Orbis International

New York City, U.S. All United States companies → — Founded 1982

Endocrinology Family Medicine Ophthalmology

Non-profit organization, primarily funded by grants and donations. — Approximately $259,204,488 in total revenue for 2024.

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Products

Cybersight AI

Orbis International

Clinical Decision Support & Reference

Cybersight AI is an AI-powered clinical decision support tool from Orbis International, designed to quickly and efficiently detect diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other common eye diseases from fundus images. It is available for free in low- and middle-income countries, empowering nurses and technicians in underserved regions to conduct screenings and improve patient referral compliance.

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About Orbis International

Orbis International is a global non-profit organization dedicated to preventing blindness and treating blinding eye diseases in low- and middle-income countries. They achieve this through a multi-faceted approach that includes hands-on training, public health education, advocacy, and local partnerships. A cornerstone of their work is the Flying Eye Hospital, a fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital onboard an MD-10 aircraft, which brings training to doctors and nurses in developing countries.

In addition to their in-person training initiatives, Orbis operates Cybersight, an award-winning telemedicine and e-learning platform. Cybersight provides free webinars, training courses, mentorship, and AI screenings to eye care teams worldwide, particularly in regions with limited access to specialists. The Cybersight AI platform is a clinical decision-support tool that analyzes retinal images to detect and visualize conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular disease. This “Machine Mentoring” approach not only provides automated results but also identifies and annotates pathologies to educate healthcare providers, enhancing their diagnostic and treatment skills.

Orbis’s programs emphasize skills, training, and self-sufficiency, working with local partners to build sustainable eye care systems. They tailor interventions to local needs, training doctors in effective, low-tech, and low-cost methods. Since 1982, Orbis has enhanced the skills of over 325,000 eye care personnel and provided medical and optical treatment to more than 23.3 million people in 92 countries.

Focus Areas

preventable blindness eye disease treatment ophthalmic training telemedicine e-learning artificial intelligence in eye care public health education advocacy local partnerships childhood blindness cataracts trachoma corneal disease diabetic retinopathy glaucoma macular disease

Business Intelligence

Key Investors	USAID (initial grant), private donors, Bloomberg Philanthropies
Partnerships	Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Alcon Foundation, FedEx, HOYA Vision Care, Jebsen, OMEGA, Pfizer, FundamentalVR, World Health Organization, Fred Hollows, Sightsavers, Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, H.V. Desai Eye Hospital, Suraj Eye Institute, Young Ophthalmologists Society of India, Optometric Association of Tamil Nanbargal, Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), Siloam Vision
Acquisitions	unknown
Technology	Cybersight (telemedicine and e-learning platform), Cybersight AI (clinical decision-support platform for ophthalmology, uses machine learning for retinal image analysis), Orbis FVR Simulator (virtual reality with haptic feedback for surgical training)
FDA Clearances	unknown cleared products (estimated)

What Physicians Need to Know

Preventable Blindness & Eye Disease Treatment

Orbis International focuses on preventing and treating avoidable blindness and vision loss, which accounts for 90% of all vision loss globally. They address conditions like childhood blindness, cataracts, trachoma, corneal disease, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular disease through training and direct support.

Ophthalmic Training & E-learning

A cornerstone of Orbis's work is training eye care teams worldwide. They offer advanced training and mentorship through their Cybersight platform, Flying Eye Hospital, and long-term country programs. Cybersight provides free webinars, online courses, and mentorship from international experts to eye health professionals globally.

Telemedicine

Cybersight is Orbis's award-winning telemedicine platform, enabling them to reach areas where a physical presence is challenging due to cost, logistics, or security. It facilitates remote consultations, expert second opinions, and live broadcasts of lectures and surgeries from the Flying Eye Hospital.

Artificial Intelligence in Eye Care

Orbis utilizes AI tools on its Cybersight platform for early detection of common eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma by analyzing retinal images. This AI screening tool is particularly beneficial in low- and middle-income countries, where access to specialists is limited, and helps improve productivity for eye teams.

Public Health Education & Advocacy

Orbis works with local partners, including hospitals, universities, government agencies, and ministries of health, to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and advocate for the prioritization of eye health on public health agendas.

Local Partnerships

Orbis collaborates extensively with local partners to build sustainable eye care systems, tailoring interventions to local needs and increasing the capacity of institutions to provide comprehensive, affordable eye care services.

