Future does not look too promising for visually impaired man

THE adage “appearances are deceptive” goes well with V K Abdullah’s case. When you first meet him, you may not realise that the man is living in a world that is completely dark.

Struck with diabetes, a few years ago, the 43-year-old visually impaired Indian from Kerala cannot move around without proper assistance.

His sponsor has been gracious enough to employ him as a car cleaner and Abdullah supplements his meagre income by “helping” children of Birla Public School (BPS) board the bus.

“As the school management is aware of my condition they allow me to remain on board while the bus moves,” he said.

“Moreover, the children, who I am supposed to help, have been very supportive,” said Abdullah.
Abdullah initially worked as a driver for his sponsor but the gradual decrease in his sight forced him to leave the country in search of better eye care in India. He was treated at major eye hospitals but the doctors observed that nothing could be done to help restore his vision.

Not the one to give up meekly, Abdulla underwent Ayurvedic treatment under a reputed ophthalmologist. But, by then, retinal disorders had already done irreparable damage to his eyes
Financial insecurity and the promise of another job by sponsor brought him back to Doha last year. But his condition worsened with each passing day. “Let alone crossing roads, now, I cannot even see what is happening right in front of me,” he said

Recently, a Russian doctor also tested him but without much success as the patient’s nerves are too weak for a recovery.

With little hope of regaining the sight Abdullah has no clue as to what to do to support his family which include his old parents, wife and a teenage daughter.

Thoughts about his family make him think twice before taking the decision to leave Qatar.

Explaining his predicament, Abdullah says, “At this stage, I will do whatever it takes to support my family.”