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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE: Sankara Eye Hospital, Shimoga
- DURATION: [Typically 24 Months]
- HONEST REVIEW:
- Clinical Infrastructure: The program significantly lacks dedicated OPD space for trainees. Fellows report a near-total absence of independent OPD cubicles and patient examination opportunities, as private/paid cases are prioritized for consultants.
- Surgical Limitations: Hands-on exposure is described as negligible. On designated Operating Theater (OT) days, surgical activity is often restricted to 2–3 intravitreal injections. Even for community/camp patients, consultants frequently take over the primary surgical role.
- Surgical Steps: While trainees may be allowed to perform basic entry steps (port making) or core vitrectomy, there is no progression toward complex maneuvers or full-case independence.
- Diagnostic Overload: The fellowship is heavily weighted toward ancillary investigations. Fellows spend the majority of their tenure in investigation rooms performing and reporting on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) rather than clinical or surgical management.
- Training ROI: The environment is characterized by minimal clinical mentorship and a high reliance on fellows for “camp duties” and administrative assessments rather than sub-specialty training.
- PERSONAL OPINION: This is currently ranked as one of the least productive programs for surgical retina. It is not recommended for any candidate seeking to become an independent VR surgeon. The lack of OPD exposure alone is a significant red flag for long-term clinical competence. Avoid this center if your goal is surgical proficiency.
