Retired optometrist Ivor Wolfe has recently returned from a three-month stint in India where he was treating Muslim patients in Varanasi.

Mr Wolfe, 57, spent the time offering free eye tests, glasses and medication for minor infections to locals.

With more than 20 years' experience, Mr Wolfe retired from his practice a few years ago and decided to turn his skills to a good cause. He tells People: "In 1991 I went to India and was inspired to do something good for the world. When I retired, my wife gave me the idea of doing some work out there."

He went for two months in 2007 and has been back every year since. He has now expanded the project, called Vision Varanasi, and travels to remote villages outside the city, where he says there are a growing number of Muslim patients. "I mentioned I was Jewish and religion has not been an issue at all. It has been a very pleasant experience. Everyone just works together." Together with an assistant, he sees around 200 patients a day but says the demand is much greater. He hopes to build a eco-centre to carry out cataract operations. Does his wife not mind him being away so much? "She is tolerant in that respect and I think she gets a bit of nachas from it and enjoys kvelling."

Born in Glasgow, Mr Wolfe is now based in Wimbledon.