Restoring sight, strengthening bonds

Healthcare outreach is often measured in numbers, i.e. patients screened, surgeries performed, camps organised. But the significance of OP DRISHTI–KASHMIR 2026 goes beyond the figures. Nearly 6,000 people were screened across 18 camps, and 400 civilians and veterans underwent cataract surgeries. For those who had been living with impaired vision, the intervention means something deeply personal: the ability to see more clearly and live more independently. The initiative also highlights the importance of taking specialised healthcare beyond conventional hospital settings. Screening camps reached remote and forward areas including Tangdhar, Dawar, Machhal, Uri, Bandipora and Kangan. The subsequent surgeries were conducted in two phases, with 200 procedures at Tangdhar and another 200 at 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar. The performance of 200 cataract surgeries at an Underground Forward Surgical Centre in Tangdhar is particularly significant. Difficult terrain and operational constraints should not become barriers to essential healthcare. Where access is difficult, healthcare delivery must find ways to reach people rather than expecting every patient to travel long distances for treatment. Such initiatives also underline the value of cooperation between medical institutions. The involvement of specialists from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, alongside 92 Base Hospital, demonstrates how expertise and infrastructure can be brought together for a focused public-health intervention. Yet, outreach camps should complement, not substitute, a strong and accessible public healthcare system. Cataract treatment requires screening, surgery, follow-up and post-operative care. The sustainability of such efforts therefore depends on ensuring that beneficiaries continue to receive appropriate medical support after the camp concludes. OP DRISHTI offers a reminder that healthcare can build confidence as much as it restores vision. In areas where geography can limit access, taking quality medical services closer to communities is an investment not only in health, but also in dignity, inclusion and human connection.