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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Mahathma Eye Hospital, Tennur, Trichy, Tamil Nadu
(A specialized tertiary eye care center known for its high clinical volume and strong focus on academic research. The retina department was founded by Dr. Meenakumari, a passionate specialist known for training professionals in advanced techniques.)
PROGRAM OPTIONS & LOGISTICS
The hospital offers two distinct tracks for Medical Retina (MR), allowing candidates to choose between a quick surgical “boost” or a more comprehensive clinical immersion.
| Feature | 2-Month Program (Paid) | 6-Month Program (Unpaid) |
| Course Fee | ₹1,50,000 (Updated 2026) | Nil |
| Stipend | None | ₹50,000 / Month |
| Intake | 2 Trainees every 2 months | Variable |
| Accommodation | Available in-campus | Provided in-campus |
| Primary Goal | Surgical “Finishing” (Lasers/Injections) | Clinical & Diagnostic Mastery |
HONEST REVIEW
1. The 2-Month “Surgical Sprint”
- Structure: Mornings are dedicated to a busy OPD, while afternoons are reserved for procedures and OT.
- Surgical Hands-on: This is a “pay-for-performance” model. You get a high volume of procedures:
- Retinal Lasers: 5–6 cases per day (PRP, Barrage).
- Intravitreal Injections: 2–3 cases per day.
- The Verdict: By the end of 60 days, you are typically confident enough to handle a retina clinic’s procedural load independently.
2. The 6-Month “Clinical Deep-Dive”
- Clinical Breadth: You become well-versed in almost every retinal diagnostic modality, including B-Scan, FFA, and high-resolution OCT.
- Note: As of early 2026, OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) hands-on is still limited/unavailable for fellows.
- Workload: No night calls are officially scheduled, but since the hospital operates 24/7, fellows staying on campus may be called for primary stabilization of retinal emergencies.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The department is known for efficiency; if the patient list is cleared, fellows are often allowed to leave early.
3. General Environment
- Diagnostics: The hospital uses high-end optics, including Zeiss and Oculus BIOM for retinal visualization.
- Academics: Strong. Dr. Prasanna Venkatesh Ramesh (Head of Research) is a prolific author, and fellows are often encouraged to participate in documentation and clinical studies.
- Cataract Training: Strictly not included in either MR track.
PERSONAL OPINION
Mahathma Trichy is the “Efficient Alternative” to long-term fellowships. If you are a consultant who wants to add Retina services to your practice quickly, the 2-month paid track is an excellent investment. If you are a fresh post-graduate looking for a bridge between residency and a long-term surgical VR fellowship, the 6-month unpaid track offers a rare combination of a high stipend (₹50k) and solid clinical grounding without the 2-year commitment of trust-based hospitals.
