“Seeing Hope Anew” – How Op Drishti Restored Vision For Thousands in J&K

In a landmark healthcare initiative, the Indian Army conducted ‘Op Drishti’, a first-of-its-kind advanced surgical eye camp at the Command Hospital, Northern Command, Udhampur, from 18 to 22 November 2025. Designed to deliver critical eye care services in remote and underserved areas of Jammu & Kashmir, this camp marked a turning point in civil-military healthcare collaboration. Over 2,000 individuals were screened, and more than 400 advanced eye surgeries were performed, including procedures for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders.

Why Op Drishti Matters

• Access to specialist medical care, especially ophthalmological surgeries, is limited in mountainous and conflict-prone regions.
• Through Op Drishti, the Indian Army bridged this gap by bringing top-tier surgical care directly to the doorsteps of people often overlooked in mainstream healthcare systems.
• This effort is a significant example of how military resources can support public health—not just during emergencies, but also through proactive, life-changing medical outreach programs.

The Surgical Powerhouse Behind the Camp

• At the heart of Op Drishti was a team of elite ophthalmic surgeons led by Brigadier SK Mishra, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi.
• Brig Mishra, known for having performed eye surgeries on two Presidents of India, led a clinical mission that met the highest standards of precision and compassion.
• His team worked with the staff of the Command Hospital, Northern Command, to provide comprehensive surgical and post-operative care for patients arriving from across the region.

Human Stories That Define the Mission

The real impact of Op Drishti can be felt in the transformative stories of its beneficiaries,

• Surinder Singh, a 72-year-old from Poonch, had been living with blindness for over two years. Once a victim of cross-border shelling during Operation Sindoor, he not only regained his sight but emerged as a local mobiliser, encouraging others to seek treatment.
• Abdullah Shafeeq, a 56-year-old retired soldier from Mendhar, played a key role in organizing transportation and logistics for villagers needing eye care.
• Rajkumari Devi, 96 years old, gained the ability to see again after years of visual impairment—one of the oldest beneficiaries of the camp.
• These narratives illustrate how restoring vision restores dignity, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

High-Level Recognition and Support

• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh addressed the closing ceremony virtually, applauding the Armed Forces for their dual role in both national security and humanitarian service.
• The Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, also addressing the event, highlighted how Op Drishti exemplifies the Armed Forces Medical Services’ commitment to the people of J&K.
• Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, attended the closing ceremony in person, and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh visited the camp on 20 November, personally interacting with patients and inspecting the advanced medical facilities at the ophthalmology department.

Long-Term Benefits and Strategic Significance

Op Drishti delivered more than clinical services—it strengthened civil-military relations, restored community trust, and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ role in nation-building beyond warfare.

By addressing a pressing healthcare need, the camp,

• Boosted regional medical infrastructure
• Brought specialist services to hard-to-reach populations
• Created a blueprint for future military-led public health initiatives

Static Facts

• Operation Name: Op Drishti
• Date: 18–22 November 2025
• Location: Command Hospital, Northern Command, Udhampur, J&K
• People Screened: Over 2,000
• Surgeries Performed: Over 400
• Lead Surgeon: Brigadier SK Mishra
• Key Medical Conditions Treated: Cataracts, Glaucoma, Retinal Disorders