Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 17: The Department of Ophthalmology at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has performed 68 squint surgeries since its establishment in 2019.
Officials said that with this achievement, GMC Anantnag has emerged as the leading institution among newly established medical colleges in J&K in the number of squint surgeries performed over the past four years.
“In fact, it was the first among the new medical colleges in the region to start squint surgery services back in 2019,” they added.
They said the accomplishment has significantly reduced the need for referrals to tertiary care centers in Srinagar and other cities.
“Earlier, many patients had to travel as far as Amritsar and other major cities outside J&K, which involved considerable costs and time.”
Beneficiaries of the service include patients from far-flung areas such as Ramban, Kokernag, Kishtwar, Gool, Banihal, as well as across Anantnag district.
Doctors explained that squint surgery, which corrects eye misalignment, is crucial not only for cosmetic reasons-often tied to social stigma-but also for preventing long-term visual impairment in children.
Experts said early intervention plays a vital role in a child’s visual development, making the service particularly impactful.
“The achievement marks significant progress in specialized eye care for South Kashmir and adjoining areas,” they noted.
Since the majority of squint surgery patients are children requiring general anaesthesia, officials said the Ophthalmology Department extended its gratitude to the Department of Anaesthesia for its critical support in ensuring safe procedures.
Dr. Rayees Ahmad, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology and the surgeon who performed the first squint surgery at GMC Anantnag in 2019, expressed satisfaction with the progress made.
“The department has grown steadily and is having a meaningful impact on regional eye care,” he said.
Head of the Department, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Yousuf, commended the staff for the achievement and noted that the department is steadily advancing both in patient care and medical education.
The Department of Ophthalmology also conveyed gratitude to Principal Prof. Dr. Ruksana Najeeb for her support, saying her guidance has been instrumental in raising the standards of GMC Anantnag in both clinical services and academics.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
