Srinagar, September 30 (Daily Kiran) : The Armed Forces Medical Service recently concluded its 11th significant eye surgery camp under Operation Drishti at the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar. This marked the successful completion of the Kashmir phase of the initiative on September 30. Surgical teams from the Armed Forces Hospital (Research and Referral), led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, performed a total of 364 eye surgeries, addressing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, pterygium, and retinal issues.
In preparation for these camps, teams from the 92 Base Hospital and the 328 Field Hospital organized 18 screening camps across remote and border areas of the Kashmir Valley. Locations included Tangdhar, Dawar, Machil, Uri, Baramulla, Bandipora, Khanabal, and Kangan. Approximately 6,000 individuals underwent eye examinations, with around 500 identified as needing surgical intervention. The treatment for these patients was carried out in two phases as part of Operation Drishti.
The first phase took place in Tangdhar, a sensitive area near the Line of Control (LoC), on September 24 and 25. This camp was notable for being the first large-scale eye surgery camp held in an underground operating theater close to the LoC, where the surgical team successfully performed 220 vision-restoring surgeries over two days. This achievement demonstrated the capability to provide advanced eye care in remote and operationally challenging regions.
The second phase occurred on September 28 and 29 at the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where 144 patients underwent eye surgeries. Significant improvements in vision were noted among patients with severe eye conditions, with some reporting clear vision the very next day. In addition to cataract surgeries, the camp included advanced procedures such as the implantation of glaucoma drainage devices, pterygium removal, and surgeries for diabetic retinopathy.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the closing ceremony, praising the eye care team for their dedication, professional expertise, and service to the people of Kashmir. The event was also attended by Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding of the 15 Corps, and other senior officials.
Through this initiative, advanced treatment for eye diseases has become more accessible to those who previously had to travel long distances for specialized care. Following its success in Kashmir, Operation Drishti is set to expand to the northern, western, eastern, and central regions of the country, with the next phase planned for Odisha.
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