Indian Armed Forces Restore Vision at Mega Eye Camp
A dedicated ophthalmic team from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force successfully conducted the 9th Mega Surgical Advanced Eye Camp under Operation DRISHTI at Military Hospital in Namkum, Ranchi, from June 15 to 19, 2026. This initiative screened over 2,500 patients and resulted in more than 300 sight-restoring procedures, including over 260 cataract surgeries. Notably, more than 100 of these surgeries benefitted underprivileged tribal patients, showcasing the commitment to extending healthcare services to marginalized communities.
The camp offered advanced medical procedures such as Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS), surgical treatments for diabetic retinopathy, and sight-saving Anti-VEGF injections. Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth praised the team at the valedictory ceremony, commending their dedication and professionalism. He highlighted that the program serves as a remarkable demonstration of the exceptional skills and unwavering commitment of the Army Medical Corps, reflecting their mantra of ‘Seva Paramo Dharmah.’ Since its inception, Operation DRISHTI has screened over 75,000 patients across the country and performed over 3,000 sight-restoring surgeries.
Smt. Ekka, a 68-year-old widow of Ex-Havildar Jon Augustus Ekka, arrived at the camp suffering from a cataract that had severely limited her vision. Thanks to a successful phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation procedure, her sight was restored, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to the welfare of veterans’ families. Similarly, 63-year-old Eliza Beth, a tribal resident of Ranchi with no military ties, received treatment for her cataract, demonstrating Operation DRISHTI’s inclusive approach to healthcare.
Another beneficiary, Ashok Deshmukh, a 50-year-old tribal resident of Jharkhand, also underwent successful cataract surgery despite lacking military entitlements. The program’s commitment to providing high-quality medical care to all individuals, regardless of their background, emphasizes the core values of this initiative.
The camp was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, whose leadership has been vital in expanding Operation DRISHTI’s outreach. The closing ceremony saw attendance from Lt Gen Yash Singh Ahlawat, GOC 17 Corps, Maj Gen Jyotindu Debnath, MG Med, HQ Eastern Command, and other distinguished guests, with surgical efforts led by Brigadier (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Mishra.
Since its inception in Dehradun in December 2024, Operation DRISHTI has grown significantly, conducting camps across various locations including Jaipur, Bagdogra, Udhampur, Lakshadweep, Bhuj, Gorakhpur, and Leh-Ladakh. Ranchi marks the ninth location for this initiative, establishing it as one of India’s largest sustained military medical outreach programs.
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