FedEx and Orbis International: A Commitment to Global Eye Care on World Sight Day
In the lead-up to World Sight Day, observed annually on October 9, FedEx highlighted its longstanding support for Orbis International during a goodwill visit by the Flying Eye Hospital in Dubai from September 30 to October 3. This initiative underscores the significant collaboration between the two organizations, which has spanned over 40 years and transformed the lives of countless individuals facing avoidable blindness.
The Flying Eye Hospital, an innovative aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, serves as a vital tool in Orbis’s mission to provide essential eye care, training, and surgeries to communities worldwide. During the recent visit, Orbis facilitated guided tours of the aircraft for FedEx employees and various stakeholders, showcasing not only the technological advancements within the aircraft but also the deep-rooted commitment of both partners to improve global access to eye care.
Bruce Johnson, the Director of Aircraft Operations and Maintenance at Orbis International, expressed gratitude towards FedEx for its unwavering support. “For more than 18 years, FedEx teams at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central have played a vital role in supporting our aircraft—from logistics to maintenance—whenever we’re in the region. Every time we arrive, we’re welcomed like family,” he stated, reflecting the strong bond fostered between the organizations.
The third-generation Flying Eye Hospital, a FedEx-donated MD-10 aircraft, has accomplished extraordinary feats since its inception in 1982, visiting over 80 countries and positively impacting thousands in need of medical assistance related to vision. The aircraft serves as a mobile teaching facility, enabling local health care professionals to receive training in ocular treatments while simultaneously carrying out life-changing surgeries. To date, FedEx has contributed over million in donations and logistical support, which includes the provision of aircraft parts, maintenance, and pilot training, essential for the aircraft’s successful operations.
On the occasion of World Sight Day, Taarek Hinedi, Vice President of Middle East and Africa Operations at FedEx, remarked, “As World Sight Day approaches, FedEx is proud to stand with Orbis in creating a world without avoidable blindness and vision loss.” This sentiment captures a broader commitment to corporate social responsibility in addressing significant global health challenges.
The impact of the Flying Eye Hospital’s missions extends far beyond the confines of the aircraft. For many children and adults in underserved regions, the restoration of sight can unlock a multitude of opportunities. As expressed by Captain Gary Dyson, Chief Pilot for Orbis International and a retired FedEx pilot, “Seeing a child regain their sight and knowing they now have a chance to learn, play, and one day support their own family is an incredible feeling. I’m proud to have spent a large part of my life working for FedEx, which made it possible for its pilots to give back in such a meaningful way.” His reflections illustrate the profound personal rewards that accompany professional endeavors, particularly in humanitarian contexts.
As the global community continues to grapple with challenges surrounding health and well-being, initiatives like those undertaken by FedEx and Orbis are crucial. They not only address immediate medical needs but also work to elevate healthcare standards through education and training. The collaborative efforts exemplify how private corporations can play an influential role in enhancing public health infrastructure, particularly in areas where access to quality healthcare remains limited.
The partnership between FedEx and Orbis International stands as a beacon of hope and a model for other organizations seeking to make a positive impact on the world. By tackling preventable blindness, they contribute to the overall betterment of society, one child and one community at a time. As we await the global observance of World Sight Day, it becomes increasingly clear that the dedication of entities such as FedEx and Orbis is pivotal in the fight against avoidable blindness.
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