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The Indian Army recently achieved a significant humanitarian milestone with the successful conclusion of ‘Op Netra 1.0,’ a four-day mega eye camp held in the challenging terrain of Leh, Ladakh. Conducted at the 153 General Hospital, the mission underscores the military’s commitment to "Winning Hearts and Minds" by delivering advanced surgical care to the remotest corners of the Union Territory.

A Mission of Specialized Care and Vision Restoration

Under the leadership of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), Op Netra 1.0 was designed as a high-end ophthalmic outreach program. The camp specifically targeted citizens in high-altitude regions where geographical barriers and thin oxygen levels often impede access to sophisticated medical infrastructure.

During the four-day intensive program, the medical team screened a total of 950 patients hailing from seven districts of Ladakh. The outreach extended to some of the most isolated border villages, including Chushul, Hanle, Demchok, and Turtuk. The mission was life-altering for many, successfully restoring sight to 15 individuals who were previously suffering from total visual impairment.

Surgical Excellence and Technological Innovation

Op Netra 1.0 was not merely a screening camp but a hub for advanced ophthalmic interventions. The surgical teams performed 214 complex procedures, which included:

• 197 cataract surgeries using modern techniques.
• 10 vitreo-retinal interventions, including vitrectomies.
• Specialized procedures such as Glued Intraocular Lens (IOL) implantation and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS).

A standout feature of the operation was the integration of Indigenous Technology. The Army launched the Op Netra App, a dedicated digital platform that utilized QR code-based identification. This system ensured end-to-end digitization of patient records, automated scheduling, and enhanced surgical safety, setting a new benchmark for mobile medical camps in India.

Inter-Service Synergy and National Impact

The success of the mission was a testament to seamless Inter-Service Cooperation. The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role by airlifting heavy, sophisticated medical equipment to the high-altitude environment of Leh, ensuring that the surgeons had access to the same quality of technology available in metropolitan super-specialty hospitals.

Furthermore, this operation is part of a broader military-medical momentum. Since November 2025, the Indian Armed Forces have completed over 2,500 sight-restoring surgeries across various parts of the country.