Srinagar: In a significant milestone for ophthalmic care in the region, the Post-Graduate Department of Ophthalmology at SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina has successfully conducted its first two corneal transplant surgeries, restoring eyesight to two blind individuals.
Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Sajad Ahmad, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, led the team of experts in performing the complex procedures, as per a media statement.
He expressed gratitude to the Principal of SKIMS MC, Prof. (Dr.) Fazal Qadir Parray, for his unwavering support in enabling the department to achieve this feat. “This achievement marks a new era in eye care at our institution and brings hope to patients suffering from corneal blindness,” Prof. Sajad said.
Congratulating the team, Principal SKIMS MC Prof. (Dr.) Fazal Q. Parray called it a “remarkable accomplishment” that will greatly benefit underprivileged patients in need of advanced eye care.
Corneal Transplantation Services officially commenced on June 26, 2025, under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Sajad Ahmad, with active contributions from Prof. (Dr.) Imtiyaz Ahmad, Dr. Nusrat Shaheen, and Dr. Wasim Rashid. The launch follows the department’s recent acquisition of the THOTA License, which authorizes it to conduct corneal transplant surgeries regularly.
Prof. Sajad further acknowledged the support and vision of Prof. (Dr.) M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS, and Prof. (Dr.) Fazal Q. Parray, Principal SKIMS MC, for their role in making this service a reality.
“These surgeries provide new hope to those rendered blind due to corneal diseases. For many, it is the first opportunity to see the world again with their own eyes,” Prof. Sajad noted.
The department remains committed to offering comprehensive eye care services, including Phaco cataract surgeries, glaucoma treatment, retinal diagnostics and surgeries, and oculoplasty procedures. Additionally, SKIMS MC is the only government hospital in the region providing free collagen cross-linking treatment for keratoconus, aimed at preventing disease progression. (KNO)
