Former national footballer is losing his sight

OVER THE last year, former national footballer Michael Tulloch’s eyesight has deteriorated from the impact of glaucoma.

Tulloch, who played at centre forward, was a mainstay of the national team during the 1980s.

Known for his aerial prowess and superb heading ability, the lanky striker scored some of the most memorable headers on local soil.

The former player, an advocate for veteran former players in dire need through the Unsung Heroes organisation, has struggled in recent times because of glaucoma and is seeking assistance to get the help he needs to regain his sight.

“Right now I am suffering from glaucoma. My eyes are not so well. They are blurry at the moment,” he told The Gleaner.

“I am getting treatment, but the treatment that I am getting is very slow. So I would really like some real help to get my health back on track fully.”

Tulloch has been living with the illness for about a year now, and although he has been able to get himself around, it is especially difficult to do so at nights.

“It is very difficult, especially when I am in the dark. When I am in the dark it is very hard to manoeuvre myself. Going out at nights, it affects me. But I am still able to manoeuvre wherever I want to go,” he continued.

At this stage, he does not know if surgery is required, as none of the doctors he has visited has advised him in that regard.

But he knows he needs more help.

“I would like to get some professional help to find out the real root cause of it, and how to remedy it.

“Wherever I need to go to get the help, I will. Glaucoma is very dangerous. I have been to several doctors and all they are giving me is eyedrops, which don’t seem to helping me in any way.

“I don’t know if surgery is needed. But whatever it takes, I would like some real help to get my eyes sorted out,” he said.

Meanwhile, the former player was recently honoured by the Lions Sports Club, a US-based organisation for footballers from Jamaica, which gives back by assisting young children with school supplies and scholarships, and persons with medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers.

Tolluch said it is pleasing to see the work that the organisation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary, continues to do in the island.

“I have been a part of the Lions organisation for 10-15 years. It has been a joy, because what Lions have done for so many people in Jamaica is really phenomenal. They have assisted so many kids in terms of their schooling and going to school, and they also give financially.

“And they not only help schoolchildren; they have helped a lot of persons, handing out wheelchairs, walkers and other medical supplies,” he added.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com