Srinagar: The Indian Army will conduct a seven-day mega cataract surgery camp in Jammu and Kashmir from September 23 to 30 under “Operation Drishti”, a specialised medical outreach programme aimed at providing free ophthalmic care to underprivileged civilians and veterans living in remote areas.
According to the Army, the initiative is being organised under the aegis of the Chinar Corps in coordination with the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).
Officials said around 400 patients have been shortlisted for cataract surgeries following screening camps conducted by the Army’s 92 Base Hospital across several locations, including Tangdhar, Uri, Bandipora, Khanabal, Kangan, Dawar and Baramulla.
A specialised ophthalmology team from the Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi, led by Brigadier Dr Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology, has been deployed for the programme. Advanced diagnostic equipment and microsurgical facilities have also been mobilised for the surgeries, the Army said.
The camp will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, scheduled for September 24 and 25, 200 patients will undergo cataract surgeries at the Underground Forward Surgical Centre of 328 Field Hospital in Tangdhar.
The second phase will be held on September 28 and 29 at the 92 Base Hospital in Badami Bagh Cantonment, Srinagar, where another 200 patients will be operated upon.
Army officials said the initiative aims to address the shortage of specialised eye-care facilities in remote and border areas by bringing advanced treatment closer to residents who often face difficulties accessing such services.
The programme is being conducted under Operation Sadbhavana, the Army’s civic outreach initiative in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said it is intended to improve access to healthcare in underserved regions while extending support to both local residents and ex-servicemen.
