Expanding Access to Eye Care: Alcon and Orbis’ 40-Year Collaboration
09/22/2025
time to read 5 minutes
For four decades, we have partnered with Orbis International, a global nonprofit dedicated to improving access to eye care globally by training Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) and strengthening eye health systems. From the iconic Flying Eye Hospital to the Cybersight telemedicine platform, Orbis has pioneered training models that equip ophthalmologists, nurses, and biomedical engineers with the skills they need to preserve and improve sight for those who traditionally lack access to eye care. Through Alcon Cares and the Alcon Foundation, we have been a key supporter of these efforts, providing in-kind contributions, monetary donations and expert training to empower ECPs worldwide with the tools and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality care in their communities.
Together, we are not just increasing access to quality eye care—we are building sustainable eye care systems that will leave an impact for generations to come.
The Power of Training: Building a Sustainable Eye Care Workforce
Orbis’ mission focuses on training and capacity-building. By empowering local eye care teams through skills, tools, and technology to deliver high-quality care, Orbis amplifies each program's impact, extending far beyond a single procedure.
This training-first model is why Orbis has become one of our longest-standing partners, receiving our support through:
- In-kind contributions: Alcon Cares donates ophthalmic surgical equipment and training resources to strengthen the impact of Orbis’ initiatives.
- Monetary donations: The Alcon Foundation donates funding to enhance Orbis’ sight-saving programs.
- Technical training by Alcon engineers and technicians: Alcon’s biomedical engineers and technical experts participate in projects to train local teams on the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Alcon equipment.
The Flying Eye Hospital: A Surgical Classroom in the Sky
Perhaps the most well-known element of our partnership with Orbis is the Flying Eye Hospital, a state-of-the-art surgical and training facility housed within an MD-10 aircraft. The Alcon Foundation Classroom, located at the front of the plane, allows local ophthalmologists and their teams to watch live surgeries in the onboard operating room, with real-time guidance from surgeons.
While the Flying Eye Hospital is an inspiring symbol of innovation, the majority of Orbis’ training efforts happen off the plane, at community hospitals and clinics. These on-the-ground programs ensure training is embedded into existing eye health systems, creating a long-term impact.
CyberSight: Transforming Global Eye Care with Telemedicine
As technology has advanced, Orbis has expanded its reach through Cybersight, a telemedicine platform that allows ECPs worldwide to receive remote training, access educational resources, and consult with mentors. The Alcon Foundation supports the development and update of Cybersight training modules, providing monetary donations, strategic input, and in-house educational resources.
Cybersight is particularly impactful in low- and middle-income countries, where access to specialized ophthalmic training is limited. By leveraging online learning, Orbis enables more ECPs to gain essential expertise—helping reduce preventable blindness on a global scale. With our support, the number of registered users on Orbis’ Cybersight platform has grown to more than 100,000.
Beyond Training: The Future of Alcon and Orbis’ Collaboration
Our partnership goes beyond training in hospitals and classrooms—we strategically collaborate, planning the deployment of the Flying Eye Hospital and training initiatives to make sure that resources reach the regions with the greatest need.
This proactive approach allows us to support the adoption of new surgical techniques, like phacoemulsification in Africa, enhancing patient outcomes, advancing surgeons' expertise, and bolstering healthcare infrastructure.
With 40 years of collaboration behind us, Alcon and Orbis remain committed to strengthening global healthcare systems, providing access to high-quality care and life-changing surgeries. As our partnership moves forward, several key initiatives will continue to shape its impact:
- Expanding the Center of Excellence to train more surgeons.
- Leveraging digital tools to enhance Cybersight’s training capabilities.
- Strengthening eye care infrastructure in low-and-middle income countries.
- Aligning future training programs to meet the most urgent eye health needs globally.
With millions of lives already transformed, we remain dedicated to partnering with Orbis to expand access to essential eye care services, helping individuals receive the treatments they need to thrive and supporting healthier communities worldwide.
