Srinagar: A first-of-its-kind advanced eye surgical camp, Op Drishti, was organised by the Command Hospital, Northern Command, Udhampur, from November 18 to 22, in collaboration with a specialised surgical team from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi. The camp witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 2,000 individuals screened and more than 400 surgeries performed, including complex procedures for cataract, glaucoma, and retinal disorders.
Beneficiaries included serving personnel, dependents, Veer Naris, and civilians from remote regions of Jammu & Kashmir, including Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, and Ramban.
The surgical team was led by Brigadier S.K. Mishra, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (R&R), a renowned ophthalmic surgeon who has operated on two former Presidents of India.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh virtually addressed the closing ceremony, commending the Northern Command and the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for providing timely and specialised medical care to the people of J&K. Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, also addressed the gathering virtually, congratulating the AFMS and Northern Command on the successful execution of the initiative. Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, attended the ceremony in person, while Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, was present on the occasion.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, visited the camp on November 20 and interacted with patients undergoing treatment.
Among the beneficiaries was 72-year-old Surinder Singh from Poonch, who had been battling blindness for nearly three years. A witness to the devastating shelling during Operation Sindoor, which claimed the lives of several breadwinners in his neighbourhood, Singh has turned his restored vision into service by mobilising fellow citizens struggling with grief and financial hardship.
Similarly, Abdullah Shafeeq, a 56-year-old retired soldier from Mendhar, played a crucial role in facilitating the participation of residents affected by recent conflicts and helping them access specialised eye care.
The camp delivered transformative outcomes, best symbolised by 96-year-old Rajkumari Devi, who regained clear vision and the ability to witness the world around her once again.
The initiative was conceptualised following a request by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, who directed the Armed Forces to undertake the mission. Acting on these instructions, the Chief of the Army Staff tasked the DG AFMS and DGMS (Army) to plan and execute a high-standard surgical outreach camp within the operational area of Udhampur.
Op Drishti has emerged as a landmark healthcare initiative, bringing advanced eye care to some of the most underserved regions of Jammu & Kashmir.