Flying Eye Hospital

Orbis operates the world's only Flying Eye Hospital, a fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital on board an MD-10 aircraft. It brings training, equipment, and surgical supplies to doctors and nurses in developing countries, allowing local medical personnel to observe live surgeries and simulations.

Virtual Reality Training

Orbis is developing a touch-sensitive, virtual reality training platform in collaboration with FundamentalVR, allowing ophthalmology students to practice procedures on their own using low-cost, off-the-shelf hardware.

Physician Tip

For physicians, Orbis International offers unparalleled opportunities for continuous professional development and collaboration, particularly through its Cybersight platform. You can access free, world-class ophthalmic training, webinars, and courses developed by international experts. The platform also allows for remote consultations and expert second opinions on complex patient cases, connecting you with a global community of practice. For those in low- and middle-income countries, Cybersight AI provides free access to advanced diagnostic tools for early detection of diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, enhancing efficiency and patient care. Additionally, Orbis's blended learning approach, combining online resources with hands-on training via the Flying Eye Hospital or local programs, provides comprehensive skill development.

Orbis International's primary technological integration for physicians is its Cybersight platform, which serves as a comprehensive telemedicine and e-learning hub. This platform integrates AI for diagnostic support and offers a robust library of educational materials. They are also developing virtual reality training platforms, which will integrate low-cost hardware for surgical simulations. The Cybersight mobile app further enhances accessibility with offline functionality.

At a glance

Founded 1982

HQ New York City, U.S. · United States

Team size 545 (as of 2025)

CEO Kathleen Sherwin

Funding Non-profit organization, primarily funded by grants and donations. — Approximately $259,204,488 in total revenue for 2024.

FDA clearances unknown (estimated)

Products 1

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Products by Orbis International

1 product in the directory

Cybersight AI

Orbis International

Clinical Decision Support & Reference

Free

What the Web Says

Orbis International is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing blindness and treating blinding eye diseases worldwide, particularly in developing countries. They are highly rated by Charity Navigator, receiving a 4-star rating for 10 consecutive years, placing them in the top 3% of charities for transparency, accountability, and value for money. Their work includes in-country programs, the Flying Eye Hospital for training, and the Cybersight telemedicine and e-learning platform.

Overall: Mixed

Strengths

Strong mission and impactful work in reducing avoidable blindness.
Highly rated for transparency and accountability by Charity Navigator.
Cybersight platform offers real-time consultations and AI-supported vision testing.
Opportunities for learning and engagement with world-class medical experts.
Good office culture and friendly, collaborative work environment reported by some employees.
Effective reporting for credit limit decisions and financial strength of companies (for Orbis database product).

Limitations

Some employee reviews mention a poorly run company with a toxic culture and unsupportive management.
Issues with pay and benefits, and job security/advancement were noted by some employees.
Information in the Orbis database product is not always up-to-date or comprehensive for certain regions/data points.
Cybersight HUD glasses have reported issues with sensor disconnections and display focus.
Some Reddit users express wariness about charity legitimacy and donation practices.
Orbis (business consulting/software) can be slow, not intuitive, and have bugs.

Based on reviews from: G2, Glassdoor, Capterra, Reddit, Indeed.com, Charity Navigator, Gartner Peer Insights, The Gadgeteer

Last updated: 2026-07-27

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Press & Coverage

Ophthalmology Times

Orbis's Cybersight platform reaches 100,000 registered users, receives $1 million donation

Orbis International's Cybersight platform, a telemedicine and e-learning tool, has reached 100,000 registered users and received a $1 million endowment from an anonymous ophthalmologist. The platform offers training, mentoring, and online courses to eye care professionals globally, and recently added an AI tool for detecting common eye diseases.

2024-08

Orbis International

Cybersight Reaches 150,000 Registered Users

Orbis's digital learning and telemedicine platform, Cybersight, has achieved a new milestone with over 150,000 registered users who are utilizing the platform for learning, collaboration, and improving patient care. The platform provides free access to webinars, online courses, telemedicine consultations, and AI-powered tools.

2026-07

Orbis International

First-of-its-kind Orbis research shows benefits of AI to diagnose eye disease in children

A new peer-reviewed study by Orbis, published in Clinical Medicine Insights: Endocrinology and Diabetes, demonstrates that their AI tool, Cybersight AI, can accurately diagnose diabetic retinopathy in children and young adults. This research, conducted in partnership with the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, highlights the benefits of AI-led screenings in settings with limited access to trained eye care professionals.

