Seeing Red Over Eyes

After reading “For Asians in U.S., a New Focus On Eye Surgery” (by Irene Chang, Aug. 22), I was shocked that UCLA is promoting courses on this trivial surgery. UCLA is a publicly supported institution and I am incensed that my state tax money is being spent on this training.

The entire plastic surgery industry has gotten out of line. Physicians trained at taxpayer expense are taking advantage of people’s insecurities to fatten their own wallets. They would do better using their skills to treat real illnesses instead of encouraging this needless mutilation.

Asians, with or without rounder eyes, will still remain Asians; Italian women do not look like Swedes and a Swedish nose just looks ridiculous on an Italian. Not only are some of these women denying their heritage, but they make themselves look laughable.

Again, they have a willing partner in this procedure: the unethical and money-hungry physician.

EDY BIRMINGHAM

Redondo Beach