Medical volunteers are the backbone of ORBIS programmes. Medical volunteers from all over the world donate their time and energy to work with ORBIS to prevent blindness and restore sight. Referred to as volunteer faculty, these specialists include ophthalmologists, orthoptists, biomedical engineers, anaesthetists and ophthalmic nurses.

Approximately 500 medical professionals comprise ORBIS’ s volunteer faculty pool, coming from such diverse countries as Argentina, Israel, Great Britain, Australia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, India and the United States.

Volunteer faculty share their expertise with colleagues in developing nations through consultations, surgical demonstrations, wet lab supervision, lectures and workshops during a Flying Eye Hospital visit or a hospital-based programme.

In addition to their clinical responsibilities, volunteer medical faculty have the extra challenge of working in the limited space onboard the Flying Eye Hospital or within local settings, making due with the existing equipment. Volunteer placements last between one and three weeks and can be either individual or team placements.

ORBIS medical volunteers must be very highly experienced in ophthalmic eye care with a minimum of 5 years practical experience at a consultant level for ophthalmologist and anaesthetist.   Nurses must have 5 years experience working in ophthalmic eye care.  Additionally, two references from current ORBIS medical volunteers are required.  We currently have opportunities for paediatric specialist.  If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of ORBIS's volunteer faculty, please contact Nina Begum, VF Coordinator at nbegum@orbis.org.uk