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A Brisbane ophthalmologist associated with a Redcliffe eye clinic recently travelled to Madagascar to volunteer aboard the hospital ship Africa Mercy, helping deliver cataract surgery to patients with limited access to specialist care.
Redcliffe Clinic Surgeon Joins Hospital Ship Mission
Dr Graham Hay-Smith, principal of the Moreton Eye Group, spent two weeks aboard the hospital ship Africa Mercy in Toamasina, Madagascar, working with an international volunteer medical team.
The Brisbane ophthalmologist is linked to Redcliffe through the Peninsula Eye Centre on Redcliffe Parade, alongside additional Moreton Eye Group locations in North Lakes and Caboolture.
During the mission he performed cataract and pterygium surgery as part of a volunteer ophthalmic team delivering treatment to patients with severe vision impairment.
Life On Board The Africa Mercy
The Africa Mercy is a converted Danish rail ferry refitted as a hospital ship. It includes five operating theatres, intensive care facilities, post-anaesthesia care and general wards for around 80 patients.
Outpatient work is limited on board, so screening and other consultations are conducted dockside in tents set up within a warehouse facility near the port.
During Dr Hay-Smith’s visit, around 400 volunteers from 46 nations were serving on the ship, including more than 50 from Australia and New Zealand.
A typical day began with a team meeting at 7:30 a.m., with surgery starting around 8:30 a.m.
Cataract Surgery In A Low-Resource Setting
The ophthalmic team used Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery, a technique commonly used in settings where advanced surgical equipment may not be available.
Dr Hay-Smith estimated that more than 80 per cent of the patients he operated on could see only hand movements with their better eye prior to surgery.
During the Madagascar program, the team marked the milestone of the 1,000th cataract surgery performed during the service.
Shortage Of Eye Specialists
Madagascar has fewer than 25 ophthalmologists serving a population of about 30 million people.
By comparison, Australia and New Zealand together have more than 1,200 ophthalmologists for a similar combined population.
The disparity highlights the ongoing demand for cataract surgery and specialist eye care in many regions.
Mercy Ships Volunteer Program
The hospital ship is operated by Mercy Ships, an international charity providing free surgical care through volunteer medical teams.
Since 1978, the organisation says its volunteer crews have delivered surgery and medical care to more than 2.8 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Volunteer ophthalmic surgeons assist with patient screening, surgical procedures and post-operative care. Experienced surgeons may also provide training for other eye surgeons in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery and related techniques.
Volunteer placements for ophthalmic surgeons can begin from two weeks, with applicants required to hold medical qualifications and active surgical practice in their home country.
Professional Background
Dr Hay-Smith trained in the United Kingdom and holds medical degrees from Oxford University, the University of Leeds and the University of London.
He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Before relocating to Brisbane, he worked as a consultant surgeon in the National Health Service in England.
He now practises ophthalmic surgery through the Moreton Eye Group, including at its Redcliffe clinic.
Outlook
The Madagascar mission highlights the continued need for specialist eye care in regions with limited medical resources.
Volunteer surgeons working on hospital ships help deliver cataract treatment to patients who might otherwise have little access to ophthalmic surgery.
For participating medical professionals, the missions also provide opportunities to collaborate internationally and apply surgical skills in resource-limited clinical environments.
Published 10-Mar-2026
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