Freed hostage 'nearly blind'

2005-08-12 14:01

Sydney - A 64-year-old Australian engineer held hostage by Iraqi militants for more than six weeks is now nearly blind and crippled due to diabetes, glaucoma and arthritis which went untreated during his ordeal.

A family spokesperson said Douglas Wood had lost nearly all his sight and his mobility had been severely restricted by rheumatoid arthritis since he was freed from his captors by Iraqi and United States troops in June.

The spokesperson, Phil Quin, said the failure of Wood's eyesight was largely a result of not receiving medication to treat diabetes and glaucoma during his time in captivity.

Quin said: "His peripheral vision is nil.

"He can see directly in front of him somewhat, but the estimates are that his eyesight is reduced to about five or so percent."

'Australia to withdraw 900 troops'

He said: "We're all hopeful that he'll improve and he's getting the best treatment that's available and he's certainly optimistic.

"But, as far as the eyesight is concerned the prognosis is not good, but we're all hoping to see an improvement in his general health and well-being."

Wood was kidnapped in Baghdad on April 30 by a group calling itself, the Shura Council of the Mujahedeen of Iraq, which demanded Australia withdraw its some 900 troops from the country.

Iraqi and US troops freed him during a sweep 47 days later.

Wood said after his release that his eyesight had suffered from malnutrition during his captivity and side effects from heavy doses of steroids for his rheumatoid arthritis.

Relatives said Wood had been living in the US with his American wife, but planned to return to his native Melbourne soon.

- AFP