Orbis, Simulation, & the power of possible
Summer 2025: Orbis International – an international charity with a mission to build strong and sustainable eye care systems globally – spearheads a new data-driven training model to bring rigorous surgical training to Rwanda. Led by the remarkable Prof. Ciku Mathenge, Program Director at the RIIO School of Ophthalmology, and underpinned by the technology of the Haag-Streit Eyesi Simulator, this pilot takes an invaluable step toward accelerating phaco training in low-income countries.
Less than a year later, empowered by the success of this pilot and keen to maintain momentum, Orbis once again returned to Rwanda with a new initiative: to push the boundaries of how the Eyesi Surgical Simulator could accelerate skill transfer in cataract surgery training.
The challenge
The “training gap” that exists between eye care specialists in high- and low-income countries is startling. Hunter Cherwek, MD, V.P. of Clinical Services and Technology, Orbis International, shares some stark stats: “In the US, there’s a minimum number of phaco surgeries that doctors must perform to graduate – around 86. Many of the residents in the countries that Orbis serves don’t even get five or ten.”
Introducing “Fast Track”
And that’s where simulation comes in. Under the Orbis “Fast Track” program, residents embark on a two-week program to accelerate the learning curve and get surgically ready for the OR as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
“Before the flying Eye Hospital touches down, it must consider how to combine talent, the technology, and the training – both onboard and in the communities we serve. And that’s where we’re so mission-aligned with Haag-Streit. We’re both trying to improve eyecare through training and technology.”
Hunter Cherwek, MD, V.P. of Clinical Services and Technology, Orbis International
The benefits are felt immediately
During the two-week program, residents undertake standardized courses on the Eyesi Surgical, accompanied by a mentor – such as Haag-Streit’s Marshall Dial – to gain the confidence, competency, and communication skills they can immediately apply to their surgery programs. Not only that: they gain the ability to share what they’ve learned with their peers, creating a sustainable model for skills transfer, even with limited live-surgery experience.
Simulation has a profound impact
To see the impact, you only need to watch this video. This is a testimonial to both our virtual reality simulators and Orbis’ increased trust and confidence in this evolving technology. Together, this is leading to optimal training experiences for trainees in low-income countries.
If we all embrace the power of possible, this could become a model that can be replicated throughout Africa.
To see the impact, you only need to watch this video. This is a testimonial to both our virtual reality simulators and Orbis’ increased trust and confidence in this evolving technology. Together, this is leading to optimal training experiences for trainees in low-income countries.