Crestron, a global technology company, recently announced that it has teamed up
with Orbis International, a non-profit humanitarian organization that works in
developing countries to fight blindness. Donated by the company, Crestron’s state-
of-the-art technology is embedded throughout Orbis’ next-generation Flying Eye
Hospital, and will play an instrumental role in training eye care professionals across
the globe. The new Flying Eye Hospital, on board an MD-10 aircraft was unveiled
June 2nd at an exclusive press event at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the
first leg of a month-long tour of the United States, including stops in Sacramento,
Memphis, Newark, Washington, D.C., and Dallas-Fort Worth.

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital® travels to underserved areas to treat patients at risk
of losing their sight, while also offering local doctors the chance to be trained from
the plane. The mobile teaching hospital features an on-board ophthalmic training
centre, which hosts a 46-seat classroom, full surgical suite, operating theatre, laser
treatment room, communications centre, recovery room, and audiovisual/IT room.
As an Orbis partner, Crestron has provided over $300,000 in A/V and automation
solutions, in addition to integration services, to enable the medical staff to operate
on their patients, while allowing other local doctors to observe procedures from the
classroom.

Crestron touch screens located throughout the aircraft create a fully integrated
solution, including audio and visual distribution systems, multimedia processors,
cameras and monitors. All of the inputs and monitor outputs are connected using
Crestron DigitalMedia™ technology allowing for any camera picture to be routed to
any display. This provides total flexibility in the communication from room to room
all over the aircraft. In addition, a Crestron Sonnex® multi-room audio system and
Crestron speakers provide audio throughout the plane. From switchers to video
systems, everything can be seamlessly controlled through a single, user-friendly,
Crestron touch screen.

“It is estimated that up to 80 percent of blindness is preventable and 90% of those
who are affected live in developing countries where they can’t get the treatment
they need,’ said Bob Ranck, President & CEO of Orbis. “The Orbis model is to train
local doctors, nurses and medical technicians to manage blindness in their own
communities long after the Flying Eye Hospital has departed. Through Crestron’s
incredibly generous donation we are able to enhance the teaching capabilities on
our plane. Their technology enables a level of collaboration, communication, and
learning that we would never have thought possible.’

“We are proud that Crestron’s technology is at the backbone of this extraordinary
teaching facility, and that we are able to make a difference in so many lives,’
added Randy Klein, CEO of Crestron.

Continuing a partnership that began back in 2013, Crestron’s work with Orbis was
the passion project of the late George Feldstein, its founder and former Chairman,
whose intense interest in both aviation and philanthropy made the Flying Eye
Hospital a natural fit. A team from Crestron Services Provider, ControlWorks
Consulting, led by Lincoln King-Cliby, provided programming, user interface design,
consulting and commissioning services.

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