Oheka owner Gary Melius stable after surgery Saturday

Gary Melius, the Oheka Castle owner shot Monday in an apparent attempt on his life, had eye surgery Saturday morning at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, according to a family friend.

Melius, 69, underwent the surgery to "address damage done during the attack," said Gary Lewi, a friend of Melius who once served as a spokesman for former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato.

Following the procedure, the politically connected businessman was returned to his room, Lewi said.

North Shore spokesman Terry Lynam said Melius remains in stable condition.

Legis. David Denenberg (D-Merrick) attempted to visit Melius Saturday afternoon and bring him a get-well balloon but was turned away by security.

Denenberg spoke briefly with Melius' wife, Pam, who told the lawmaker that balloons were not allowed in her husband's room.

When approached by a reporter, Pam Melius said, "I need to get back upstairs."

Melius was in his Mercedes-Benz in the parking lot of Oheka, which includes a high-end hotel and catering venue, about 12:30 p.m. Monday when at least three shots were fired at him, Suffolk police said.

Surveillance video shows a masked person getting out of a Jeep Cherokee and walking up to Melius' car.

The gunman fired through the window, striking Melius in the head, law enforcement sources said.

Investigators think a second vehicle, a black sedan seen on the video accompanying the shooter's Jeep, appears to be an Infiniti, law enforcement sources said.

Police have yet to make an arrest.

With Paul LaRocco

and Kevin Deutsch