Aug. 15, 2024 — The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital has landed in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to begin a three-week training project focused on enhancing the skills of local eyecare professionals. The arrival marks Orbis's ninth visit to Mongolia, with its first mission dating back to 1989.
Orbis staff and volunteer experts will conduct a series of hands-on training sessions and workshops with a focus on pediatric cataract, strabismus, oculoplastics, adult glaucoma, and surgical retina. Training will take place on the Flying Eye Hospital, which serves as a fully equipped teaching hospital, and at two local hospitals: the National Center for Maternal and Child Health and Third Central Hospital. The goal is to improve the quality of eye care in Mongolia by equipping surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and biomedical engineers with the latest skills and knowledge.
Orbis has been working with Mongolia’s Ministry of Health for 35 years to integrate sustainable eye care into the national health system. The partnership has significantly improved access to pediatric eye care across the country. The current project is supported by long-time Orbis partners, including the Alcon Foundation, FedEx, and OMEGA. Orbis shares that these organizations have provided critical financial support, medical equipment, and logistics assistance to ensure the success of its global initiatives.
“We are grateful for our partnerships with the Ministry of Health, the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, and Third Central Hospital,” says Chimgee Chuluunkhuu, M.D., country director of Orbis Mongolia. “Together, we have been able to increase access to quality eye care throughout the country. The Alcon Foundation, FedEx, and Omega are very important partners for Orbis, and we are grateful for their indispensable support of this project and support of Orbis’s mission around the world."
The aircraft touched down at Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport amidst challenging weather conditions. Captain Cyndhi Berwyn described the landing as "one of the toughest approaches" in her career, noting the high altitude, strong winds, and stormy conditions that are characteristic of Ulaanbaatar. Onboard the flight was Bulgan Orgilsaikhan, a former Orbis patient from Mongolia and current Orbis Canada board member. Reflecting on the challenging weather, Orgilsaikhan cited a Mongolian saying, “The destined person comes with the thunderstorm,” viewing the conditions as a positive omen.