T.E.S. Foundation's Attainments

Initially, T.E.S. concentrated its efforts on the definition and the launch of its collaborative project with Moka Eye Hospital. To this end, members of T.E.S.’s board established close ties with the Mauritian authorities, as well as with ophthalmologists, surgeons and administrative personnel at Moka Eye Hospital.

By January 2006, T.E.S. project was ready to receive and treat its first patients.

Outpatient clinics and surgical procedures always actively involve local medical and surgical professionals, so as to ensure the effective transfer of surgical and medical know-how and expertise.

The number of medical experts wishing to contribute to T.E.S.’s mission is expanding. Initially recruiting in Geneva, doctors from abroad have joined the team.

As the figures show from 2006 to 2016, the T.E.S. project has been going from strength to strength ever since its inception.

10 Years of Impact at Moka Hospital, Mauritius

Attainments	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016
Outpatients Visits	625	740	980	1107	805	1486	1306	527	513	417	355
Surgeries	219	420	409	275	187	808	470	129	98	66	85

Expansion Across the Indian Ocean

From Moka Hospital (our first site of collaboration), our teaching program has expanded to multiple hospitals across islands and countries in the Indian Ocean, providing equipment, training, and expertise to advance modern eye surgery.

After successfully achieving our initial 10-year objectives, we are now scaling our proven teaching model in eye surgery to new locations, including the Republic of Mauritius, Rodrigues, and the Republic of Seychelles, strengthening local capacity and delivering sustainable impact across the region.

International Recognition

In recognition of his longstanding contribution to ophthalmology and international medical cooperation, Professor Cyrus Tabatabay, President of the Teaching Eye Surgery (TES) Foundation, was awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (C.S.K.) by the President of the Republic of Mauritius, H.E. Prithvirajsing Roopun, on 12 March 2023.

The Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean is the highest national distinction of Mauritius. It is conferred upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation or who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service at an international level.

The rank of Commander (C.S.K.) is one of the senior classes within the Order, recognizing significant and sustained impact. This distinction highlights Professor Tabatabay’s dedication to advancing eye care, surgical training, and capacity building across the Indian Ocean region.

This honour reflects not only a personal achievement, but also the broader impact of the TES Foundation’s mission in strengthening local expertise and improving access to quality ophthalmic care.

Governance & Institutional Framework

All activities are conducted within a formal framework defined by Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Ministries of Health of the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles and the Teaching Eye Surgery Foundation (Geneva, Switzerland).

These agreements reflect a shared commitment and establish a common framework for collaboration, including medico-legal coverage provided by the respective Ministries of Health.