On World Sight Day, Flightworx Aviation and eye care charity Orbis UK came together to launch a fuel donation programme to connect clients of Fuelworx, Flightworx's independent fuel comparison and procurement service, to the work of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital. Every customer who uses Fuelworx to re-fuel will be given the option to donate to support Orbis's sight-saving work as part of their transaction.

Orbis, which operates the world's only ophthalmic hospital on board an MD-10 aircraft, prevents and treats avoidable blindness in Africa, Asia and Latin America, where access to vital eye care can be scarce. The charity works with world-class medical volunteers, who share their skills with local eye care teams on board the aircraft and in partner hospitals, so that more people with avoidable blinding conditions can be treated within their communities.

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital houses a lecture theatre, operating theatre, recovery room and laser suite. Two aviation fuel-based generators, with a capacity of 60 US gallons each, operate for around 10 hours a day during the plane's two to three-week treatment and training programmes. These ensure the medical teaching facility and its equipment can run smoothly and without interruptions while doctors and nurses are trained and patients receive treatment.

Jennette Bentley, general manager at Flightworx Aviation says: “Flightworx is proud to be a supporter of Orbis and the Flying Eye Hospital. We have been working closely with the charity since March 2017, and we're excited to launch this innovative fuel donation programme to enable our customers to support their important sight saving work.”

Kathryn Sweet, head of corporate partnerships at Orbis UK, adds: “We're thrilled to be working with Flightworx on this project. Donating fuel for our aircraft is a really unique way for their clients to support our Flying Eye Hospital programmes and in turn, transform lives across the world.”

Of the 253 million people in the world who are blind or visually impaired, 75 per cent have conditions that are preventable or treatable. Orbis screens for and treats eye conditions, raises awareness about eye health and trains and mentors local eye care teams to ensure people have access to the eye care they deserve, regardless of where they were born.

Flightworx offers complete worldwide flight support solutions for private, commercial and specialist operators. Its independent fuel comparison and procurement service Fuelworx negotiates prices for Jet A1 and Avgas while its ATOL-protected, 24-hour travel agency Travelworx accesses competitive prices for all aspects of travel, from hotels and ground transport to concierge services, for passengers and crew.