GMC Anantnag’s Ophthalmology Dept performs over 9,500 eye procedures in three years
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Younus Rashid
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25 Nov 2025
Operating with limited staff despite heavy OPD, IPD load
Anantnag, Nov 25: The Ophthalmology Department at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has carried out more than 9,500 eye procedures in under three years, significantly reducing the need for patients from Anantnag and neighbouring districts to seek treatment outside the region.
Associate Professor Dr Rayees Ahmad from the Ophthalmology Department said that 7,728 cataract surgeries and 1,850 intravitreal injections were performed between January 2023 and October 2025.
He said these figures do not include other surgeries such as trauma, lid, glaucoma, squint and retina procedures, which together total 1,558 in the last three years.
“The department’s performance aligns with the goals of the National Programme for Control of Blindness and the Ayushman Bharat scheme,” he said. “GMC Anantnag is also the first among the new medical colleges to introduce intravitreal injection services, a major relief for patients who earlier had to travel to Srinagar or outside the region.”
Dr Mohd Yousuf, Head of the Department, said the department remains committed to providing quality treatment and medical education. He said the department receives a heavy inflow of OPD and IPD patients and is functioning with two permanent faculty members, a consultant on deputation, a senior medical officer and resident staff.
“The department is running postgraduate courses in ophthalmology with students from across India. I am thankful to the team for their continuous effort, and the department has an almost zero referral rate except for some rare cases,” the HoD added.
Dr Showkat Shifa, Media Coordinator at GMC Anantnag, said the department acknowledges the support of Principal Prof Dr Ruksana Najeeb for her constant encouragement, upgrading machinery and strengthening services, expressing hope that remaining needs will be addressed soon.
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