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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya (SSDN), Guwahati (Assam)
STIPEND
- Monthly Remuneration: ₹40,000
- Accommodation: Provided off-campus for a monthly maintenance fee of ₹5,000.
DURATION
24 Months + 6 Months (Total 2.5 Years)
- Note: The Chief mandates an additional 6-month “Adjunct Consultant” period following the formal 2-year fellowship.
HONEST REVIEW
- Training Timeline: The first month is a general institutional orientation. Specialized Orbit/Oculoplasty training begins in the second month with OPD and minor surgical steps. Intermediate procedures (Entropion repair, DCR) are introduced after six months, while major surgeries (Orbitotomies, Ptosis, Blepharoplasty) are typically reserved for the second year.
- Surgical Hands-on: Since the discontinuation of the Ayushman scheme, the patient pool consists primarily of private cases. Consequently, hands-on exposure is highly variable and merit-based; full surgeries are granted only upon the Chief’s satisfaction with the fellow’s proficiency.
- Aesthetic & Refractive Exposure: Fellows assist in high-end cosmetic and aesthetic procedures but do not receive hands-on training due to the private nature of the patients. There is also exposure to refractive and cataract workups in the OPD, though no surgical hands-on is provided for these sub-specialties.
- The “Adjunct” Phase: During the final 6 months, fellows transition into a semi-independent role. You manage the Chief’s OPD but also maintain a personal OPD where you can independently diagnose, post, and operate on cases in your own name.
- Schedule & Academics: Standard hours are 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (often extending later). Mandatory 8:00 AM daily classes are a strict requirement for all trainees.
- On-Call Duties: Includes at least one night call and one Sunday on-call per month. Some Sundays involve postings at peripheral centers focusing on basic refraction.
PERSONAL OPINION
This fellowship is best suited for candidates who appreciate a mentorship-heavy, “private practice” style of training. While the hands-on volume may not match charitable-heavy institutes, the 6-month adjunct period is an invaluable bridge to independent practice, allowing you to build a clinical identity. It is an excellent choice for those interested in the nuances of orbit and oculoplastics, provided they are comfortable with a 30-month total commitment.
CATEGORY
- OCULOPLASTY FELLOWSHIP REVIEW
