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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre, Salt Lake (Main Campus), Kolkata
(A premier tertiary eye care and research institute in Eastern India, known for its high clinical volume and its role as a major training hub for both national and international candidates.)
STIPEND & SELECTION
- Monthly Remuneration: ₹90,000 (This is currently among the highest stipends for a one-year specialty fellowship in India as of 2026.)
- Selection Process: Interview-based.
- Intake: Highly exclusive—only one fellow is selected per session.
- Bond: No formal pre-determined bond, but management may request a commitment to stay back as an Associate Consultant based on institutional needs. This should be clarified during the final interview.
DURATION
12 Months (1 Year)
HONEST REVIEW
1. Specialty Hands-On (Strabismus & Paediatric)
- Timeline: The first 3 months are primarily observational. You begin assisting in paediatric cases around the 3rd month.
- Surgical Progression: Hands-on steps are typically allotted starting from the 7th or 8th month.
- Strabismus: The majority of specialty hands-on is focused on Squint surgeries.
- Paediatric Cataract: Strictly no independent hands-on for paediatric cataracts; these are typically managed by senior consultants.
- Neuro-Ophthalmology: While Neuro-Ophthal cases are managed within the department, the variety is moderate, and you may not encounter every textbook presentation during the one-year tenure.
2. Cataract Training (The Secondary Focus)
- Structure: General adult cataract training is included, with one dedicated OT day per week.
- Timeline: You start with SICS. Once you demonstrate mastery (usually around the 6th month), you are transitioned to Phacoemulsification.
- Volume: Phaco numbers are relatively low for this specialty track; expect to complete fewer than 20 Phacos by the end of the year.
3. Work Culture & Academics
- Education: There are no formal specialty classes for fellows. The program relies heavily on self-learning and proactive clinical observation.
- Duties: * Night Duty: ~2–3 per month.
- Sunday Duty: ~1 per month.
- Environment: Professional and high-volume, but requires a self-motivated individual to maximize the learning from the available clinical material.
PERSONAL OPINION
Susrut Kolkata’s Paediatric program is a “Clinical Immersion & Financial Bridge.” The ₹90,000 stipend is a significant advantage for those who need to balance specialized training with financial stability. While the surgical “cutting time” for paediatric cataracts is non-existent, the Strabismus steps and high-volume OPD provide a solid foundation. It is best suited for a candidate who is already comfortable with adult cataracts and wants to transition into the medical and basic surgical management of strabismus.
