ORBIS International is a global non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to preventing and treating blindness and promoting eye health worldwide. With a mission to “save sight and bring hope to the world’s most vulnerable populations,” ORBIS has been making a significant impact in the field of eye care for over 35 years.
A Brief History
ORBIS was founded in 1982 by Dr. David W. Greenwald, a renowned ophthalmologist and humanitarian. Dr. Greenwald was inspired to create ORBIS after witnessing the devastating effects of blindness on individuals and communities in developing countries. With a small team of dedicated professionals, ORBIS set out to address the global eye care crisis, focusing on the most vulnerable populations, including children, women, and marginalized communities.
ORBIS’s Work
ORBIS’s work is centered around three main areas: training, treatment, and advocacy. The organization’s training programs aim to equip local eye care professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality eye care services. ORBIS also provides treatment services, including cataract surgery, to individuals who would otherwise be unable to access these services.
Training Programs
ORBIS’s training programs are designed to build capacity in local eye care systems, enabling professionals to provide sustainable eye care services. The organization’s training programs include:
* Resident training programs: ORBIS provides hands-on training to ophthalmology residents in developing countries, enabling them to develop the skills and expertise needed to provide high-quality eye care services.
* Fellowship programs: ORBIS offers fellowship programs for ophthalmologists and eye care professionals, providing them with advanced training and expertise in specific areas of eye care.
* Capacity-building programs: ORBIS works with local eye care organizations to build their capacity and sustainability, enabling them to provide eye care services independently.
Treatment Services
ORBIS provides treatment services to individuals who would otherwise be unable to access these services. The organization’s treatment services include:
* Cataract surgery: ORBIS provides cataract surgery to individuals who are blind or have low vision due to cataracts.
* Pediatric eye care: ORBIS provides eye care services to children, including treatment for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and amblyopia.
* Refractive error correction: ORBIS provides refractive error correction services, including glasses and contact lenses, to individuals who are blind or have low vision due to refractive errors.
Advocacy
ORBIS is a strong advocate for eye care and works to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and the need for sustainable eye care systems. The organization’s advocacy efforts include:
* Policy advocacy: ORBIS works with governments and international organizations to develop and implement policies that promote eye care and prevent blindness.
* Awareness campaigns: ORBIS runs awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of eye health and the need for sustainable eye care systems.
* Partnerships: ORBIS partners with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify its advocacy efforts and promote eye care.
Impact
ORBIS has made a significant impact in the field of eye care, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations. The organization’s work has:
* Trained over 300,000 eye care professionals
* Provided over 10 million treatments for eye conditions
* Restored sight to over 2 million individuals
* Improved access to eye care services for millions of people
Conclusion
ORBIS International is a pioneering organization that has made a significant impact in the field of eye care. With its focus on training, treatment, and advocacy, ORBIS has been able to reach some of the world’s most vulnerable populations and provide them with the eye care services they need. As ORBIS continues to work towards its mission of “saving sight and bringing hope to the world’s most vulnerable populations,” it is clear that the organization will remain a vital force in the fight against blindness and promoting eye health worldwide.
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