GMC Anantnag Ophthalmology tops 9,500 procedures in 3 years

Anantnag, Nov 25: The Ophthalmology Department at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has crossed a major milestone, performing more than 9,500 key eye procedures between January 2023 and October 2025, the institution said in a statement.

According to the department, the tally includes 7,728 cataract surgeries, 1,850 intravitreal injections and 1,558 other procedures such as trauma, lid, glaucoma, squint and retina surgeries.

Associate Professor Rayees Ahmad said the department’s performance is in line with the goals of the National Programme for Control of Blindness and the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

He said GMC Anantnag caters to a large patient population from within the district and neighbouring areas, and is the first among the new medical colleges to offer intravitreal injection services — sparing patients the need to travel to Srinagar or outside the region.

Head of Department Mohd Yousuf said the unit continues to deliver comprehensive eye care despite a heavy OPD and IPD load. The department currently functions with two permanent faculty members, a consultant on deputation, a senior medical officer and resident staff, and also runs postgraduate courses with students from across India. He said the referral rate is negligible except in rare cases and thanked his team for their sustained efforts.

The department also acknowledged the support of Principal Ruksana Najeeb for upgrading equipment and strengthening services, expressing hope that the remaining requirements will be fulfilled soon.