Eye in the Sky: GE Aerospace Volunteers Lend a Hand to Set Up Mobile Hospital in Dubai

In late September, GE Aerospace volunteers from Dubai had the privilege of visiting and helping set up the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, a United States-accredited mobile hospital dedicated to combating avoidable blindness and empowering communities with the tools and knowledge to preserve sight. It was a remarkable experience, showcasing the intersection of aviation innovation and community healthcare.

The Flying Eye Hospital's mission spans the globe. Before arriving in Dubai, the hospital team had been in Rwanda; next it will fly to Ghana. In each country, the hospital trains local medical professionals and performs operations. This includes one week of simulation training and two weeks of surgeries, during which the participating physicians perform up to 30 procedures each week. Local eye teams learn by watching from the operating room and the 42-seat classroom inside the plane. Cataract surgery is the most common procedure, and 70% of the surgeries are performed on children.

The aircraft itself has a fascinating history. Originally a combi plane configured for cargo capacity and passenger seating on the same deck, the McDonnell Douglas MD-10 aircraft, which rolled off the assembly line in March 1973, was donated by FedEx and converted into a flying hospital. It's powered by three CF6-50C2 engines, reflecting a long-standing partnership between GE Aerospace and Orbis. The MD-10 trijet is a third-generation plane, following the DC-8 and DC-10 models, which were also powered by GE Aerospace engines before being retired.

Despite its long history, both the plane and the onboard facilities are nothing short of extraordinary. The operating theater, which is equipped with screens and simulators for training purposes, is state-of-the-art. The aircraft generates its own power, purifies water to hospital-grade standards, and even produces its own oxygen. Setting up the flying hospital takes some effort on the ground, and GE Aerospace volunteers were proud to help rev up the onboard power generators, as well as the cooling and water systems.

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital is a shining example of what's possible when innovation and compassion come together. Proudly supported by a global network of partners, this aircraft is changing lives and empowering communities. The GE Aerospace volunteers' visit on board the aircraft was a reminder of the profound impact that collaboration can have, and evidence of how proud the company is to support Orbis in its mission to improve access to eye care around the world.