In a historic medical milestone, the Army Hospital Research and Referral (AHRR) achieved a breakthrough on August 28, 2025, by performing the first-ever Robotic Custom Laser Cataract Surgery in a government institute in India. With this, AHRR also became the second institute in South Asia to introduce this cutting-edge technology.
The ALLY Adaptive Cataract Treatment System was used to conduct the procedure, marking the Ophthalmology Department’s successful transition into the field of robotic, bladeless, and computer-guided eye surgery. This was the hospital’s first Femto-second Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS), setting a new benchmark in military medical care.
The surgery was performed by Brigadier SK Mishra on a 61-year-old patient. Unlike conventional cataract surgery, which remains widely effective, FLACS offers a major technological leap. The femtosecond laser automates crucial steps such as corneal incisions, capsulotomy, and cataract fragmentation with micron-level precision, ensuring enhanced safety and superior outcomes.
The adoption of this advanced technology highlights the Armed Forces’ dedication to providing the most modern, effective, and safe healthcare to its personnel and their families. The precision and reliability of FLACS are especially valuable in the high-stakes environment of military medicine.
This achievement was made possible under the guidance of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and Director General Armed Forces Medical Services Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin. With this milestone, the Department of Ophthalmology at AHRR continues to strengthen its long-standing reputation for clinical excellence and innovation in eye care.
