Free cataract surgery 'gifts' blurred vision to 45 farm workers

Chennai, Aug 24 (UNI) In a tragic turn of events, as many as 45 farm workers, hailing from six hamlets in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, have suffered blurred vision and face the danger of losing their eyesight, after they underwent a free cataract surgery in a private hospital in Tiruchirapalli.

All the 45 patients were presently undergoing treatment at Joseph Eye Hospital in Tiruchirapalli and it could not be immediately ascertained how many of them would be able to secure their full sight.

Initial reports suggested that eight people have completely lost their eyesight and 21 others were rendered partially blind, while others were fighting to get back their vision.

However, when contacted, Perambalur District Collector Anil Meshram told UNI that all of them were undergoing treatment and how many had lost vision could be said only after the completion of the treatment.

Following complaints, the Collector had ordered an enquiry by a team of doctors and micro-biologists headed by the Dean of Perambalur Government Hospital N Balasubramanian.

He said the team was asked to submit a report within four days.

''The report is likely to be submitted by August 26 evening. After obtaining the legal opinion, we will proceed further,'' Mr Meshram said.

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