The aircraft, equipped as a state-of-the-art teaching hospital, has been stationed at Kigali International Airport since July 21 and will remain until August 1, 2025.
Rwanda is the 84th country to host Orbis since the program launched in 1982.
The initiative is a collaboration between Orbis International, the Ministry of Health, the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), and Kibagabaga Hospital.
Over 100 Rwandan eye specialists have already received hands-on training using advanced technology, and more than 140 patients, 40 aboard the aircraft and 100 at Kibagabaga Hospital, are expected to benefit from surgeries.
Speaking at the launch of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital mission, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana hailed the initiative as a milestone in advancing high-tech healthcare in Rwanda and across Africa.
He highlighted the partnership between the Ministry of Health, Orbis International, and local institutions like RIIO as vital for expanding capacity and improving eye care services across the country.
He also underscored the importance of integrating artificial intelligence and digital tools in ophthalmology, which can predict complications early and prevent blindness.
Reflecting on past successes, he noted a recent nationwide cataract screening campaign that operated on thousands of patients, emphasising the ongoing efforts to reach even the most remote communities.
Dr. Nsanzimana noted that the government is working hard to increase the number of eye specialists in Rwanda from the current 30 to at least 120 over the next five years, as part of a broader strategy to quadruple the total number of doctors.
'Let's increase the number of ophthalmologists from 30 to 120 in the next five years. This is achievable.'
The Flying Eye Hospital's director, Maurice Geary, praised Rwanda's warm reception and infrastructure support, calling it a historic collaboration.
Dr. Ciku Mathenge, Orbis Medical Advisor for Africa and RIIO co-founder, shared powerful stories of patients, including a young man treated for parasitic worms in his eye and Esther, a 26-year-old woman whose sight was saved through AI-supported diagnosis and treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
'Esther's story is really a testament to why this work that Orbis is supporting Rwanda to do matters. Lasting, happy change happens when we invest in people, when we foster strong partnerships, and when we strengthen the foundations that your ministry has so ably set down in the health system in Rwanda,' said Dr. Mathenge.
'As a doctor, as a mother, as a proud African woman, and as a passionate advocate for eye care, I know firsthand the life-changing difference that sight makes in an individual. Seeing all of you here today with your dedication and belief fills me with a lot of joy, and it confirms that all of you understand why our mission is so critical.'
The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital will continue operating until August 1, with further training and surgeries planned in close collaboration with RIIO and Rwandan universities.
RIIO, founded 14 years ago by Brig Gen Prof. John Nkurikiye and Prof. Mathenge, was established to address the gap in eye care services in Rwanda and continues to play a central role in building a sustainable, high-quality ophthalmology workforce in the country.
IGIHE
