MR ROBERT F. WALTERS APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ORBIS INTERNATIONAL

Sight-saving charity ORBIS International is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Robert F. Walters, FRCS(Ed), FRCOphth, DO, as the new Chairman of its International Board of Directors.

Mr Robert Walters has been an active member of the ORBIS International Board of Directors since 2008. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of ORBIS UK since 2003 and Chairman of the UK Board since 2008.  Mr Walters has served as part of the ORBIS Medical Volunteer Faculty since 1994, participating in programs to Bangladesh, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, India, Myanmar, Sudan and Vietnam.   

Mr Walters served as a consultant eye surgeon at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff until 2009. He serves as examiner for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in London and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is also a trustee of the Cardiff Eye Research and Therapeutic Trust and the author of three books on the causes of blindness. Past appointments include Regional Adviser for Wales on behalf of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and Clinical Director of Cardiff Eye Unit at the University Hospital of Wales.  

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Rob since taking on the role of President and CEO of ORBIS International and know his commitment and dedication to be unwavering”, says Jack McHale.

Mr Walters succeeds Albert L. Ueltschi, one of the organization’s original founders who will continue to serve ORBIS as Chairman Emeritus.

“The board, staff, volunteers and patients who have been a part of the ORBIS family will forever be grateful to Al and the Ueltschi family for their enormous generosity, leadership and commitment to ORBIS’ mission of saving sight worldwide. Al’s vision and devotion to eliminating avoidable blindness has been an inspirational example of how one man can help change the world”, says Mr Walters.