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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre, Salt Lake (Main Campus), Kolkata
(A leading tertiary eye care center in Eastern India, known for its high patient volume and its role as a major training hub for both national and international candidates.)
STIPEND & SELECTION
- Monthly Remuneration: ₹90,000 (This is currently one of the highest stipends for a Glaucoma 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. Surgical Hands-On (Glaucoma Core)
- Timeline: You typically begin performing surgical steps for Trabeculectomy in the second month.
- Volume: You can expect to perform approximately 25 independent Trabeculectomies during the year.
- Advanced Procedures: While AGV (Ahmed Glaucoma Valve) implantations are performed at the center, fellows generally do not get independent hands-on for these.
- MIGS/GATT: Currently, these minimally invasive procedures are not part of the surgical curriculum at this center.
- Lasers: Excellent hands-on volume for Glaucoma Lasers, including YAG Peripheral Iridotomy (PI) and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT).
2. Cataract Training (The Secondary Focus)
- Structure: Cataract training is included but limited to one OT day per week.
- Timeline: You start with SICS. Once mastered (usually by the 6th month), you are transitioned to Phacoemulsification.
- Volume Note: Phaco numbers are relatively low for this specific track; expect roughly 15–16 Phacos by the end of the year.
3. Work Culture & Academics
- Schedule: Daily OT and OPD. Work hours typically end between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM depending on the surgical list.
- Academics: Structured with regular classes and clinical discussions.
- Duties: * Night Duty: ~2 per month.
- Sunday Duty: ~1 per month.
PERSONAL OPINION
Susrut Kolkata’s Glaucoma program is a “Financial & Clinical Specialty Bridge.” The ₹90,000 stipend is a massive draw for those who need to balance training with financial responsibilities. While the Phaco numbers are modest, the Glaucoma surgical volume (25 Trabs) is solid for a one-year program. It is the ideal choice for a candidate who is already a reasonably confident cataract surgeon and wants to focus specifically on mastering filtration surgery and medical glaucoma management in a high-volume setting.
