Lene Øverland

As Regional Director of Orbis International, a not for profit company dedicated to the elimination of avoidable blindness, I am responsible for the overall success of Orbis International in sub-Saharan Africa; for creating, implementing, and integrating the strategic direction of the organisation within core countries on the continent. I am responsible for development of sustainable models of comprehensive eye health with a focus on the training of the eye care teams in targeted countries in sub-Saharan Africa as well as advocacy for the systematisation of government's responsibilities to promote optimal vision health. I am focused on transformation and impact and aim to deliver significant value through the implementation of context specific and cost effective partnership models to eliminate avoidable blindness. I joined Orbis is 2007 with a background in organisational strategy, communications for social change, public relations, women's rights, gender and community development. During more than 20 years in the not for profit environment I have gained experience in health policy, programme design and delivery, global philanthropy, advocacy and strategic partnerships. In the last eleven years I have built partnerships with governments, academia and civil society across countries in sub-Saharan Africa with the view to create an enabling environment and empower local communities with the skills and resources necessary to end avoidable blindness. I am a visionary and strategic thinker that has dedicated more than 11 years to delivering eye care to people in need. I am driven by positive impact and committed to building networks and making a positive impact on the world. Page 1 of 3