The Indian Army organized a special eye surgical camp at 158 Base Hospital in Bagdogra, West Bengal, from March 20 to 24, 2025. The aim was to provide high-quality eye care to ex-servicemen and their families, ensuring they receive the medical attention they deserve.
During the five-day camp, doctors examined 1,752 ex-servicemen and their dependents for various eye problems, including cataracts. A team of expert eye specialists from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi; Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt; and Command Hospital, Lucknow performed over 350 cataract surgeries. Additionally, more than 500 prescription glasses were distributed free of cost to those who needed them.
Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, a highly experienced eye surgeon and Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, led the initiative. He has successfully performed over one lakh eye surgeries, including cataract, retina, refractive, and glaucoma procedures. He stressed the importance of bringing top-quality eye care directly to veterans, especially those in remote areas.
A notable aspect of the camp was the treatment provided to ex-servicemen from Nepal. Seventeen Nepalese veterans and their dependents were examined, and several underwent free cataract surgeries using high-quality lenses.
This camp was organized under the direction of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, following a request from West Bengal Governor Shri CV Ananda Bose. The initiative aimed to extend excellent eye care to veterans across the eastern region, including West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and Nepal.
This effort highlights the Indian Army’s strong commitment to the well-being of its veterans and their families. With the support of military and state leadership, particularly the Trishakti Corps, the camp ensured that ex-servicemen received quality medical care close to home, eliminating the need for long and difficult travel.
The Indian Army continues to prioritize the health of its veterans, showing its dedication to providing essential medical services to those who have bravely served the nation. (PR)