Estrada needs eye operation for cyst

Doctors at an eye clinic found a cyst in the left eye of former President Joseph Estrada yesterday and scheduled an eye operation for Dec. 16, one of the lawyers of the former leader said.

"His doctor said the cyst has to be removed. His stay at the clinic will depend on the extent of the operation," lawyer Jose Flaminiano said.

Estrada was allowed to leave detention at a military hospital in Quezon City yesterday for the two-hour eye examination at the Asian Eye Institute at the Rockwell Center in Makati City.

Escorted by a 10-vehicle police convoy and accompanied by his wife, the deposed leader arrived at the Rockwell Center at 2 p.m. The building was immediately cordoned off by 100 policemen to prevent journalists from entering.

The examination was conducted by four eye specialists, led by Dr. Amadeo Veloso.

Estrada’s subsequent visits to the Asian Eye Institute will depend on the progress of the patient’s recovery, Veloso said.

The former president was immediately brought back to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMCC) after the examination.

Flaminiano said they will file a written manifestation with the Sandiganbayan to allow Estrada to once again leave the VMCC for the Dec. 16 operation.

Earlier, Estrada’s lawyers said the ousted president had complained of blurred vision, glare, difficulty in reading, and eye irritation, particularly in the left eye.

Veloso also said he found a cataract in the eye of the patient, who has complained of weakening vision.

The Sandiganbayan has yet to rule on a separate motion for Estrada to undergo knee surgery in the US.