Orbis Ethiopia

11/10/2025

We’re live on EBC’s “Tenawo Bebetwo” program, sharing insights about World Sight Day!
Join us as we raise awareness about the importance of eye health and the global effort to prevent avoidable blindness. Let’s make vision care a priority for everyone.

09/10/2025

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, October 9, 2025, The Addis Ababa Customs Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ethiopian Customs Authority, and Orbis Ethiopia, commemorated World Sight Day with a powerful campaign advocating for improved access to eye care across the country.
This year’s observance focused on the urgent need to make eyeglasses more affordable and accessible, highlighting the role of policy reform in addressing visual impairment. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss challenges faced by millions of Ethiopians with vision problems and to promote inclusive solutions.
A central theme of the celebration was the proposal to reduce taxes on eyeglasses; a move aimed at easing the financial burden on individuals requiring vision correction. Officials from the Ministry of Health and the Customs Authority emphasized the potential public health and economic benefits of such reforms.
“Vision is not a luxury it’s a necessity. Reducing taxes on eyeglasses can transform lives by making sight accessible to millions,” said Dr. Dereje Duguma state minister of health, speaking at the event.
The day featured educational sessions, policy discussions, and a collective call to action urging lawmakers to prioritize eye health in national development agendas. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote affordable vision care throughout Ethiopia.

08/10/2025

WSD-2025

07/10/2025

07/10/2025

Last week marked a proud moment for Orbis as we participated in the 16th NNN Annual Congress, a platform that allowed us to spotlight our best practices and impactful work in the fight against trachoma. Our thought leaders shared key achievements, insights, and innovations that are driving progress in eye health globally.
Beyond the presentations, the congress offered a rich opportunity to exchange experiences, foster collaboration, and strengthen our network with partners equally committed to eliminating neglected tropical diseases.

07/10/2025

In a significant step toward expanding access to eye care, Orbis Ethiopia, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, hosted a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop focused on the World Health Organization’s Primary Eye Care (PEC) Training Manual.
Held in Addis Ababa, the workshop brought together 24 eye health professionals including optometrists, ophthalmic officers, surgeons, and public health experts from Ethiopia and Rwanda. The sessions were led by esteemed WHO Master Trainer, Professor Ciku Mathenge, with co-facilitation by Alem Mekonnen of Light for the World Ethiopia and Innocent Habimana from Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, who provided valuable regional perspectives.
Day one of the workshop introduced participants to the core principles of PEC, while day two featured hands-on practical training and strategic planning. The final session focused on brainstorming approaches for integrating PEC into national curricula and developing future training frameworks.
Participants underscored the importance of PEC as a collaborative and scalable model for improving eye health. Discussions highlighted the need to incorporate PEC into medical and nursing education, emphasizing the role of PEC kits and clinical exposure during nurse training.
This initiative sets the stage for a nationwide rollout of PEC services, reinforcing Ethiopia’s commitment to inclusive, community-based eye care. With a team of trained facilitators now equipped to lead, the program promises to enhance vision and health outcomes for millions across the country.

30/09/2025

The 16th NNN meeting has officially kicked off in Kampala, and the energy in the room is electric.

30/09/2025

We’re thrilled to be in Kampala, Uganda 🇺🇬 for the 16th NNN meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Health! Orbis thought leaders are joining experts from over 50 countries to tackle the global challenge of eliminating neglected tropical diseases.
Today, we presented our exciting work on using facial biometrics to ensure full geographic coverage for TT surgery a game changing way to improve care and outcomes for those affected.

18/09/2025

Spending time with schoolchildren and feeling the warmth and respect from the community, especially through the thoughtful gifts they shared, was a truly special part of our visit.

18/09/2025

Our visit to the Dilla Secondary Eye Care Unit was truly inspiring. Witnessing the complicated workings of the human eye, where advanced technology meets expert knowledge, was a fascinating experience.
Our guests also had the opportunity to observe firsthand how dedicated eye care professionals carry out their work with care and compassion. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that skilled healthcare and supportive tools can have on people’s lives.

18/09/2025

A Meaningful Visit to Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
On Tuesday, September 17, 2025, we had the honor of visiting the Tertiary Eye Care Unit at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, with a special emphasis on the Pediatric Eye Care Department. It was truly an eye-opening experience that offered valuable insights into their operations and fostered thoughtful exchanges with the passionate professionals working on the front lines.
Visits like these are invaluable, not only for sharing best practices but also for uncovering systemic challenges and opportunities for growth. A key concern raised by the department head was the difficulty in retaining ophthalmologists, further complicated by infrastructure limitations that hinder the delivery of optimal eye care services.
Recognizing these gaps is a vital step toward building more resilient and effective healthcare systems. We deeply appreciate the transparency and collaboration shown by the team, and we’re committed to supporting efforts that strengthen pediatric eye care and elevate service delivery across the board.