Once a cargo plane, the interior of our third-generation Flying Eye Hospital has been completely transformed thanks to the support of our many generous partners.
Flying Eye Hospital
The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital is unlike any plane you’ve seen before. A state-of-the-art teaching facility complete with operating room, classroom and recovery room - this amazing aircraft has been an example of the marriage between medicine and aviation since 1982.
Flying Hospital?
With a full team of teachers, ophthalmological specialists, advocates and envoys on board, the Flying Eye Hospital brings about the global effort to end avoidable blindness. This state-of-the-art flying teaching hospital allows our world leading volunteers to travel the world sharing knowledge and developing skills with the communities that need it most, including Vietnam.
Inside the world's only flying eye hospital | CNBC Reports
How Does the Flying Eye Hospital Do Its Job?
The flying hospital is invited to help train local eye care teams by officials in every country it lands.
Not only does it provide a space to train doctors, nurses and medical technicians, but it opens the doors for policy makers, including top government officials, which illustrate a good case for investing in eye health for all. Our amazing staff and volunteers can then work in partnership with local hospitals to understand their tecnical skill deficiency, whilst identifying the greatest needs.
This level of access has allowed Orbis to help change health policies for the better, reach doctors in need of training, improve the lives of those lacking access to care, and not least of all, develop lasting bonds with people around the globe to ensure a long-term impact.
The Flying Eye Hospital made international news, inspiring the world with the sight-saving work that takes place on board.
What Has It Done in Vietnam?
In a bid to respond to the call for technical assistance from local eye health system, the first visit by the FEH was made to Da Nang, Vietnam in 2006. So far the onboard team has performed 10 itineraries in Vietnam, included Da Nang (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012), Ho Chi Minh City (2008), Thua Thien - Hue (2015, 2019), Hanoi (2015), Binh Dinh Province (2017), and Can Tho City (2017). Since 2006, over 1,500 patients have had their eyes examined, of whom almost 800 disadvantaged patients received surgeries; and over 1,300 medical professionals (included doctors, nurses, medical technicians) have received hands on training.
Where has Flying Eye Hospital visited in Vietnam?
Take a look at our map to see places that the Flying Eye Hospital has landed in Vietnam.
The Flying Eye Hospital to Return to Vietnam In 2023
The FEH will be returning to Vietnam for the 11th time to conduct a three-week ophthalmic training program in Can Tho City in May 2023. This will be the FEH's first trip back to Vietnam after three years of travel restrictions due to the impact of Covid-19 global pandemic and the second visit of the FEH to Can Tho City after the trip in 2017.
The FEH, when arrives in Vietnam next year, will continue to provide training in ophthalmic sub-specialties, biomedical engineering and anesthesiology in response to the actual need of Can Tho City.
Follow us for more updates on the FEH program.
