I wouldn't put it past your cichlids. The algae eaters are typically nocturnal so when they are active you were probably sleeping, and the cichlids could have gotten in a fight with him. I would put some melafix in your tank to prevent any bacterial infections for your algae eater. I have also promoted your post to see if anyone else has had this experience you are experiencing. Just keep an eye on your algae eater's behavior, if you notice that it's being picked on in any way shape or form, I would remove him from the tank to prevent him from being killed.
I would usually ask my go to cichlid girl, but she's out for a surgery. If you haven't heard anything from someone about this in about a week, post back and I will ask my cichlid girl what's up. The only way your algae eater could have lost eyes is by other aggressive fish (which would be your cichlids).
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Phishie

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

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