Project ORBIS: Spring Break in China

Is it spring break yet in your area?

This year my wife and daughter are doing something different for spring break, something very different.

You may not know it but my spouse is also an ophthalmologist. She specializes in pediatric ophthalmology. She has been invited to participate in Project ORBIS a nonprofit humanitarian organization. ORBIS strives to eliminate avoidable blindness and restore sight in the developing world. ORBIS works closely with local communities, governments and hospitals to design programs that increase local skills, improve health care facilities and foster awareness of eye health. Enormously successful, this year ORBIS celebrates its 25th anniversary.

There are many wonderful medical charities. What's really different about ORBIS is that, unlike most other international medical organizations, ORBIS does not arrive, perform 500 operations, and fly away. ORBIS is actually a flying eye hospital (a converted DC-10 with operating rooms and classrooms). At each faraway destination ORBIS' volunteer eye surgeons teach clinical and surgical skills to the local doctors. This is an enduring gift that persists long after the two-week visit concludes.

This weekend my wife and older daughter travel to the Peoples Republic of China with ORBIS to share knowledge and experiences regarding the care of pediatric eye surgery patients. I am extremely proud of both of them for choosing to make a positive difference in the world.

My spring break? I get to stay home and finish preparing our taxes!

Learn more about Project ORBIS.

Related Topics:

• WebMD Video: Treating Cataracts in Children
• WebMD Video: Preemies: Early Eye Surgery May Prevent Blindness

Technorati Tags: pediatric eye surgery, spring break, Project ORBIS, health-and-wellness