In a significant humanitarian effort, the Indian Army’s ‘Operation Drishti’ has brought sight-restoring surgeries to the doorstep of residents in remote, mountainous villages of Jammu and Kashmir, where access to specialized healthcare is often hampered by distance, poverty, and travel costs. This nationwide initiative by the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has provided a new lease on life for elderly individuals who had resigned themselves to a future of failing eyesight.
Launched in December 2024, ‘Operation Drishti’ is described as the largest eye-camp series in India by geographical spread, having already covered 10 locations across the country. In a recent two-day camp held in Tangdhar, a shelling-prone zone along the Line of Control in Kupwara district of north Kashmir, doctors from the AFMS successfully performed 223 sight-restoring surgeries. The operations were conducted in an underground operating theatre, a measure likely taken for security reasons in the sensitive border region. According to an Army officer, 129 surgeries were carried out on September 24, followed by 94 on September 25. The beneficiaries of this camp included residents from 59 villages across the Tangdhar and Karnah valleys.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the camp catered to a wide age range of patients, from those in their 50s to individuals well into their 90s, all of whom had been living with diminished vision for years. For many of these elderly patients, the journey to a medical facility is a formidable challenge. However, upon arrival at the camp, soldiers provided comprehensive assistance, guiding them through registration, medical examinations, and to the operating theatre, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.
Hamida Begum, a resident of Bagwala, shared her profound relief, stating that the possibility of receiving treatment for her eye condition, which had plagued her for 10 to 15 years, had seemed almost impossible. She expressed disbelief that her eyesight could be restored. The cost and logistical hurdles of seeking treatment outside the region, such as arranging funds for travel, finding escorts for elderly patients, and covering accommodation and food expenses, often made such medical interventions unattainable for the local population. Hamida Begum articulated the financial strain, questioning how impoverished families could afford to travel to cities like Chandigarh or Srinagar for treatment. The Army’s eye camp effectively bridged this gap by bringing advanced medical care directly to the community.
Similar narratives of individuals living with poor vision for extended periods, families unable to afford treatment elsewhere, and elderly persons for whom long-distance travel was an insurmountable obstacle, emerged throughout the camp. Kalamuddin, a resident of Kambarsar, expressed immense gratitude, noting that the treatment, which could have cost approximately Rs 1 lakh, was provided free of charge. He attributed this life-changing intervention to both divine providence and the Army’s efforts.
Ghulam Rubani, an 80 to 85-year-old patient from Khudpada village, highlighted the dual challenges of treatment cost and the practical difficulties of reaching Srinagar. He explained that elderly individuals require a helper for such journeys, adding to the travel expenses. Rubani also recounted the uncertainties faced in urban hospitals, including unpredictable appointment schedules and accommodation issues, where patients might be told to return the next day or struggle to find lodging. In contrast, he described the seamless process at the Army camp, where he was accompanied from the gate, examined by a doctor, and taken to the operating theatre with assurances of comfort. The camp also provided refreshments, further enhancing the patient experience.
For Saleema from Chorbara, the impact of the surgery was immediately apparent upon bandage removal. She joyfully reported being able to see clearly again after three years, expressing her heartfelt thanks to the Army. Kalamudeen also shared his experience of having an eye problem addressed by the visiting doctors, who conducted examinations before scheduling surgeries.
Another patient’s son recounted that seeking treatment for his father’s six-year-long vision problem in Srinagar would cost between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, a figure that would nearly double if an attendant accompanied him. Beyond the medical procedures, many patients emphasized the compassionate care and respectful reception they received at the camp. Mir Ahmad Qureshi, who had been dealing with an eye issue since 2022, praised the discipline observed at the camp, noting that the support and comfort provided by the Army brigade were unparalleled compared to civilian services he had experienced.
The initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to the well-being of the local population in challenging terrains, extending its role beyond security to encompass vital healthcare services. The success of ‘Operation Drishti’ in Tangdhar is a testament to the effectiveness of such mobile medical outreach programs in addressing critical healthcare needs in underserved areas.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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