A highly specialised ophthalmic team comprising doctors from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force performed more than 100 complex eye surgeries on the very first day of the Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp held at 12 Air Force Hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on February 24, 2026. The initiative marks a significant step in delivering advanced and accessible eye care services to serving personnel, veterans, and civilians in the region.
The team was led by Brigadier (Dr) Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Consultant and Head of Department (Ophthalmology) at Army Hospital (Research & Referral). Under his leadership, the surgical team successfully conducted advanced cataract operations, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, and intricate retinal procedures using state-of-the-art medical equipment. The sophisticated devices and surgical infrastructure were airlifted to Gorakhpur through Indian Air Force aircraft, enabling the team to establish world-class treatment facilities within the military hospital premises.
The camp has witnessed an overwhelming response, with comprehensive screening currently underway for ex-servicemen, serving dependents, and underprivileged civilians. Medical teams are conducting detailed diagnostic evaluations to identify patients requiring surgical intervention. With more than 300 surgeries planned over the course of the camp, the initiative is expected to benefit a large number of patients before it concludes on February 27, 2026.
The inaugural ceremony of the Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp was attended by Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, and Director General Medical Services (Air), Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja. Their presence underscored the importance of the initiative and the commitment of the Armed Forces Medical Services toward extending high-quality specialised medical care beyond routine military establishments.
This outreach effort reflects the Armed Forces’ enduring dedication not only to safeguarding national security but also to strengthening social welfare and resilience. Building upon a proven track record of clinical excellence, the elite ophthalmic team has previously conducted six successful surgical camps across varied terrains, including the Himalayan foothills, remote villages of Jammu, and the border regions of Kutch. The ongoing camp in Gorakhpur further reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that cutting-edge healthcare reaches remote and underserved populations across the country.
