Crestron announced on Tuesday that its control and automation systems would be part of an upgrade to ORBIS' Flying Eye Hospital (FEH). The FEH is a program created by ORBIS International that brings ophthalmic care to underserved areas globally, using a modified DC-10 wide body jet donated by FedEx, equipped with rooms for education, surgery and recovery.
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, with offices worldwide, ORBIS’ mission is to save human sight worldwide with treatment, education and improved access to eye care. Nearly 19 million blind and visually impaired patients have been treated since the charity started operations in 1982.
The FEH program began in 2006 with a trip to Uganda. At that time, 90,000 Ugandans suffered from corneal blindness. Many of these people could have their sight restored with corneal transplants.
Part of the problem was a lack of specialization with Ugandan doctors. Many of them were general practitioners with no eye care training, unable to provide ophthalmic treatment.
In response to this issue, the country's health ministry has since encouraged more specialization.
FEH goes beyond simply treating patients, by using a teach-a-man-to-fish approach. Volunteer ophthalmologists donate their time to the program to not only perform surgeries, but educate other doctors as well.
While surgeries are performed, doctors in the classroom can observe on video and ask questions. The classroom can also be used for regular lectures.
As part of the upgrade to FEH, Crestron's audio and video technology will be used in teaching sessions with 15 cameras and 17 monitors. A technician acts much like a video producer, controlling which camera displays on which screen.
Touchscreens facilitate communication between the classroom and operating room.
Crestron provides controls for several applications, including audio, video, lighting and environmental systems. The Rockleigh, NJ-based company develops solutions that are convenient and allow users to reduce environmental impact.
The educational process is a critical aspect of the FEH program. An ophthalmologist alone can only perform so many surgeries, yet millions need help. Where ORBIS has the most impact is by sharing knowledge with doctors in underserved areas, as they first did in Uganda seven years ago.
Better audio and video technology will improve the ability of doctors in the FEH classroom to observe surgeries, and in turn, treat patients in their own countries.
Edited by
Braden Becker
