But he is determined to continue working despite this latest setback

Master potter Iskandar Jalil may end up losing two tools of his trade – his kiln, for baking his pottery; and his right eye, needed to make it.

The 70-year-old Cultural Medallion winner told The Sunday Times he has lost 90 per cent of the vision in his right eye.

The artist said that when he woke up on the morning of April 16, he could not see with his right eye.

“I thought to myself, my goodness, how to live with my one eye?”

He went to see a specialist at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) that day.

He said doctors told him it was most likely due to hypertension.

“They told me it is most likely permanent so I’ll have to live with it,” he said, sounding stoic.

Professor Donald Tan, medical director of the SNEC, said cases of hypertension leading to blindness
are not rare.

High blood pressure causes blood clots and bleeding in the retina, which may then lead to blindness. While some may recover from it, “the older you are, the less likely you will recover from it”, Prof Tan
said.

Where recovery is possible, laser treatment can prevent further bleeding or other complications in the affected eye. A patient’s blood pressure must also be monitored to protect the other eye.

He said those with visual impairment in one eye learn to compensate for it. But they may not be able to judge distances well and will have a smaller field of vision.

Prof Tan, who did not attend to Mr Iskandar, added that this type of blindness has nothing to do with the wearing of eyeglasses.

Mr Iskandar, who uses spectacles for myopia and long-sightedness, recently came back from a pottery trip to Japan.

The Sunday Times reported earlier this month that he may have to give up his demonstration room at the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC), located in Sultan Gate in the Kampong Glam area.

The centre will be undergoing a revamp.

Mr Iskandar and batik master Sarkasi Said, 70, had received notice from the National Heritage Board, which manages the MHC, that – until the revamp is firmed up – their lease will end on June 30.

The artists were not told if they had to move out permanently. They were also upset that the board has not discussed its plans with them.

Several schools with ceramic programmes and pottery facilities have since contacted Mr Iskandar to offer him the use of their pottery facilities.

Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng, a supporter of Mr Iskandar’s work, also offered him the use of the pottery room at the Tampines Changkat Community Club to hold classes.

“It is sad that a talented national artist like him is in such a position,” she said.

Mr Iskandar said he is likely to return to the Jalan Bahar Dragon Kiln in Jurong West, where he used to
work.

“They said I would be welcomed. Some people there have also offered to help with my transportation,”
he said.

During his trip to Japan, he saw a kiln that uses a 10kg gas tank, which he is considering buying for his home. It cost about $5,000.

Between check-ups at the eye centre, the artist is also busy coordinating the move out from the MHC.

He said the blow to his health will not stop him from pursuing his craft.

“I will continue working. I’ll never give up,” he said.

“I will have to learn to live with one eye. At least I still have my two hands to work with.”