The Indian Express

Injured India hockey goalkeeper Baljit Singh on Thursday said he can see objects within two metres after the successful surgery on his damaged right eye in the US.

Baljit, however, said he will have to wait for two-three months more to know the quantum of his complete recovery.

“I had a meeting with Dr Robert Morris yesterday. He tested my eyes. I was asked to see natural light with the sun glasses on. I was then tested with equipments for pressure in each eye,” Baljit said. “Now, I am able to see things at about two metres. Before operation, I was not able to see anything with my right eye but now I am able to see something, like a shadow. Dr Morris told me that there has been improvement but the process will be slow.

“He (Dr Morris) said by another two or three months, it will improve to a great extent and I will be able to view better and even I can identify colours,” he said. “But it will take some more time to know whether my vision will be hundred per cent or less,” he added. Baljit, who went to the US to get a second opinion on his damaged right eye, was operated upon at a private hospital at Alabama earlier this month under the watchful eyes of renowned ophthalmologist Dr Robert Morris after Baltimore’s John

Hopkins hospital could not guarantee him full vision. “I am slightly relieved and feel happy now. As of now, I must say that the decision to get it operated by Dr Morris was right. “Dr Morris will advise me, possibly tomorrow, as to how long I should stay in Alabama. I have been asked to meet him tomorrow,” he said.

He also thanked the government for funding his treatment in the US.

“I am now able to see light at the end of the tunnel. I thank the Government of India, the Sports Ministry and IOA for their financial support,” the hockey custodian said. Baljit was injured in a freak incident when a golf ball, he was practising with, sneaked through the visor of his helmet and damaged his right eye.

He then had to be airlifted to the capital where doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Ssciences conducted a marathon emergency surgery but could not promise him full vision.