Operation Drishti: Armed Forces Medical Services Conduct Two Landmark Mega Eye Surgical Camps in Kashmir

The
11th Mega Eye Surgical Camp under Operation Drishti concluded at 92 Base
Hospital, Srinagar, on 30 September 2026, bringing the Kashmir leg of the
initiative to a successful close. Across the two mega eye camps conducted at
Tangdhar and Srinagar, the surgical team from Army Hospital (Research &
Referral) (AHRR), under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra,
performed 364 eye surgeries, including cataract, glaucoma, pterygium and
retinal procedures.
In
the weeks preceding the surgical camps, teams from 92 Base Hospital and 328
Field Hospital conducted 18 screening camps across remote and forward areas of
the Kashmir Valley, including Tangdhar, Dawar, Machil, Uri, Baramulla,
Bandipora, Khanabal and Kangan. Nearly 6,000 people were screened, with around
500 patients identified as requiring surgical intervention. The beneficiaries
were subsequently treated in two phases under Operation Drishti.
The
first phase was conducted at Tangdhar, in the sensitive sector along the Line
of Control (LoC). The camp, held from September 24-25, 2026, marked the
first-ever mega eye surgical camp conducted at the LoC in an underground
operation theatre. The surgical team successfully performed 220 sight-restoring
surgeries over two days, demonstrating the capability to provide advanced
ophthalmic care even in remote and operationally challenging locations.
The
second phase was conducted at 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar, from 28-29 September
2026, where 144 patients underwent eye surgeries. Several patients with
severely impaired vision experienced significant improvement, with some
regaining clear vision as early as the following day. In addition to cataract
surgeries, the camp provided specialised procedures including glued IOL
implantation, glaucoma surgery, pterygium excision and retinal interventions
for diabetic retinopathy.
Lieutenant
Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, graced the closing ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, he appreciated the eye team for its dedication,
professional expertise and compassionate service to the people of Kashmir. Lt
Gen Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, 15 Corps, along with other senior
officers, was also present on the occasion.
The
initiative brought advanced sub-speciality ophthalmic care closer to people who
would otherwise have had to travel long distances for specialised treatment.
With the successful completion of its Kashmir leg, Operation Drishti has now
reached the North, West, East and Central regions of the country. The next
phase of the initiative is scheduled to be conducted in Odisha.

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