The Armed Forces Medical Services concluded a major eye surgery initiative in Kashmir on 30 September 2026. Across two surgical camps in Tangdhar and Srinagar, doctors from Army Hospital (Research & Referral) performed 364 sight-restoring eye surgeries. The camps served patients identified through screening in remote areas of the Kashmir Valley.
Key facts
- 364 eye surgeries performed across Tangdhar and Srinagar camps
- Tangdhar camp (24-25 September 2026): 220 surgeries in underground operation theatre near Line of Control
- Srinagar camp at 92 Base Hospital (28-29 September 2026): 144 surgeries
- Pre-surgical screening: 18 camps across 8 districts screened nearly 6,000 people
- Around 500 patients identified for surgical intervention
- Districts screened: Tangdhar, Dawar, Machil, Uri, Baramulla, Bandipora, Khanabal and Kangan
- Team led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra from Army Hospital (Research & Referral)
- Next phase scheduled for Odisha
What Operation Drishti is
Operation Drishti is an ongoing initiative by the Armed Forces Medical Services to provide advanced eye care to underserved populations across India. The programme brings specialist surgical teams to remote and difficult-to-access areas where residents would otherwise need to travel long distances for treatment. This is the 11th mega eye surgical camp conducted under the operation.
The surgical camps in Kashmir
The initiative ran in two phases in Kashmir. The first phase took place at Tangdhar, a sensitive sector near the Line of Control. This camp was notable for being the first mega eye surgical camp conducted at the LoC in an underground operation theatre. The surgical team completed 220 procedures over two days in this challenging location, demonstrating the capacity to deliver advanced ophthalmic care even in operationally difficult settings.
The second phase occurred at 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where 144 patients underwent eye surgery on 28-29 September 2026. Patients reported significant vision improvement, with some achieving clear vision within a day of surgery.
Types of surgeries performed
The camps addressed multiple eye conditions beyond routine cataracts. Surgical procedures included cataract removal, glaucoma surgery, pterygium excision (removal of tissue growths on the eye), and retinal interventions for patients with diabetic retinopathy. The team also performed glued intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, a specialised technique for patients with specific eye conditions.
Patient screening before surgery
Before the surgical camps, medical teams from 92 Base Hospital and 328 Field Hospital conducted 18 separate screening camps across eight districts in the Kashmir Valley. These screening camps visited remote and forward areas, reaching nearly 6,000 people. Around 500 patients were identified as needing surgical intervention and subsequently treated during the two surgical phases.
What this means for you
If you live in remote areas of Kashmir or other regions covered by Operation Drishti, this programme brings specialised eye care to your area instead of requiring you to travel to distant hospitals. Screening camps identify patients who need surgery, and treatment is provided free by the Armed Forces Medical Services. This is particularly significant for people with cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, conditions that can cause blindness if untreated.
For other parts of India not yet covered, the next surgical camp is scheduled for Odisha, suggesting the programme will eventually expand to additional states.
Coverage so far
With the completion of the Kashmir camps, Operation Drishti has now conducted initiatives across the North, West, East and Central regions of the country. The next scheduled location is Odisha.