DOHA: A new ‘flying hospital’ was launched in London as part of the joint ‘Qatar Creating Vision’ initiative signed between Qatar Development Fund (QDF) and Orbis foundation for eye treatment of millions of children in developing countries.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Royal Air Force Club and was attended by Princess Sophie Rhys-Jones, Countess of Wessex, Qatari Ambassador to the UK Yousef bin Ali Al Khater and other dignitaries.
Orbis is a British non-profit organisation with a mission to eliminate blindness in developing countries.
It operates Flying Eye Hospital, a fully equipped mobile teaching hospital. On the outside, the plane is like most other aircraft. Inside it hosts an ophthalmic hospital and teaching facility.
Orbis flies around the world teaching medical professionals how to treat common eye problems in their communities.
The flying hospital has state-of-the-art operating rooms and features fully accredited eye hospital with technology that can transmit live surgeries around the world in 3D.
It also includes clinics, emergency rooms, a lecture hall and observation room of high efficiency standards for children with eye diseases and at risk of blindness.
According to Orbis, 80 percent of all visual impairment can be avoided or cured, which makes its Flying Eye Hospital a vital lifeline for many of those affected.
According to its website, 2.13 million screenings and examinations were performed on the flying eye hospital and at partner institutions in 2015.
During inauguration, Orbis Chairman Peter Hickson presented a model of the aircraft to the Qatari Embassy and thanked all those who contributed and supported the foundation’s programmes, particularly Qatar.
Orbis Chairman hails Qatar’s contribution
He said Qatar’s contribution brought a smile to children by restoring their eyesight and providing them with a bright future.
Access to quality eye care is one of the most effective and cost-efficient paths for reversing the cycle of poverty. Preventing and treating visual impairment gives people their independence back. It allows them to become more active in their community and contribute more to their family and society.
Princess Sophie had travelled to Doha in 2013 on board Orbis Flying Eye Hospital to meet medical specialists and ambassadors, building on the success of last year’s inaugural visit of the unique training facility in a DC-10 plane.
The Peninsula
