Operation Drishti: Armed Forces Medical Services Conduct Successful Eye Surgeries for 364 People in Kashmir
Under 'Operation Drishti,' the Armed Forces Medical Services restored vision for 364 patients by organizing eye surgery camps in Tangdhar and Srinagar, Kashmir.
The Armed Forces Medical Services have successfully concluded their campaign in Kashmir under 'Operation Drishti.' As part of this initiative, the 11th mega eye surgery camp was organized on September 30, 2026, at the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar.
During the campaign, a surgical team from the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) (AHRR), led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, performed a total of 364 successful eye surgeries in Tangdhar and Srinagar. These surgeries included complex treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, pterygium, and retina-related issues.
Prior to the main camps, teams from the 92 Base Hospital and 328 Field Hospital conducted 18 screening camps across border and remote areas of the Kashmir Valley. These screening camps were held in Tangdhar, Dawar, Machil, Uri, Baramulla, Bandipora, Khanabal, and Kangan, where approximately 6,000 people underwent eye examinations. Following the screenings, about 500 patients were identified as requiring surgery.
The treatment process was completed in two phases. The first phase took place on September 24 and 25, 2026, in Tangdhar, a sensitive area near the Line of Control (LoC). This was the first major eye camp of its kind held in an underground operation theater near the LoC, where 220 successful surgeries were performed. The second phase concluded on September 28 and 29, 2026, at the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where 144 patients were treated. Specialized procedures, such as Glued IOL implants and treatments for diabetic retinopathy, were also utilized during the camp.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, attended the closing ceremony. Praising the professional expertise and spirit of service of the eye medical team, he stated that this initiative brought advanced medical facilities to those who previously had to travel long distances for treatment. Other senior officers, including Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding of 15 Corps, were also present on the occasion.
Following the completion of the Kashmir phase, 'Operation Drishti' has now expanded across the northern, western, eastern, and central regions of the country. The next phase of the campaign will be organized in Odisha.
