ISLAMABAD: The medical report of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s eye examination has revealed a marked improvement in his vision, with specialists noting reduced swelling and better clinical indicators in his right eye.
The examination was conducted on February 15 by a medical board comprising Professor Dr Nadeem Qureshi of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital and Professor Dr Muhammad Arif Khan of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), according to a report issued on Monday.
The report stated that Imran’s vision in the right eye without glasses was recorded at 6/24 partial, while the left eye measured 6/9. With corrective glasses, the right eye improved to 6/9 partial and the left eye to 6/6.
The evaluation comes weeks after the jailed former prime minister, imprisoned since August 2023, complained of severe vision loss in his right eye. He was later diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye condition often linked with older age and cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
According to the report, swelling in Imran’s right eye has reduced significantly, with thickness decreasing from 550 to 350, which doctors described as a positive sign of recovery.
The medical board recommended eye drops for both eyes and advised further diagnostic procedures, including OCT angiography and FFA tests.
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The report also noted that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas visited Pims on the same day and were briefed by the medical board. Imran’s personal physicians, Dr Asim Yousaf and Dr Khurram Mirza, were also briefed over a phone call lasting more than 25 minutes, expressing satisfaction with the treatment and follow-up recommendations.
However, Shaukat Khanum Chief Medical Officer Dr Aasim Yusuf said he could not independently confirm or deny the medical board’s assessment, as he had not personally examined Imran Khan.
In a video statement, Dr Yusuf said the doctors briefed him on the treatment plan and claimed significant improvement, but urged authorities to allow independent doctors nominated by Imran’s family to participate in his care. He also called for shifting the former prime minister to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for further treatment.