Overview Op Drishti , a first-of-its-kind advanced surgical eye camp, was organized by Command Hospital, Northern Command, Udhampur from November 18-22, 2025 . The camp was conducted in collaboration with a surgical team from Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi . The initiative aimed to provide specialized eye care to serving personnel, dependents, Veer Naris (war widows), and local civilians from remote areas of Jammu & Kashmir . Key Objectives and Outcomes Screening: Over 2,000 people were screened for various eye ailments. Surgeries: Over 400 surgeries were performed, including complex procedures for cataracts , glaucoma , and retinal ailments . Beneficiaries: Included individuals from remote villages in Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Ramban , and other areas of J&K . Key Personnel and Leadership Surgical Team Lead: Brigadier SK Mishra , Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research and Referral) . Closing Ceremony Addresses: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh (virtually), Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi (virtually), and LG of J&K Shri Manoj Sinha (attended in person). Visit by Union Minister: Dr Jitendra Singh , Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Earth Sciences; Prime Ministers’ Office, visited the camp on November 20, 2025 . Impactful Beneficiaries Shri Surinder Singh: A 72 -year-old from Poonch , who regained his sight and mobilized fellow citizens affected by conflict. Abdullah Shafeeq: A 56 -year-old retired soldier from Mendhar , who facilitated the provision of ophthalmological facilities to residents impacted by conflict. Rajkumari Devi: A 96 -year-old who received the gift of clear sight. Genesis of the Initiative The medical mission was conceptualized following a request from Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha to Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh . Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi directed the DG, AFMS & DG Medical Services (Army) to plan and execute the camp, ensuring clinical excellence through a specialized camp in Udhampur . UPSC Relevance This initiative is relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly for: GS Paper II: Issues relating to development and management of social sector/services relating to Health, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism. Potential UPSC Questions Discuss the significance of initiatives like Op Drishti in addressing healthcare disparities in remote and conflict-affected regions. Evaluate the role of the Armed Forces in providing essential services, including healthcare, to civilian populations in challenging environments. Analyze the impact of improved healthcare access on the socio-economic well-being of communities in Jammu & Kashmir. Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants The initiative showcases the commitment of the Indian Army to providing healthcare services beyond its primary mandate. It highlights the importance of collaboration between government bodies, military services, and local communities in addressing healthcare needs. The success of Op Drishti underscores the potential for similar initiatives to be replicated in other remote and underserved areas of the country.