ORBIS in Chiang Mai Province

Sumittra Trakarnslip, M.D.,
Surapongs Duangratana, M.D.
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

Abstract Project ORBIS is an independent, humanitarian or ganisation dedicated to fighting world blindness through education, and to fostering international cooperation and understanding. Since its inception in 1982, ORBIS has conducted 85 programmes in 53 countries on a DC-8 jet converted into a state-of-the-art teaching eye hospital. On board there are an operating theatre, examination, laser treatment area, recovery room, classroom and an audio visual studio of professional broadcast standard. ORBIS collects and disseminates sight saving surgical skills world wide through the hand-on method.

The Department ofOphthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University was assigned by the Ophthalmological society of Thailand to host the ORBIS mission held from October 17 through November 4, 1988 in Chiang Mai. During the three-week mission, 277 patients were examined, 79 of which were treated surgically in the operating theatre both on board and in the university. Thirty lectures by the visiting specialists were given to the attending Ophthalmologists who came from Chiang Mai University, Khon Kaen University and other hospitals in the North.

Thai J Ophthalmol 1988; 2(2): 86-89.