

For more than 30 years, Alcon (a division of Novartis) and Orbis an international not-for-profit organisation, have partnered to enhance access to sustainable eye care services in the developing world through hands-on training and capacity building. A major part of this successful partnership is the dedication of a number of Irish doctors who have worked on and supported this initiative over the years. (https://youtu.be/4B8jkJ9aQtw)

In March, Orbis Ireland welcomed the Flying Eye Hospital, the world’s only airborne ophthalmic training facility, to Dublin for the first time in ten years.  A specially designed and converted MD-10 aircraft, the Flying Eye Hospital is primarily a teaching hospital.  Orbis combines the latest in avionics, hospital engineering, technology and clinical expertise, making it possible to bring ophthalmic training to communities in developing countries throughout the world.

It features a modular design, 3D technology and live broadcast capabilities to train more doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals - ultimately treating more people and restoring their sight. The plane was available for tours from Thursday 2 March to Sunday 5 March during which time nearly 600 people got on board – to find out more follow this link (http://irl.orbis.org/pages/flying-eye-hospital-ie).  For more information on Alcon in Ireland, click here.