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Published on: August 6, 2025
Read Time: 2 min
Updated: February 6
Fellowship Overview
NAME OF THE HOSPITAL: Akhand Jyothi Eye Hospital, Saran
STATE: Bihar
STIPEND: ₹60,000/month (first 3 months) → ₹80,000/month (next 9 months) (increases in 2nd year)
DURATION: 2 Years
Honest Review of the Fellowship
This is a cataract-focused comprehensive ophthalmology fellowship with very high surgical volume and structured progression.
Selection Process: Interview
Fellows primarily perform cataract surgeries throughout the fellowship.
Training Experience
Initial Phase (First 3 Months)
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Observation period
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Rotations in:
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General Ophthalmology OPD
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Specialty OPD
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Tele-ophthalmology
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Wet lab training (simulator)
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Suturing practice
Surgical Training Progression
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OT starts after 3 months
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Training OT: 2 days/week
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Only 1 fellow/week posted in training OT
Staggered OT Start (for batch of 4 fellows):
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1st fellow → after 3 months
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2nd → after 3 months + 1 week
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3rd → after 3 months + 2 weeks
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4th → after ~4 months
Surgical Exposure
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Start with:
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~30 ECCE cases
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Progress to SICS
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First year:
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~100–200 SICS
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By ~18 months:
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~1500–2000 total cataract cases
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Phaco Training
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Begins after ~18 months
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Minimum ~130 phaco cases
Technique progression:
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First 100 cases → sclero-corneal tunnel with rigid IOL
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Next ~30 cases → clear corneal incision with foldable IOL
Advanced cataracts:
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Exposure possible (hard cataracts, PXF, small pupil)
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Chances relatively limited
Work Culture & Duties
OPD Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM
Camp Duties:
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Evening camps (~2 hours) on alternate days (1st year fellows)
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Camp duty rotation may extend till 11 PM
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Camp conducted within hospital premises
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Peripheral patients brought in
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Optometrists do initial workup
Comp-off:
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Given only if Sunday duty is performed
Night Duties: None
Personal Opinion
This is a high-volume cataract fellowship ideal for those aiming to build strong surgical numbers and confidence, especially in SICS.
However, phaco training starts relatively late, and exposure to advanced phaco cases is somewhat limited. The workload, especially with camp duties, can be demanding.
Note
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