Estrada to undergo eye operation in Makati

Former President Joseph Estrada will be leaving detention at a military hospital in Quezon City today to undergo an eye operation at the Asian Eye Institute at the Rockwell Center in Makati City.

The deposed leader was able to secure from the Sandiganbayan last Friday a one-day medical leave for the removal of a cataract in his left eye. He will also be allowed to stay there for post-operative monitoring provided he returns to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMCC) in Quezon City not later than 5 p.m. on the same day.

His operation will begin at 7 a.m.

Estrada’s ophthalmologist, Dr. Amadeo Veloso Jr., said the ousted leader’s left eye requires surgery and an implant of an intraocular lens "to correct visual impairment and prevent progression."

However, Veloso said the patient has to undergo post-operative evaluation a day after the surgery.

"Subsequent visits shall depend on his recovery from surgery," he said.

In granting the medical leave to Estrada, the Sandiganbayan’s third division required Philippine National Police chief Director General Leandro Mendoza to take adequate security measures.

"You must see to it that the accused is transported to the Asian Eye Institute and to no other place and is returned directly to the place of confinement at the VMCC within the period of time designated by the court," said Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, acting chairman of the anti-graft court’s third division.

The magistrate also required Estrada’s doctor to submit to the court a full report on the operation within three days after the procedure.