Surgery leaves 17 blind in Andhra

At least 17 people lost their eyesight after they underwent cataract operation in Bhadrachalam in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh late last week. A total of 118 patients were operated upon at a camp organised by the Bhadrachalam Rotary Eye Foundation. The government has deputed a three-member expert team to probe the mishap. The surgeries were conducted under the supervision of BREF secy Dr P. Shyam Prasad. The victims were admitted to hospital here three days ago but the doctors are skeptical about their sight being restored. ‘‘It could be post-operative infection and the chances of restoration are slim as they came three days after the operation,’’ senior officials said. Dr Shyam Sundar was reportedly involved in a similar controversy in Kukunoor village in the same district four months ago.