Rugby pundit and broadcaster George Hook has revealed that his sight is rapidly deteriorating and is currently blind in his left eye.
A recent eye test revealed that George's right eye is in perfect working order, but when he was told to focus on a series of letters with the left eye, he could only see a blank, white screen.
However he told Brendan O'Connor on RTÉ Radio 1 this morning that he will undergo an operation later this week which he hopes will improve his vision.
"I'm not going blind, I am blind in one eye which is a bit frightening," he said. However, he did admit he was nervous about undergoing general anaesthetic on Thursday.
George Hook with fellow rugby panelist Brent Pope
George also said that he hadn't event been aware of his eyesight problem until recently.
"You can manage quite well with one and you don't realise." He stresses that his condition does not involve macular degeneration or glaucoma, and that the problem is related to a membrane at the back of the left eye.
He mentioned other health ailments which he has addressed - he has a "new" knee, has had his varicose veins done and a cataract operation had been "a doddle."
The broadcaster also talked about his religious faith. "I think Dawkins and these guys.. . .what they are telling us is just as unbelievable as saying there is a heaven, so I prefer the heavenly version."
George revelaed that he once spent a night with the Dominican order in Tallaght to see if religious life He was told that should he join the order, poverty and obedience would be required. Chasity also, was a requirement, something which was a step too far.
" I said sorry, I'm out of here, so I came out the following day. I couldn't hack the chastity."
