A Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp under Operation DRISHTI has commenced at Military Hospital Namkum in Ranchi, with a specialised ophthalmic team from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force set to provide more than 200 free advanced eye surgeries between June 15 and 19. Under the aegis of the Eastern Command, the Indian Army’s Brahmastra Corps has launched Drishti 2026, a Mega Eye Care Camp aimed at providing specialised ophthalmic care to veterans, Veer Naris, dependants, tribal beneficiaries and civilians from remote and underserved areas.
The surgical team is led by Brigadier Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Consultant and Head of Department (Ophthalmology) at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi. The camp will offer a range of advanced ophthalmic procedures, including cataract surgery through phacoemulsification, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections for vitreo-retinal diseases.
Comprehensive screening of ex-servicemen, serving personnel’s dependents, and underprivileged civilians is currently underway, with a large number of beneficiaries expected to avail the specialised treatment.
To support the initiative, advanced medical equipment has been airlifted to Ranchi by the Indian Air Force, enabling the delivery of world-class eye care services in the region.
Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, described the mission as a reflection of the Armed Forces’ commitment to both national security and humanitarian service. She said the initiative demonstrates the military’s role as a guardian of the nation as well as a contributor to social welfare.
Operation DRISHTI is a flagship outreach programme aimed at delivering advanced ophthalmic care to remote and underserved regions. Prior to Ranchi, the programme successfully conducted eight advanced surgical eye camps in locations including Leh, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Bhuj, Kutch, and Bagdogra, benefiting hundreds of patients across the country.
