A BLIND boy whose sight could be restored with a series of operations has gone under the knife for the first time.

Muhammad Jamil, 14, from the Punjab region of Pakistan, was brought to England by relative Idris Amin from Cricklewood in the hope that top eye surgeons could restore his sight, which has deteriorated because of cataracts and disease.

On Friday, Muhammad underwent a two-hour operation at Moorfields Eye Hospital in central London.

Mr Amin said: "The prognosis is really good because he can now see a lot more light. This is a positive first step and although he is in some discomfort because of the increased light, they expect him to get used to it."

Muhammad was due to visit surgeons again this week as the Observer went to press and a date will be set for further surgery.

Last month, the Observer featured Muhammad's plight and revealed that £22,000 will pay for all treatment to restore his vision.

Readers have begun donating but more money is needed to fund the operations.

To find out how you can help, call the Observer on 020 8956 8194.