In a groundbreaking effort to advance eye care, global eye health charity Orbis International will conduct a two-week training project in Rwanda next year, bringing its famed Flying Eye Hospital—the world’s only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital housed on a plane—into the country for the very first time.
The project, set to be hosted by the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s healthcare development. Dr. John Nkurikiye, Chief Ophthalmologist and Director of RIIO, shared the exciting news, explaining the hospital’s unique features and its potential to revolutionize eye care in the country.
“We are thrilled to announce that the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital will be in Kigali for about 15 days next year. This state-of-the-art airplane is equipped with the latest simulators for teaching eye surgery and features a modern operating theater for complex surgeries,” Dr. Nkurikiye said.
The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, a fully equipped McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft, serves as both a mobile hospital and a training facility, offering professional development to healthcare workers in underserved countries. It provides hands-on training in eye surgery for doctors and nurses, public health education, and technical support, with a focus on preventing blindness and treating eye diseases. The plane’s arrival will give Rwandan ophthalmologists, nurses, and medical staff access to world-class training, setting the stage for a long-term transformation of the country’s eye care capabilities.
A Partnership for Advanced Eye Care
Rwanda’s eye care sector has been steadily advancing in recent years, with RIIO playing a pivotal role. According to Dr. Nkurikiye, one of the key improvements at RIIO has been the introduction of ocular electrophysiology tests, which are helping specialists diagnose the causes of visual loss, particularly in children. This cutting-edge technology tests the function of cells from the retina to the brain’s visual cortex, enabling better diagnosis of genetic causes of blindness.
“This technology helps differentiate between various genetic causes of visual impairment,” said Dr. Nkurikiye, noting its potential to enhance Rwanda’s healthcare capacity, especially in treating complex cases of visual loss.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Eye Care
In addition to the partnership with Orbis International, RIIO is leading the way in implementing innovative solutions to address the shortage of retina specialists in Rwanda. Dr. Nkurikiye highlighted that the institute is rolling out the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen diabetic patients for eye complications—a major development in early diagnosis and prevention of blindness.
“This technology is a game-changer, particularly given the shortage of retina specialists,” said Dr. Nkurikiye. “It has been tested locally and has demonstrated high reliability.”
Global Solutions for Local Challenges
Orbis International’s upcoming visit underscores the importance of global partnerships in improving local healthcare systems. With the increasing demand for specialized eye care, the combination of advanced technologies, training, and medical expertise that Orbis brings to Rwanda is expected to have a lasting impact.
The introduction of AI in healthcare and the use of electrophysiology tests are just two examples of how Rwanda is embracing new technologies to meet the challenges of modern eye care. The arrival of the Flying Eye Hospital will further elevate Rwanda’s ability to address preventable blindness, offering local professionals unprecedented access to training and technology that can make a difference in thousands of lives.
The project not only highlights the importance of addressing visual impairment in developing countries but also demonstrates the critical role of collaboration in overcoming the barriers to accessible eye care.
