In a remarkable display of compassion and medical expertise, the Indian Army has brought the gift of sight back to over 200 individuals in Gujarat’s Kutch district. Held at the Military Hospital in Bhuj, this three-day surgical eye camp targeted ex-servicemen, their families, and residents from remote villages, addressing a critical healthcare need in one of India’s border regions.
A specialized ophthalmology team from the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in New Delhi led the initiative. They conducted comprehensive eye examinations on more than 2,500 patients, identifying cataracts and other vision impairments that plague underserved communities. Advanced cataract surgeries were performed with precision, restoring clear vision to those who had lived in darkness for years.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, visited the camp to interact with beneficiaries and medical staff. He praised the team’s professionalism, stating, ‘Initiatives like these significantly enhance the quality of life for ex-servicemen and local residents alike.’
Leading the specialist surgical team was Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Consultant and Head of Department (Ophthalmology), whose career boasts over 100,000 successful procedures. His leadership ensured that even patients from the most isolated hamlets received world-class care.
This camp is part of the Army’s ongoing outreach programs in border areas, underscoring their commitment to ex-servicemen welfare and community health. By bridging gaps in local medical infrastructure, the Army is not just treating eyes but building trust and stronger bonds with border communities.
Lieutenant General Seth emphasized the strategic importance of such efforts: ‘The Indian Army will continue focused medical and welfare initiatives to support both ex-servicemen and civilians, fostering enduring relationships in these vital regions.’ Rooted in the ethos of ‘Service Before Self,’ these endeavors extend beyond defense duties to promote inclusive development and accessible healthcare in remote districts.
The Kutch Surgical Eye Camp stands as a shining example of how expert medical care can reach populations long hindered by geographical and infrastructural barriers, illuminating lives and hopes in the process.