AFMS Conducts 220 Successful Eye Surgeries in Remote Jammu & Kashmir
In a remarkable effort to restore vision in remote regions, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) conducted 220 sight-restoring surgeries during the 10th Mega Eye Surgical Camp held under Operation Drishti. This first-of-its-kind initiative took place at an underground operation theatre in Tangdhar, a shelling-prone area along the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir on September 24 and 25, 2026.
The majority of the procedures performed were cataract surgeries, complemented by selective retinal surgeries and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. This comprehensive approach aimed to address the diverse eye health needs of the local population.
Chief of Army Staff Visits and Recognizes Efforts
During the two-day camp, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth visited the site, where he interacted with patients and distributed medicines and gifts to those in need. General Seth’s presence underscored the importance of such initiatives in enhancing the quality of life for individuals living in challenging environments.
Also present at the event was Director General of AFMS Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, who commended the surgeons and local medical teams for their exceptional skills and dedicated effort in facilitating the surgeries.
Expert Team and Community Engagement
The camp was spearheaded by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, the Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi. His team successfully transported advanced phacoemulsification, vitreoretinal, and glaucoma surgical equipment across difficult mountainous terrain. This logistical achievement ensured that patients from nearby areas—including Khawarpora, Tangdar, Tadd, Bagbela, and Yangdar—were able to receive necessary medical attention after thorough screenings, which were communicated through broadcasts on Radio Rooh-e-Karnah.
Ongoing Commitment to Eye Health
The AFMS has been actively engaged in a series of surgical eye camps as envisioned by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh. To date, these initiatives have screened over 150,000 patients and completed more than 3,500 surgeries across ten different cities. Following the recent success in Tangdhar, the 11th eye camp is scheduled to take place in Srinagar from September 27 to 29, 2026. The camp’s closing ceremony will be attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, on September 30, 2026.
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