SRINAGAR: The Indian Army, in coordination with the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), on Wednesday launched “Operation Drishti”, a week-long cataract surgery camp aimed at providing specialised eye care to civilians and veterans across Kashmir.
According to a Defence Ministry statement, around 400 patients have been identified for surgery following screening camps conducted by 92 Base Hospital in Tangdhar, Uri, Bandipora, Khanabal, Kangan, Dawar and Baramulla.
A specialised ophthalmology team from Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi, led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, has been deployed for the initiative. Advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment has also been mobilised for the camp, the statement said.
The surgeries are being conducted in two phases. In the first phase, scheduled for September 24 and 25, around 200 patients will undergo cataract surgeries at the Forward Surgical Centre of 328 Field Hospital in Tangdhar. The second phase, on September 28 and 29, will cover another 200 patients at 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar.
Defence officials said the initiative is intended to improve access to specialised ophthalmic care in remote areas where such facilities remain limited.
The Army said the programme, being conducted from September 23 to 30, is part of its civic outreach efforts and will provide free cataract treatment to patients from underserved communities across the region.
