Orbis Flying Eye Hospital Marks 20 Years of Partnership with Macau

First-ever Flying Eye Hospital training project in Macau, supported by Alcon and OMEGA, highlights two decades of local support advancing eye health in China and around the world.

MACAU, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global eye care nonprofit Orbis International is celebrating 20 years of partnership with the Macau community with the arrival of its Flying Eye Hospital for the first-ever simulation-based training project in Macau. The project will engage 70 ophthalmologists and nurses from eight Orbis partner hospitals across China to Macau for advanced training and mentorship aboard the Flying Eye Hospital and at Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau. Together, these professionals will go on to serve more than 245,000 patients in China annually.

This project, locally supported by the Civil Aviation Authority, the Health Bureau of the Macau Special Administrative Region, and many dedicated local and international supporters, will serve as a platform for hands-on training, innovation, and knowledge exchange. Training will focus on simulated cataract, glaucoma, strabismus, medical retina, and nursing specialties, strengthening participants' skills, which they can apply throughout their careers and share with future generations of eye care professionals.

Since Orbis Macau was established in 2006, the Macau community has raised more than US$33 million to support Orbis's work in China and around the world. As a bridge between Macau's supporters and Orbis's global mission, Orbis Macau has mobilized donors, companies, schools, foundations and volunteers to help strengthen eye care systems, train health professionals and expand access to quality eye care.

"For twenty years, the people of Macau have stood beside Orbis as partners in our mission," said Isabel da Silva, Director of Development, Orbis Macau. "The real story of this visit is not just the aircraft. It's the thousands of individuals, companies, schools, and volunteers of Macau who have supported Orbis over the last two decades. Their generosity has helped make sight-saving work possible around the world, and this project offers a unique opportunity for the Macau community and our supporters to see the impact of their contributions firsthand. By supporting Orbis's global work, they are directly helping to empower eye care teams in China to safeguard eye health in rural and remote communities, while also advancing efforts to raise awareness of eye health locally in Macau."

Cybersight, Orbis's telemedicine and e-learning platform, is an integral part of every Flying Eye Hospital project—connecting in-person training with continuous learning before and after the aircraft is on site. Through Cybersight, participants can prepare in advance, consult with global experts, access ongoing education, and continue building skills long after the project concludes, extending the impact of the Flying Eye Hospital far beyond the aircraft itself.

"For 20 years, the Macau community has helped Orbis turn generosity into lasting impact," said Kathleen Sherwin, President and CEO of Orbis International. "This project shows what that looks like in practice. By bringing eye care teams from across China together for advanced simulation training and connecting them to ongoing mentorship through Cybersight, we are investing not only in individual clinicians, but in stronger eye care systems. The knowledge gained here will travel back with these doctors and nurses to the communities they serve and continue multiplying for years to come."

Alcon has been a generous supporter of Orbis for more than 45 years, providing financial support to the Flying Eye Hospital through the Alcon Foundation, as well as donations of state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment, surgical products, and supplies through Alcon Cares.

"Alcon is proud to support Orbis's first Flying Eye Hospital training project in Macau, a milestone that reflects both the strength of our more than 45-year collaboration with Orbis, and Macau's remarkable commitment to advancing eye health," said Melisa Chong, Surgical Franchise Head, Alcon Hong Kong. "Helping people see brilliantly is our purpose, and we know that building local capacity is one of the most effective ways to create lasting impact. By equipping ophthalmologists and nurses with advanced training, technology and ongoing educational resources, this program will help strengthen eye care capacity in China and expand access to quality eye care in underserved communities. Together with Orbis and the people of Macau, we are helping create a future where more patients can receive the eye care they need to see their world more clearly."

Since 2011, OMEGA has proudly supported Flying Eye Hospital projects and works in cooperation with its celebrity brand ambassadors to increase awareness of Orbis and its mission. OMEGA also provides teddy bears to all young patients being treated on the plane.

 "By dedicating their time over 20 years, Orbis has created a true legacy of excellence in Macau. OMEGA is proud to be part of this long-standing community initiative. These 20 years are a testament to the commitment, innovation, and passion that we so deeply admire in Orbis.", President & CEO of OMEGA, Raynald Aeschlimann.

The Macau Program is part of Orbis's 2026 annual Flying Eye Hospital global program, and Orbis is deeply grateful that it brings together international sponsors and local partners, including Alcon, OMEGA, the Civil Aviation Authority of Macau Special Administrative Region, and the Health Bureau of the Macau Special Administrative Region. Orbis is also honored for support from Macau International Airport Co. Ltd. (CAM), Menzies Aviation Macau, TAG Aviation Asia (Macau) Ltd., Min Da Construction & Engineering Co. Ltd., Sands China Ltd., MGM, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, CSI Group Macau, Macau Coca-Cola Beverage Co. Ltd FedEx, Woodward Inc., AirAsia, Embraer, and GE Aerospace. Together, these supporters are making the first simulation training project in Macau possible. By bringing eye care teams from Orbis partner hospitals across China to train in the city, the project directly contributes to strengthening long-term eye care in rural and remote Chinese communities.

About Orbis Macau
For twenty years, Orbis Macau has built a strong network of support among donors, companies, foundations, schools, volunteers, and community partners across Macau. Through fundraising, partnership building, public awareness campaigns, educational outreach, and volunteer engagement, Orbis Macau serves as an important bridge between the local community and Orbis's global sight-saving work. The impact of that support can be seen in stronger eye care systems, better-trained health professionals, expanded access to services, and innovations that help reach communities where specialized eye care is often difficult to access.

About Orbis International
Orbis International is a global eye care nonprofit working to prevent avoidable blindness and restore sight in communities where access to eye care is limited. Through the Flying Eye Hospital, Cybersight, and long-term partnerships with local hospitals and clinics, Orbis trains eye care teams, strengthens health systems, and helps people access the care they need. Orbis ranks in the top 3% of U.S. charities, having earned top marks for transparency and accountability from Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau. To learn more, please visit orbis.org.

About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of people in over 140 countries and territories each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

About OMEGA
OMEGA is a prestigious Swiss watchmaker and member of the Swatch Group Ltd. Since 1848, the brand has been synonymous with excellence, innovation and precision, as well as a pioneering spirit, demonstrated by conquests of the oceans and space. In fact, since 1965, the OMEGA Speedmaster has been worn on each of NASA's manned missions including all six moon landings. As well as this, no brand is more actively involved in sports timekeeping. In addition to partnerships in golf, sailing, athletics and swimming, OMEGA has served as the Official Timekeeper for the Olympic Games since 1932 and the Paralympic Games since 1992. Most importantly, OMEGA has a tradition of excellence in watchmaking. This reputation was reinforced in 2015 with the introduction of METAS-approved Master Chronometer certification, representing the Swiss industry's highest standard of precision, magnetic resistance and performance.

Media Contacts
Orbis International
Jenna Montgomery
Associate Director, Global Communications and Marketing
[email protected]

Alcon
Steven Smith
+ 41 589 112 111 (Geneva)
+ 1 817 551 8057 (Fort Worth)
[email protected]

OMEGA
OMEGA International Press Office
Rue Jakob-Stämpfli 96 – 2502 Biel/Bienne - Switzerland
Tel. +41 32 343 9211
[email protected]
www.omegawatches.com

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SOURCE Orbis International