Short-term visits by eye care professionals: ensuring greater benefit to the host community

encounters with patients can have a dramatic effect on their health and quality of life, whether this is through sight-restoring surgery or corrective spectacles. The relative affluence of medical staff in some countries and the availability of cheap international flights means that it is easy for these doctors, nurses, orthoptists, etc. to take leave and parachute themselves into another country for a week or two of eye care. A recent article in BMJ Careers directs the interested to a range of nongovernmental development organisations who might be able to facilitate the adventure.1 I would like to question whether such expeditions achieve anything more than mere ‘ophthalmic tourism’. How can we ensure that the greater benefit is to the host community? The purpose of this article is not to discourage involvement in crosscultural projects, but rather to help enthusiastic ophthalmology volunteers from all countries to channel their energy in the most productive manner.