Hope for Bolshoi ballet director after acid attack

Published on 25/01/2013 00:00

The Bolshoi Ballet’s artistic ­director will recover enough eyesight to return to work after a masked attacker threw acid in his face, a doctor has said.

Sergei Filin, 42, was assaulted as he stepped from his car outside his home after leaving his work on 18 January.

Russia’s top eye doctor yesterday played down fears Mr Filin would be blinded and never be able to work again, assessing his condition as moderately severe.

“He has acid burns in both eyes: more severe burns in the right eye, lighter on the left side,” said Dr Vladimir Neroyev, who took part in some four eye operations – two on each eye – performed on Mr Filin since the attack.

Dr Neroyev said it was too early to say how bad the damage would be but that the former ballet dancer would retain at least some eyesight in each eye.

“I think in any case he will be fully fit for work,” he added.

Mr Filin faces at least a year of medical treatment and rehabilitation with his next surgery planned for Monday.

Bolshoi administrators have suggested envy or resentment as a possible motive for the attack.

Russia’s top specialists are treating Mr Filin in Moscow, Dr Neroyev said, but he may decide to travel abroad for further treatment. “There is hope the treatment will be effective,” he said.