In a major advancement for military healthcare, the Army Hospital Research and Referral (AHRR) has become the first government institute in India and the second in South Asia to successfully perform Robotic Custom Laser Cataract Surgery using the ALLY Adaptive Cataract Treatment System. The procedure, conducted on Thursday marks the Ophthalmology Department’s entry into the field of robotic, bladeless, and computer-guided eye surgery with its first-ever femto-second laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).
The surgery was carried out by Brigadier SK Mishra on a 61-year-old patient. Unlike conventional cataract surgery, FLACS uses a femtosecond laser to automate crucial steps such as corneal incisions, capsulotomy, and cataract fragmentation, achieving micron-level precision. Doctors said this technology represents a significant leap forward in ensuring precision, safety, and better outcomes for patients.
The introduction of the ALLY system at AHRR highlights the Armed Forces’ commitment to providing advanced and reliable medical care for service personnel and their families. Officials noted that the adoption of robotic-assisted eye surgery is particularly vital in military medicine, where optimal treatment outcomes are crucial.
The initiative has been undertaken under the guidance of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and Director General Armed Forces Medical Services Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin. With this achievement, the Ophthalmology Department at AHRR has reinforced its reputation for clinical excellence and innovation in eye care.