The Countess of Wessex embarked on a passage to India last week to see for herself the vital work of sight-saving charities in the country.
During her three-day trip, Sophie, the patron of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, visited the Flying Eye Hospital at Kolkata airport to witness the work of a clinic run by non-profit organisation orbis International.
On board a converted DC-10 plane, the charity undertakes ophthalmic surgery and also provides training to pass their skills on to local medics.
The 48-year-old royal toured the plane, meeting patients (right), trainees and medical staff. She also inspected the cockpit, the laser room, the operating theatre, the recovery room and the classroom, which is in the front part of the cabin and still features standard plane seating.
Arriving in…