American doctors examine Rasul, decide on treatment plan

Thanks to the work and financial assistance of many individuals and organizations, Rasul and his mother, Umm Rasul, arrived in the US on June 13 and were met with an outpouring of local support.

Rasul spent four hours in the hospital, undergoing tests which determined that the iris in his one remaining eye is compromised by a mass of scar tissue caused by a bullet wound. When Rasul tries to see, he must look through these scars.

Doctors intend to perform an iridectomy — the surgical removal of part of his iris. In doing so, they will actually cut a hole in his iris and through the scar tissue. It is through this hole that Rasul will see, and doctors are tentatively hopeful that his vision will be improved.

This procedure is scheduled for June 30th. Its success depends, in large part, on the condition of Rasul’s retina and lens, which may also have been damaged when Rasul was shot. Doctors will not know their condition until they operate.

It is possible, even likely, that this surgery will lead to one or two additional surgeries. Often, after an iridectomy, a patient will develop a cataract. And it is also possible that Rasul already has a cataract.

Umm Rasul is deeply grateful for this opportunity. “I do not know how to thank all the people who helped us get here. I thank God and everyone for this great chance for my son.” 

DAI will post another update after Rasul’s surgery.