Armed Forces Medical Team Performs Over 100 Complex Eye Surgeries at Mega Camp in Gorakhpur
An expert ophthalmology team from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force conducted over 100 intricate eye surgeries on the first day of the Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp at the 12 Air Force Hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on February 24, 2026. This initiative is a crucial development in providing advanced and accessible eye care to military personnel, veterans, and civilians in the area.
Leading the team was Brigadier (Dr) Sanjay Kumar Mishra, the Consultant and Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Army Hospital (Research & Referral). Under his guidance, the team carried out advanced cataract surgeries, minimally invasive glaucoma operations, and complex retinal procedures utilizing cutting-edge medical technology. The necessary equipment and infrastructure were transported to Gorakhpur via Indian Air Force aircraft, enabling the creation of high-quality treatment facilities within the military hospital.
The camp has seen a significant turnout, with current comprehensive screenings being conducted for ex-servicemen, relatives of serving personnel, and underprivileged civilians. Medical teams are performing detailed diagnostic assessments to determine which patients require surgical procedures. With plans for over 300 surgeries throughout the camp, the initiative aims to assist numerous patients before its conclusion on February 27, 2026.
The opening ceremony of the Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp was graced by the presence of Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, and Director General Medical Services (Air), Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja. Their attendance highlighted the significance of the initiative and the commitment of the Armed Forces Medical Services to delivering high-quality specialised medical care beyond standard military facilities.
This outreach initiative showcases the Armed Forces’ ongoing dedication to both national security and social welfare. Building on a history of clinical excellence, the distinguished ophthalmic team has previously organized six successful surgical camps in diverse locations, including the Himalayan foothills, remote Jammu villages, and the Kutch border regions. The ongoing camp in Gorakhpur further underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring state-of-the-art healthcare reaches remote and underserved communities nationwide.
