Orbis International's Flying Eye Hospital arrives in Macau for training project

Global eye care nonprofit Orbis International has marked 20 years of partnership with Macau with the arrival of its Flying Eye Hospital for the first-ever simulation-based training project in the region. The project, supported by Alcon and OMEGA, aims to engage 70 ophthalmologists and nurses from eight Orbis partner hospitals across China for advanced training and mentorship aboard the Flying Eye Hospital and at Kiang Wu Nursing College in Macau. This initiative is expected to serve over 245,000 patients annually in China.

The training will focus on simulated cataract, glaucoma, strabismus, medical retina, and nursing specialties, enhancing the skills of participants to serve their communities more effectively and share their knowledge with future generations of eye care professionals. Since Orbis Macau's establishment in 2006, the Macau community has raised over $33 million to support Orbis's work in China and around the world, making significant contributions to the organization's global mission.

Isabel da Silva, Director of Development at Orbis Macau, highlighted the enduring support of the Macau community, stating, "For twenty years, the people of Macau have stood beside Orbis as partners in our mission. The real story of this visit is not just the aircraft. It's the thousands of individuals, companies, schools, and volunteers of Macau who have supported Orbis over the last two decades. Their generosity has helped make sight-saving work possible around the world."

This project, which is part of Orbis's 2026 annual Flying Eye Hospital global program, will leverage Cybersight, the organization's telemedicine and e-learning platform, to connect in-person training with ongoing education. Alcon, a long-time supporter of Orbis, praised the project, saying, "Alcon is proud to support Orbis's first Flying Eye Hospital training project in Macau, a milestone that reflects both the strength of our more than 45-year collaboration with Orbis, and Macau's remarkable commitment to advancing eye health."

Kathleen Sherwin, President and CEO of Orbis International, emphasized the broader impact of the project, noting, "By bringing eye care teams from across China together for advanced simulation training and connecting them to ongoing mentorship through Cybersight, we are investing not only in individual clinicians but in stronger eye care systems. The knowledge gained here will travel back with these doctors and nurses to the communities they serve and continue multiplying for years to come."

OMEGA, another long-standing supporter, expressed its pride in the partnership, with Raynald Aeschlimann, President & CEO of OMEGA, saying, "By dedicating their time over 20 years, Orbis has created a true legacy of excellence in Macau. These 20 years are a testament to the commitment, innovation, and passion that we so deeply admire in Orbis."

The project is supported by a coalition of international sponsors and local partners, including Alcon, OMEGA, the Civil Aviation Authority of Macau Special Administrative Region, and the Health Bureau of the Macau Special Administrative Region. Together, these supporters are contributing to the first simulation training project in Macau, directly strengthening long-term eye care in rural and remote Chinese communities.

Orbis International, founded in 1971, has been working to prevent avoidable blindness and restore sight in communities with limited access to eye care. Through the Flying Eye Hospital, Cybersight, and long-term partnerships with local hospitals and clinics, the organization trains eye care teams, strengthens health systems, and helps people access the care they need.