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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Narayana Nethralaya (NN), Bengaluru
(KIDROP: Karnataka Internet Assisted Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity)
STIPEND & FEES
- Type: Paid Fellowship (Candidate-funded)
- Estimated Fees: ₹15,000 per week.
- Duration: Customisable (1 to 6 weeks). Most candidates opt for 2 weeks to balance screening and laser exposure.
- Accommodation: Not provided; however, the hospital usually provides a list of nearby recommended stays upon confirmation.
HONEST REVIEW
- Mentorship: Training is conducted under Dr. Anand Vinekar, the pioneer of the KIDROP tele-medicine model. The program is world-renowned for its innovative approach to community-based ROP care.
- The KIDROP Schedule:
- Outreach (4 Days/Week): You travel with the mobile KIDROP team to various district NICUs in Karnataka. This is the primary “Screening” phase where you use wide-field imaging and indirect ophthalmoscopy.
- In-House (2 Days/Week): Remaining days are spent at the main hospital for ROP Lasers and therapeutic management.
- Hands-on Exposure:
- Screening: Expect to examine 50–75 infants per week. You will be paired with a long-term retina fellow and the KIDROP imaging technicians.
- Lasers: You are typically guaranteed at least 2 lasers per laser day, using the 532nm Green laser (LIO delivery).
- Equipment: Indirect ophthalmoscopes are provided for the duration of the trip, but candidates are required to bring their own 20D lens.
- Educational Philosophy: The program emphasizes National ROP Screening Guidelines and ETROP/BEAT-ROP treatment criteria. It focuses heavily on “real-world” skills needed to set up an ROP service independently.
PERSONAL OPINION
This is arguably the most efficient ROP training program in India for a private practitioner. The mobile nature of the KIDROP team ensures you see a massive variety of NICU environments and disease stages. It is highly recommended for those who intend to start screening in their own practice immediately after completion.
