FedEx Awards Two Ophthalmic Fellowships Through FedEx-Sponsored ORBIS Programs in Vietnam and the Philippines

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Oct 14, 2010, 01:05 ET

FedEx Commitment to the International Community Yields Continuing Medical Education Training Programs in Sub-Specialized Eye Care

NEW YORK, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Doan Huyen Vi of Da Nang, Vietnam and Dr. Buenjim Mariano of Manila, Philippines, have each been named FedEx Fellows through the FedEx sponsorship of ORBIS International's Flying Eye Hospital programs in their respective cities. These fellowships, designed through the FedEx Delivering Sight Worldwide program, offer these two outstanding eye doctors the opportunity for specialized training in some of the world's most prestigious training and education centers.

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During the September 2010 Flying Eye Hospital program in Manila, Philippines, Dr. Buenjim Mariano, a pediatric ophthalmologist from St. Luke's Medical Center International Eye Institute, was awarded this honor and is scheduled to complete a Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, UK under the tutelage of Dr. Gillian Adams of Moorfields. Born in Manila, Dr. Mariano attended the University of Santo Tomas in Manila where he completed his undergraduate studies and earned his medical degree.

In August 2010, the FedEx-sponsored program in Da Nang, Vietnam, awarded Dr. Doan Huyen Vi of the Da Nang Eye Hospital with an international fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases. The timing and location of Dr. Vi's fellowship is still being determined, but it will be a three- to six-month fellowship at a leading international eye hospital. Dr. Vi is an ophthalmologist who studied at the Hue College School of Medicine in Central Vietnam before practicing at the Da Nang Eye Hospital just 50 miles to the south. Working with ORBIS Vietnam, Dr. Vi is very active in providing rural outreach screening for patients living in the outer regions of Central Vietnam, mostly those living in between Hue City and Da Nang.

"The FedEx Fellows program has been a great success since its launch in 2006 and we are proud to contribute to ophthalmic communities all over the world," said Jim Parker, FedEx Executive Vice President of Air Operations and Vice Chairman of the ORBIS Board of Directors. "By supporting the training of ORBIS and local doctors such as Dr. Mariano and Dr. Vi through our fellowship program, we aim to provide a boost to the ophthalmic expertise by enabling local doctors to learn from the very best in their field, and then return to the frontline of blindness prevention work in their local communities."

Both ophthalmologists participated as hands-on trainees during the FedEx-sponsored Flying Eye Hospital programs in Vietnam and the Philippines. Each presented cases to the ORBIS volunteer faculty and worked side-by-side during case assessments, surgery and post-operation care. Each doctor is continuing to follow-up on the patients provided with surgery during the ORBIS programs.

FedEx Fellowships are awarded following a FedEx-sponsored Flying Eye Hospital Program. The FedEx Fellows program targets an ophthalmologist who has been identified in collaboration with the Flying Eye Hospital Medical Director, project management team and the local hospital partner. The ophthalmologist must have participated as an active hands-on trainee during a FedEx-sponsored Flying Eye Hospital Program.

The two Southeast Asia programs, both sponsored by FedEx, provided examinations to nearly 250 people and treatment to approximately 125 people (including surgery and laser). Patients in need of surgical care but not chosen for the Flying Eye Hospital programs were scheduled for follow-up ORBIS hospital-based programs or sponsored for surgery through our partner hospitals.

In 2006, FedEx renewed its support to ORBIS with a US$5.5 million commitment over 5 years, which includes financial, logistical and operational support for ORBIS and its Flying Eye Hospital. During this time, FedEx agreed to support ten ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital programs and created the new fellowship initiative – the FedEx Fellows. These ophthalmic training fellowships target ophthalmologists from hospitals at the heart of the fight against blindness. By connecting the worlds of business, philanthropy and academia, the FedEx Fellowship Program makes a visible difference in the quality of people's lives.

ORBIS and FedEx – More Than 20 Years of Delivering Sight Worldwide

As a sponsor of ORBIS for more than 20 years, FedEx has committed its unparalleled networks, dedicated employees and vast aviation expertise to assist ORBIS in delivering the gift of sight to countless individuals throughout the developing world. In 2006, FedEx renewed its global sponsorship of ORBIS with a US$5.5 million commitment, which includes financial, logistical and operational support for ORBIS and its Flying Eye Hospital through 2011.

Delivering unwavering support, FedEx supports the annual maintenance check for the Flying Eye Hospital. In addition, FedEx pilots volunteer their time to fly the Flying Eye Hospital to medical program locations worldwide. FedEx also donates shipping services which gives ORBIS access to the FedEx global transportation network in support of ORBIS initiatives around the world.

Blindness in Southeast Asia and Around the World

According to the World Health Organization, Southeast Asia has a disproportionately high prevalence of blindness. One-third of the world's blind live in Southeast Asia, which has one quarter of the global population. Of the twelve people going blind in the world every minute, four are from Southeast Asia.

Globally, about 85% of all visual impairment and 75% of blindness could be prevented or cured worldwide. Areas of significant prevention progress on a global scale include the development and implementation of available and affordable eye health care services and the increased commitment to the prevention and cure from national leaders, medical professionals and private and corporate sponsors.

About ORBIS International

ORBIS International is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and treating blindness by providing quality eye care to transform lives. ORBIS provides the tools, training and technology necessary for local partners to assess their needs and develop workable and lasting solutions to the tragedy of unnecessary blindness. By building their long-term capabilities, ORBIS helps its partner institutions take action to reach a state where they can provide, on their own, quality eye care services that are affordable, accessible and sustainable. To learn more about ORBIS, please visit www.orbis.org.

About FedEx

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $36 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 280,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit http://giving.fedex.com.

SOURCE ORBIS International