QFFD, Orbis launch professional development programme for women in conflict areas

QFFD, Orbis launch professional development programme for women in conflict areas

A first-of-its-kind medical training programme has been launched by a group of national and international partners in Doha.

Under the leadership of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and Qatar Charity, Orbis will host a week-long professional eye-care programme for women from vulnerable communities. This falls under a new QFFD initiative called "Women in Conflict Zones" and "Qatar Creating Vision."

Ophthalmologists and nurses from Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen, have been invited to take part in the simulation training, endorsed by the Qatari Ministry of Public Health.

This will be delivered by Orbis's clinical volunteers and staff onboard their Flying Eye Hospital, a fully accredited ophthalmic teaching facility on board an MD-10 aircraft.

The participants will hone their skills using cutting-edge surgical and/or nursing simulation devices, including virtual reality, artificial eyes, and life-like manikins.

This ensures that each step they would normally take when treating a patient can be safely practiced as many times as needed, growing confidence.

Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport are providing on-the-ground support. In addition, OMEGA is the title sponsor of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital visits to the Middle East this year.

This will be Orbis's first international training programme with the Flying Eye Hospital since