OP DRISHTI: RESTORING SIGHT, RENEWING HOPE

In the high-altitude and difficult terrain of the Kashmir Valley, the relationship between the soldier and the citizen extends far beyond conventional security responsibilities. In remote border villages, where geographical conditions create isolation and harsh winters can cut off communities, the Indian Army under the Chinar Corps remains present as a trusted neighbour and first responder. Whether it is heavy snowfall or a sudden fire, soldiers step forward to provide assistance during times of crisis and strengthen a relationship based on security, sensitivity and community support.

This spirit finds a powerful expression in OP Drishti, a major humanitarian initiative that brings advanced ophthalmic healthcare services to remote communities. Building upon the benchmark established last year at Command Hospital, Udhampur, where more than two thousand people were screened and more than four hundred complex surgeries were conducted under the guidance of Lieutenant General Prateek Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, the Chinar Corps has now expanded this initiative across various areas of the Kashmir Valley.

In difficult mountainous areas, particularly for the elderly, blindness remains a major challenge. During the summer months, extensive screening camps were organised in remote areas of the Valley. Hundreds of patients received preliminary examination and treatment from ophthalmic specialists of the Indian Army, following which 400 patients were selected for advanced surgical intervention.

OP Drishti is a mega cataract surgery camp from 23 to 30 September 2026 – an initiative by Indian Army  has given vision to the Awam of the Kashmir valley. It has been organised under a dual-nodal model with the objective of reducing the travel burden for vulnerable and needy villagers. The Phase -1 is conducted at the borderlands of Tangdhar  providing state-of-the-art  eye surgical care to the  selected 200 patients. Here, specialised ophthalmologists, sterile operating facilities, advanced phacoemulsification technology and foldable intraocular lens implants are made available closer to their homes.

The  Phase-II  of remaining 200 patients will be treated at 92 Base Hospital, Badami Bagh Cantonment, Srinagar. The institution has long been known as a trusted centre of treatment and relief for both soldiers, veterans and civilians. Its contribution during military operations, terrorist attacks and natural disasters such as the devastating floods of 2014 has earned it deep respect among the people. Former President Late A.P.J. Abdul Kalam described the institution as a “Temple of Healing.”

Going beyond healthcare services, the Chinar Corps also continues to contribute towards the Awam by various welfare and developmental activities throughout the year through Operation Sadbhavana. This includes promoting infrastructure, connectivity facilities, vocational training, sports, solar-powered lighting systems, clean drinking water projects, medical and vetinary camps and extending computer facilities in remote villages.

By connecting the frontier accessibility of Tangdhar with the medical expertise of 92 Base Hospital, OP Drishti is reducing the gap between remoteness and advanced healthcare services. Going far beyond restoring sight, the initiative strengthens dignity, trust and hope, while reflecting a continuing commitment to the welfare of the people of Kashmir.