The four-day mega eye camp Op Drishti, organised by Command Hospital Northern Command, Udhampur, in collaboration with the surgical team from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, concluded today with a closing ceremony attended by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha.

The event was presided over by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, who welcomed the Lt Governor and other dignitaries. Virtual addresses by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi commended the Northern Command and Armed Forces Medical Services for delivering specialised eye care to underserved populations in J&K.

The camp screened over 1,000 individuals and conducted more than 300 eye surgeries, benefiting patients from remote areas including Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, and Ramban. Led by Brig SK Mishra from AHRR New Delhi and supported by Command Hospital Udhampur, the camp utilised advanced equipment and high-quality intraocular lenses to treat cataract, glaucoma, and retinal ailments.

The Lt Governor distributed eyeglasses and felicitated the visiting surgical team. Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, DGAFMS, highlighted cataract as India’s leading cause of preventable blindness and reaffirmed the Armed Forces Medical Services’ commitment to delivering quality healthcare even in challenging terrains. An educational handbook on eye care was also released.

The closing ceremony was attended by senior Army officials, civil administration representatives, and medical professionals. Maj Gen S. Sharma, Commandant of Command Hospital Northern Command, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging support from the Ministry of Defence, DGAFMS, Army Headquarters, and Northern Command.

The event concluded with an interaction between the Lt Governor and beneficiaries, marking the successful culmination of Op Drishti, a landmark initiative restoring vision and improving lives across Jammu & Kashmir.