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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
The Eye Foundation, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore
(A premier tertiary eye care chain in South India, known for its high-end refractive suite and early surgical autonomy for proficient fellows.)
STIPEND & LOGISTICS
- Monthly Remuneration: ₹50,000
- Accommodation: Free single accommodation is provided on-campus.
- Caution Deposit: ₹25,000 (Refundable).
- Work Culture: Professional but demanding. Fellows alternate shifts (9:00 AM – 7:30 PM and 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM). Sunday duties are rigorous (24-hour calls starting at 7:00 AM, including a busy 3:00 PM OPD).
DURATION
18 Months (1.5 Years)
- Intake: 2 fellows per session, typically staggered by 7–8 months to ensure a senior-junior learning dynamic.
HONEST REVIEW
- Selection Criteria: Advanced Phaco skills are a prerequisite. The institute explicitly looks for candidates who can independently handle complications, such as managing a PCR (Posterior Capsular Rupture) and placing an IOL in the sulcus.
- Surgical Hands-on (Refractive):
- Timeline: Excellent early exposure. Fellows are typically cleared for independent LASIK and SMILE within 3–4 months of joining.
- Tech: Exposure to standard Microkeratome LASIK, Femto-LASIK, and SMILE platforms.
- Surgical Hands-on (Cataract):
- Autonomy: High. Phaco cases are often left to the fellow’s discretion. Consultants are usually occupied with their own private lists, so you must be confident in handling your own OTs and complications.
- Surgical Hands-on (Cornea):
- Keratoplasty (KP): Volume is lower compared to cataract work. Expect 10–12 Keratoplasties (mostly therapeutic) over 18 months.
- Lamellar Surgery: Very limited hands-on; usually one case is allotted at the very end of the fellowship.
- Ocular Surface: Plenty of independent hands-on for Pterygium excisions (with CAG) and C3R.
- Clinical Exposure: Extensive training in corneal diagnostics (Tomography, Aberrometry, Specular Microscopy) and refractive workups.
