Chief Medical Officer of Lucknow, Dr A K Shukla, has ordered an inquiry into the incident and asked the health centre not to operate upon patients for the next 15 days.

The health centre in question is run by CSMMU. A day after the operation, majority of the patients reported blurred vision along with swelling and redness in the eyes. Around 19 patients, aged between 55 to 75 years, were then rushed to CSMMU.

“Kuch dikhai nahi de raha hai,” said Hira Lal (55), a patient. He added, “Around 20 people operated on me at Sarojani Nagar health centre. The next day, most of us had swelling and redness in the operated eye. Thus, we were brought here with an assurance that we will be treated soon.”

Sarju (60), a patient from Sardi Kherda in Amausi area, said: “A few hours after the operation, there was a burning sensation in my left eye. I informed the centre and they brought me here. Around five people were again operated upon today. We hope that we do not lose our eyesight.”

While some of these patients even complained that they could not see a thing, doctors at CSMMU claimed it was just an ordinary infection that happens sometimes after such operations and the patients will be fine again. A doctor on duty said: “The medical college wanted to send these patients to their homes today. But since there was no ambulance available, all of them will be sent back on Monday.”