We thought we were going there to help, but I don’t think we helped at all.

That is so often the case. Good intentions. Poor execution.

I’m obviously at fault but also to blame is the volunteer agency. We were woefully under prepared and ill equipped – philosophically, practically and materially. It was obvious from day one.

They expected us to bring our own gear and speak Hindi. We thought English would get us by and that we were joining an established clinic.

There were no doctors. Just us. And some experienced local orderlies who were doing their best but weren’t trained.

Charades can only get you so far when it comes to ophthalmology.