Orbis Vietnam’s 2026 journey

In 2026, Orbis marks a significant milestone: 30 years of working alongside Vietnam’s ophthalmology sector (1996–2026). As part of the anniversary programme, Orbis is delivering specialist medical training and technology-transfer activities in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi.

The impact of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital in Da Nang

The 2026 Orbis Flying Eye Hospital programme opened on 28 July 2026 at Da Nang International Airport. Organised by Orbis International in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Da Nang People’s Committee and Da Nang Eye Hospital, the event marks the fifth time the “flying eye hospital” has visited the city.

Specialist training aboard the MD-10: The three-week course takes place on the MD-10 aircraft, converted with support from FedEx. The mobile ophthalmic training facility includes an operating theatre, meeting space and a modern simulation centre.

Participants and scale: More than 230 ophthalmic professionals — doctors, nurses, anaesthetists and biomedical equipment engineers from Da Nang and central and Central Highlands provinces — receive direct instruction from more than 20 international specialists from seven countries.

Key clinical focus: The programme provides hands-on training in cataract surgery, glaucoma, oculoplastic care and, in particular, screening and treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Kathleen Sherwin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orbis International, speaking.

Expanding priority partnerships and training in Hanoi

Following the central Vietnam activities, Orbis is expanding its priority partnership programme in Hanoi to strengthen the capacity of clinicians at central-level institutions and in northern provinces.

Medical simulation training: Modern simulation technology enables younger doctors to practise complex surgical procedures confidently before performing them in clinical settings.

Digital technology and AI: Training connects through the Cybersight digital health platform, which integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to support remote diagnosis and consultation for complex eye cases.

Paediatric ophthalmology: The programme strengthens specialist skills for healthcare teams in screening for and preventing blindness from ROP in newborns.

Dr Kenneth Youngstein training staff at the Vietnam National Eye Hospital — Dr Kenneth Youngstein (FHMD, Switzerland), a community health education specialist with more than 50 years of experience, training staff at the Vietnam National Eye Hospital.

Thirty years of sustained partnership for better vision in Vietnam (1996–2026)

Over three decades of collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Vietnam Ophthalmology Society, Orbis has contributed to ophthalmic development in Vietnam by screening and examining more than 5.2 million people, providing advanced training for more than 40,000 eye-care professionals, and supporting child eye-care networks and standard eye banks at major medical centres nationwide.

Disclaimer: This article is edited from information provided by Orbis for professional and activity updates. This website does not promote or endorse any product, service or organisation mentioned.