Over three weeks, Orbis International’s Flying Eye Hospital project in Mongolia delivered comprehensive training to local eye care professionals, focusing on improving surgical skills and patient care. The program, now in its ninth iteration in the country, combined simulation technology, hands-on surgical practice, and specialized workshops to address various aspects of eye care.
Week one centered on simulation training. More than 70 local residents and ophthalmologists practiced complex surgical techniques using artificial eyes and virtual reality equipment. This approach allowed doctors to refine their skills before working with actual patients, potentially leading to better outcomes.
The second week transitioned to pediatric eye care. Twelve rural nurses and ophthalmologists applied their simulation training to real-world scenarios, treating children for conditions like cataracts and strabismus. This hands-on experience not only saved sight but also prepared local teams to continue providing care long after the Flying Eye Hospital’s departure.
In the final week, the focus shifted to adult eye care and biomedical training. Local surgeons honed their skills in treating glaucoma, oculoplastics, and surgical retina sub-specialties. Alcon expert biomedical engineers led workshops to train local technicians on operating and maintaining critical eye care equipment, ensuring sustainable care for the future.
Throughout the project, the emphasis remained on preparing Mongolian eye care professionals to handle complex cases independently. Dr. Malik Kahook, a volunteer faculty member, highlighted the program’s multi-layered approach in an article by Orbis:
“One of the great things about the Orbis program is that it has multiple levels that all feed into each other. Initially, there is a lot of practical knowledge gained from simulation and wet lab surgical maneuvers, prior to the program even starting. This is then followed by a clinic visit, where we saw a significant number of patients to decide who might need surgical care, and we were able to talk about surgical techniques we would use on each patient.”
The Flying Eye Hospital project in Mongolia demonstrated Orbis International’s commitment to not only providing immediate care but also building long-term capacity within the local medical community. By combining advanced technology, hands-on training, and expert guidance, the program aimed to create a lasting impact on eye health in Mongolia.
Read these articles about Orbis’ 2024 mission to Mongolia:
- Flying Eye Hospital update: Week one complete!
- Flying Eye Hospital latest: Week two wraps up in Mongolia
- Week three in Mongolia is finished
Watch these videos about one young Mongolian woman’s eye care journey and how it changed her life:
And here is the first video about Bulgan and her eye journey with Orbis: