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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya (SNC), Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh
(A legendary high-volume charitable institution known for its “Sadguru” training model and massive clinical variety.)
STIPEND & DEPOSITS
- Monthly Remuneration: ₹50,000 (Year 1), ₹60,000 (Year 2), ₹70,000 (Year 3).
- Note: Newer 2026 batches may transition to the 2-year fellowship + 1-year consultancy model mentioned in other SNC reviews.
- The “Trial” Month: The first month is an observation period. You can exit without penalty.
- Bond: Resigning after the first month incurs a ₹2,00,000 penalty.
- Caution Deposit: A percentage is deducted monthly from the stipend and refunded upon completion.
DURATION
36 Months (3 Years)
HONEST REVIEW
- Structure & Timeline: * First 18 Months: Rotations through all specialty departments. Surgical focus is heavily on SICS, which begins just one month after joining.
- Last 18 Months: Focused specialty training. Phacoemulsification starts with a dedicated Alcon training week. Simultaneously, Paediatric and Strabismus surgeries begin in a stepwise manner.
- Surgical Hands-on (Paediatric & Strabismus):
- Strabismus: Excellent exposure to both simple and complex squint cases. Expect a minimum of 30 independent cases.
- Paediatric Cataract: You will perform roughly 30–40 cases, primarily on older children under Local Anaesthesia (LA). Surgeries on younger children under General Anaesthesia (GA) are typically reserved for senior consultants.
- Neuro-Ophthalmology: High clinical exposure as these cases are managed within the Paediatric department.
- Paediatric Glaucoma: Exposure to Trabs and AGVs is available, though independent hands-on is rare.
- Surgical Hands-on (Cataract):
- Volume: Massive. You can expect to perform at least 500 Phacos in the latter half of the fellowship, following a solid foundation in SICS.
- Clinical Exposure: Exceptional. The OPD is “very, very hectic,” ensuring you see almost every textbook case of congenital anomalies, squint, and pediatric infections.
- Work Culture & Life on Campus:
- Atmosphere: Hectic but non-toxic. OTs frequently run late (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
- Campus Life: Unlike many rural postings, SNC offers a vibrant campus life with a clubhouse, sports facilities, and entertainment options, making it a comfortable place to live for three years.
- Academics: Strong focus with roughly 3 classes per week.
- Limitations: * ROP: Not seen within this department; exposure is limited to your brief Retina rotation.
- Adnexa: Paediatric DCRs and NLD probings are managed by Oculoplasty, though Paediatric fellows are often invited to observe/assist.
PERSONAL OPINION
SNC Chitrakoot is a “Clinical & Phaco Powerhouse” for Paediatric Ophthalmology. While it lacks heavy ROP hands-on, it more than compensates with a massive volume of Squint and Adult Phaco cases. It is the ideal program for someone who wants to be a “Surgeon-Specialist”—someone who can walk into any high-volume practice and confidently handle both a complex squint and a mature cataract.
