Fedex Orbis Convert Retired Jets into Mobile Eye Hospitals

In the vast blue skies flies an extraordinary aircraft. No longer a cargo carrier shuttling between continents, it has been reborn as a mobile ophthalmic hospital, bringing light and hope to people worldwide. This is not science fiction but the remarkable collaboration between FedEx and Orbis International – the Flying Eye Hospital.

This unique initiative combines FedEx's logistics and aviation expertise with Orbis International's specialized knowledge in eye care. More than just an aircraft, it represents an innovative solution addressing preventable blindness globally, helping people regain sight and improve their quality of life.

The Flying Eye Hospital is a specially converted retired FedEx MD-10 freighter equipped with state-of-the-art facilities:

• Fully functional ophthalmic operating room
• Recovery area
• Teaching classroom
• Advanced imaging equipment

This airborne teaching hospital holds full accreditation for ophthalmic education while providing surgical services and training local medical teams worldwide.

The hospital's greatest advantage is its mobility, reaching remote areas, developing nations, and regions with limited medical resources where traditional hospitals cannot operate.

The facility includes:

• Precision surgical microscopes
• Cutting-edge laser systems for treating conditions like cataracts and glaucoma
• High-resolution imaging devices for diagnosis
• Comprehensive surgical instrument sets

An international team of top ophthalmologists, nurses, anesthesiologists, and biomedical engineers provides high-quality care while training local professionals.

The hospital serves as a mobile education center with:

• Theoretical knowledge instruction
• Practical skills development through simulated surgeries
• Case study discussions
• Expert lectures

To date, the program has trained eye care professionals in 95 countries. A recent mission in Vietnam's Can Tho region provided hands-on training for 52 medical professionals including ophthalmologists, nurses, and biomedical engineers.

FedEx has committed $3.5 million in funding, logistics, and operational support through 2026, exceeding initial targets. The company's retired pilots volunteer their expertise to maintain the aircraft's operations.

A retired FedEx pilot recalled the program's most moving moments: "When children see their parents clearly for the first time, it's not just happiness in their smiles, but recognition and love. These moments stay with you forever."

• Aircraft: Retired FedEx MD-10 freighter
• Medical facilities: Operating room, recovery area, classroom
• Equipment: Surgical microscopes, laser systems, OCT scanners
• Support systems: Backup generators, water purification, climate control

The partners plan to:

• Upgrade medical technology
• Expand partnerships with local hospitals
• Increase training opportunities
• Enhance public education about eye health

This collaboration represents more than philanthropy – it demonstrates corporate social responsibility through innovative resource utilization. By repurposing retired aircraft, FedEx delivers hope worldwide while fulfilling its "Delivering For Good" commitment.