Anantnag, Nov 25 (KNO): The Department of Ophthalmology at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has achieved a remarkable milestone, performing thousands of critical eye surgeries and procedures over the past three years, solidifying its position as one of the most efficient eye-care units in south Kashmir.
According to official data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the department conducted 7,728 cataract surgeries and 1,850 intravitreal injections between January 2023 and October 2025.
These figures exclude hundreds of other major eye procedures, including trauma, lid, glaucoma, squint, and retina surgeries, which together total 1,558 operations during the same period.
Associate Professor Dr Rayees Ahmad said the department’s achievements reflect its dedication to public health and the objectives of the National Programme for Control of Blindness as well as the Ayushman Bharat initiative.
He said Anantnag district caters not only to its own population but also to patients from neighbouring regions. “GMC Anantnag is the first among the new medical colleges to start intravitreal injection services. Earlier, patients had to travel to Srinagar or even outside the Valley for such procedures. This has been a major relief for thousands,” he said.
Head of the Department Dr Mohammad Yousuf highlighted the department’s commitment to both quality eye-care and medical education.
“We receive a heavy inflow of OPD as well as IPD patients. Despite limited manpower—two permanent faculty members, one consultant on deputation, a senior medical officer, and resident staff—the team has maintained exceptional service delivery,” he said.
Dr Yousuf added that the department runs postgraduate courses in ophthalmology with students from across India and proudly maintains an almost zero referral rate, except in rare cases requiring highly specialised interventions.
The department expressed appreciation for Principal Prof Dr Rukhsana Najeeb for her continued encouragement, focus on upgrading equipment, and strengthening diagnostic and surgical facilities.
Faculty members expressed hope that the remaining infrastructural and equipment requirements will be addressed soon to further enhance patient care—(KNO)