Eye camp OOs critical of UK commercialism

The three, Steve Ellerker, Mukesh Sodha and Mahendra Davda, flew from Britain early in the New Year and are currently working, free of charge, with a team of Indian surgeons who are treating 1,000 people in Jamkahmbalia, north west India. Mr Ellerker and Mr Sodham, both from Birmingham, told optician their journey was made to 'get back to real primary care', and away from what they perceived as the increasing commercialism of UK optometry. 'Originally we were a caring profession,' said Mr Ellerker, 'but I feel we've lost something. Although I'm not a great believer in altruism, there is something about commercialism which is selfish and inward-looking, so doing something like this for nothing is much more rewarding. 'The way we practise in the UK is very commercial. Here we've met people who've been queuing up for hours, waiting for a cure for blindness.' A special treatment day was arranged in Jamkahmbalia, where 200 were selected for immediate surgery to treat cataracts, using intra-ocular implants. Of the remaining 800, all were assessed and many given spectacles at no charge. The mission was made possible by sponsors in the UK and India. The Ruislip, Middlesex, branch of Eye Design helped raise funds through its local Lions Club, and Birmingham-based International Eyewear donated 500 acetate frames.