Doha 22nd September 2013: Sophie, Countess of Wessex will land Qatar today. Her arrival in conjunction with the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital is a part of an international campaign to raise awareness on prevention and treatment of blindness, which affects 1.5 million kids worldwide. The famous ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital is the only airborne ophthalmic training facility in the world.
The Countess of Wessex, who is involved with charities relating to disabilities and communication problems of children will take part in a series of events in the country and will attend a series of tours for local organizations in Qatar to visit the airline and experience its advanced facilities.
Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways and Doha International Airport (DIA) said: ”DIA is truly honoured to welcome HRH The Countess of Wessex to Doha and to support the important global cause of preventing avoidable child blindness. We also look forward to once again hosting ORBIS on our airport grounds and providing the community in Qatar with the opportunity to witness the incredible work that the organization is doing to train eye care experts and extend sight-saving care to millions of communities around the world through its Flying Eye Hospital.”
The ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital has visited 77 countries since its first program in 1982. Thousands of people are now free from blindness as a result of their continued focus on effective training. Its advanced facilities include a fully equipped ophthalmic operating suite, a four bed pre-operation and recovery room, as well as a sub sterile and laser room. 80% of all visual impairment can be prevented or treated, which makes its Flying Eye Hospital an essential lifeline for affected, ORBIS say.
Visit to Qatar last year was an opportunity for ORBIS to share valuable awareness on how blindness, particularly in children in many rural countries, can be avoided or cured with early intervention and appropriate care. Doha International Airport will again extend its support to ORBIS this time to raise further awareness.
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