Gus Dur's eyesight improving: Doctors

Gus Dur's eyesight improving: Doctors

By Kornelius Purba

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (JP): Doctors declared on Saturday the
right eye of President Abdurrahman Wahid was in excellent
condition, although they also indicated that his vision was not
likely to fully recover.

Robert O. Hoffman, a strabismos surgeon, said the President's
health, including his diabetes and high-blood pressure, was under
control. Abdurrahman underwent a four-hour checkup at the Moran
Eye Center at the University of Utah.

The doctor recommended Abdurrahman return for further
observation and possible treatment in April next year.

"His remaining right eye at present is excellent. The vision
today was assessed by an ophthalmologist, and it is in the
approximately 20 percent range at present and this is stable. We
were very pleased that there was no deterioration," Hoffman said
in a joint news conference with B.C.K. Patel, an ophthalmic
plastic surgeon, and Tom Miller, an internist.

Abdurrahman's daughter Zanubba Arifah "Yenny" Chafsoh Rahman,
who acted as interpreter during the conference, said her father's
vision was only about five percent when he was treated here in
August.

According to Yenny, her father could read several letters
during the checkup, by using a special piece of equipment.

Patel said Abdurrahman himself said he felt much better with
his right eye after undergoing surgery in August, although the
vision in his left eye is permanently impaired due to the
combined effects of diabetes and high-blood pressure.

"We have tested him using different types of equipment and we
are hopeful there are some technological devices that can help
him, as far as functioning is concerned," said Patel, whose
patients include many celebrities.

Hoffman said they operated on the President to reposition his
eye ball and to realign his right eye.

"We are very pleased with the result of the surgery and
today's testing shows the health of the eye is excellent," said
Hoffman.

When asked to identify the President's vision problem, Patel
replied, "As you probably know the President lost vision in his
left eye several years ago. He has got some preserved vision in
that eye.

"And the reason why the vision is poor is that in the past he
has had glaucoma."

Patel acknowledged the President could not read fully and see
things clearly, but emphasized that his right eye functions very
well.

"He is what might be called partially sighted. He has vision
and the vision has remained stable for at least the last six
months," Patel said.

Miller said the President physical condition was excellent due
to his discipline in following doctors' advise, including a
strict diet. "Our assessment is that he is stronger than we've
ever seen him before," Miller said.

The doctors did not give the President special glasses as had
been previously expected by him.

Hoffman said the hospital is researching a special device to
enable a half-blind patient to see again, but the device still
could not be used by humans.

During the treatment, the American doctors were accompanied by
several Indonesian doctors, including the President's younger
brothers Umar Wahid and Sidharta. First Lady Sinta Nuriyah was at
Abdurrahman's side during the checkup.

"During the medication my father continuously made jokes and
of course my father became more handsome after the treatment,"
Yenny said.

The President stayed at his friend Hall Jansen's residence
during his two-day trip here. According to Yenny, the family have
stayed at the house of the leader of the Mormon sect on previous
visits.

Abdurrahman himself was apparently satisfied with the result
of the checkup. He entertained members of the Association of
Indonesian Students in the U.S. (Permias) with his jokes. As
usual, he laughed when telling them.

He told the students he has plenty of time to relax because
Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri is in charge of major
affairs.

"I can have a pleasant trip because she is fully in charge,"
Abdurrahman said and burst into laughter.