2026-07

Orbis International

Orbis International Appoints Kathleen Sherwin as President & CEO

Orbis International has appointed Kathleen Sherwin as its new Chief Executive Officer. Sherwin is recognized as a globally respected leader whose career and values align with Orbis's mission to provide accessible eye care worldwide.

2026-07

PR Newswire

Orbis Marks 30 Years of Advancing Eye Health in Vietnam Through Long-Term Partnership and Training

Orbis International is celebrating 30 years of advancing eye health in Vietnam through sustained partnerships and training initiatives. Their telemedicine platform, Cybersight, is crucial in connecting in-person training with continuous learning, extending the impact of their Flying Eye Hospital programs.

2026-07

Orbis International

Statement on FAA Directive for MD-10 Aircraft

Orbis International issued a statement regarding an FAA directive expanding flight restrictions to include MD-10 aircraft, which affects their Flying Eye Hospital. Orbis is committed to compliance and is adjusting programming to continue its mission through country programs and the Cybersight platform.

2025-11

JCO Global Oncology

Teleophthalmology Through Online Mentorship Over a 20-Year Period: Education and Capacity Building

A study published in JCO Global Oncology reviewed retinoblastoma consultations on Orbis Cybersight from 2004 to 2023, demonstrating that mentorship via the platform improved disease-specific knowledge and management for pediatric retinoblastoma in low-resource settings.

2024-11

Topcon Healthcare

Topcon and Orbis International Join Forces to Expand Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in Rwanda

Topcon and Orbis International have partnered with the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology to expand diabetic retinopathy screening in Rwanda. This initiative combines Topcon's robotic retinal imaging technology with Cybersight AI for rapid detection and referral, addressing the shortage of medical personnel in the region.

2024-09

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific ophthalmic training programs does Orbis International offer for physicians and healthcare administrators, and how do they address various eye diseases and conditions?

Orbis International offers a range of ophthalmic training programs, including hands-on training via their Flying Eye Hospital and virtual programs through their Cybersight platform. These programs cover various eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and trachoma, and are tailored to local needs, often focusing on early detection and surgical skills. They also provide training in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.

How does Orbis International leverage telemedicine and e-learning to support ophthalmic training and patient care, particularly in underserved regions?

Orbis International utilizes its award-winning Cybersight platform for telemedicine and e-learning, offering free webinars, training courses, and mentorship to eye care teams globally. This platform allows for continuous learning, remote consultations, and even AI screenings for early disease detection, bridging geographical barriers and expanding access to quality eye care in low- and middle-income countries.

What role does artificial intelligence play in Orbis International's initiatives for eye disease detection and treatment, and what are the implications for clinical workflow and patient outcomes?

Orbis International uses artificial intelligence on its Cybersight platform to detect common eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma in seconds from digital retinal photographs. This AI tool helps eye care professionals, especially in areas with limited specialists, to identify patients needing further assessment, improving early detection and increasing the likelihood of follow-up care. Studies have shown that using autonomous AI can increase the efficiency of eye exams by 40% without compromising care quality.

Can you elaborate on Orbis International's partnerships and their approach to building sustainable eye care systems and public health education in local communities?

Orbis International collaborates with local partners, including hospitals, universities, government agencies, and ministries of health, to build sustainable eye care systems. They focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, advocating for eye health prioritization, and integrating eye care into national health programs. Their approach includes training local teams, establishing vision centers, and educating communities on eye health and hygiene.

What are Orbis International's key strategies and products for addressing specific eye conditions such as childhood blindness, cataracts, trachoma, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma?

Orbis International addresses various eye conditions through tailored strategies. For childhood blindness, they establish Children's Eye Centers and conduct school screenings. For cataracts, they offer e-learning courses in modern surgical techniques like phacoemulsification. Trachoma is tackled through training, technology, community education, and mass drug administration with antibiotics. For diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, they implement screening and treatment programs, often leveraging AI for early detection, and provide specialized training for healthcare professionals.

What is Orbis International's organizational stability and compliance record, and how do they ensure the quality and impact of their programs?

Orbis International is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a strong record of financial health and transparency. They have consistently achieved high ratings from Charity Navigator and GuideStar, demonstrating their commitment to accountability. Orbis ensures program quality through rigorous planning, customized curricula, and assessments by volunteer faculty using international competency standards. They also work with accreditation organizations like QUAD A to ensure their Flying Eye Hospital meets high patient safety standards.

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