FOOD FOR THOUGHT NO NEED TO WAIT AN HOUR BEFORE A SWIM, EXPERT SAYS {page 16}
HERO CHARM CAPTAIN AMERICA ACTOR WANTS TO STAY GROUNDED {page 14}
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Blinded student’s vision can’t be saved, doctors say Severity of eye injuries beyond repair Organization willing to offer services to help woman live with vision loss PHYLICIA TORREVILLAS
VANCOUVER@METRONEWS.CA
Rumana Monzur won’t see again. The University of B.C. student, whose eyes were allegedly gouged by her husband in an attack during a trip home to Bangladesh, returned to Vancouver earlier this month for medical treatment. But a statement from the university says doctors have determined her injuries cannot be repaired after four surgeries were attempted to restore some vision. “I am very grateful for the medical care I have received,” Monzur said in a statement. “I want you all to pray for me. My family and I will need some time
to adjust to this news.” Monzur added she’s looking forward to having her mother and daughter with her in Vancouver. John Mulka, executive director of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, said they are prepared to offer services such as independent living, orientation and mobility skills to help Monzur adjust to the diagnosis. “Her life changed overnight,” Mulka said. “She’s going to go through a couple of stages. There’s going to be grief and over time, there will come reality and acceptance.” Mulka said they are willing to work with Monzur so she can still do the simple things she might have taken for granted pri-
“It had been my wish to recover my eyesight so I could see all the people who have been helping me.” STATEMENT FROM RUMANA MONZUR
or to losing her vision, like preparing meals, putting toothpaste on a toothbrush and applying her makeup in the morning. “The biggest thing her family and friends can offer is unconditional support through this difficult time,” he added. “There’s no reason to believe that Rumana can’t live a fully independent lifestyle and go back to society just like she was before the events that took her vision.”
Rumana Monzur, who was beaten and blinded in an alleged domestic dispute in Bangladesh, arrives at Vancouver International Airport July 5.