A retired theatre nurse from Bath has visited India to teach students how to carry out cataract operations.
Julie Smart, 60, worked as an ophthalmic theatre nurse at the Royal United Hospital and CircleBath before retiring.
Along with Dr Sally Webber, who works as a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the two hospitals, she visited an eye hospital in Bihar in northern India, to share their knowledge with students.
A typical day at the hospital sees up to 380 patients requiring cataract surgery to cure their blindness.
Mrs Smart and Dr Webber taught BSc optometry students, who fit their studies around their practical work in the hospital.
The course is largely funded by the Second Sight charity, which works to help improve eye care in the poorest communities in India, and which also helps to fund the operations.
Mrs Smart, who lives in Farleigh Wick, said: "We were truly overwhelmed and inspired by the work being carried out and by the enormity of the task being undertaken. The World Health Organisation wants to eradicate treatable blindness by 2020, and in this one small hospital in Bihar they are certainly having a stab at doing just that."
Many of the female students were channelled into the training through a girls football academy, which was set up by the hospital to improve girls' lives and show them an alternative to early marriage and pregnancy.
Mrs Smart said: "I thought I knew what to expect, I was wrong. I felt completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients requiring cataract surgery and by the total commitment of the uncomplaining staff who together make a very real difference.
"This trip for me has been a truly humbling and enriching experience."
Second Sight was set up by broadcaster-turned-doctor Lucy Mathen, who will be answering questions and signing copies of her book The Runaway Goat at the RUH on June 6.
The event starts at 6pm, and includes drinks and an Indian supper. Tickets are £10, and available from Dr Webber – sally@sallywebber.co.uk, or Mrs Smart – juliesmart email@gmail.com.
For more information visit www.secondsight.org.uk.
