Two hunters, a farmer and a walker - have sustained shotgun injuries to the eyes over the space of last week, with two of the victims having lost their eyesight. All were Maltese.

Dr Thomas Fenech, the St Luke's ophthalmologist tending to the cases in question, expressed his concern to Maltatoday over the development, explaining that the two most serious injuries were sustained by hunters, however, he reports that it is still too early to tell if the victims will be permanently blind, as further surgery is required.

He adds, "From the stories we were told by patients, at least two of the cases were the direct result of hunters shooting across or down into valleys, as opposed to shooting upwards."

Meanwhile, a middle-aged farmer sustained another of the injuries while working in his fields.

Dr Fenech urged hunters, in order to avoid such injuries, to stick to recommended practices, particularly in terms of always aiming upwards, while those walking in the countryside should avoid areas where hunting is taking place.

Unfortunately, designated hunting areas are always sign posted and some areas are popular for country walks and picnics,particularly with the advent of the hunting season's fine weather.

Dr Fenech adds that over the years, the vast majority of such injuries have been sustained by hunters, while emphasising that hunters, for their own safety, should use protective eyewear.

"The message that were are trying to get across is that these incidents could have been avoided if prudence and safety practices had been observed," he adds.

While current regulations forbid shooting in the vicinity of buildings and roads, there are no regulations stipulating against shooting across or down into valleys. In fact, Aldo Azzopardi, author of a shooter's manual, explains that low shooting is used for the hunting of birds such as quail (summiena), which tend to fly low.

He explains that these incidents are obviously the result of careless shooting and that there is no excuse, as, when shooting, the hunter must at all times have a clear background, otherwise the distinguishing of people is ver difficult. Mr Azzopardi adds that the problem is further compounded by the fact that hunting territories are given to particular hunters, while other hunters tend to infringe on such areas.

Accordingly, hunters familiar with that particular area would not be aware of their presence.

The Health Department has appealed to all hunters to follow the safety regulations of their hobby and to observe all precautions in order to avoid further accidents.

The Department emphasises that the cases over the last week cases could have easily been avoided if prudence had been observed