Orbis Receives 2.75 Million Dollar Contribution from Al Ueltschi Estate

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Sep 03, 2014, 10:20 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Orbis, a leading global non-governmental organization that works to eliminate avoidable blindness, is honored to announce a multi-million dollar contribution from the estate of the late Albert L. Ueltschi. As co-founder of Orbis, Mr. Ueltschi was the single largest supporter of Orbis. Mr. Ueltschi was not only an icon in the aviation industry as founder of FlightSafety International, the world's leading aviation training company, but he was also devoted to treating preventable blindness in the developing world. His efforts significantly contributed to the restoration of sight for millions.

"Mr. Ueltschi was generous, innovative and the driving force of Orbis for over 30 years. We are tremendously grateful to have had his leadership and steadfast support," said Jenny Hourihan, President and CEO of Orbis. "This generous contribution from the estate of Al Ueltschi will allow us to continue to carry out his pioneering vision to eliminate avoidable blindness globally."

In the mid-1970s, Mr. Ueltschi was indispensable in founding Orbis and overseeing the acquisition and conversion of a DC-8 aircraft into the world's only Flying Eye Hospital, which had its first flight in 1982. Two decades later, in an effort led by Mr. Ueltschi, Orbis replaced the DC‑8 with a wide-body DC-10, which allowed for greater training and treatment activity. A few years ago, Mr. Ueltschi provided a $10 million cash donation for Orbis's latest MD-10 Flying Eye Hospital, which is scheduled to launch in 2015. He also served as the Chairman of the Orbis International board for many years.

About Orbis
Orbis prevents and treats blindness through hands-on training, public health education, improved access to quality eye care, advocacy and partnerships with local health care organizations. By building 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

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SOURCE Orbis