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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Comtrust Charitable Trust Eye Hospital, Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala
(A high-volume charitable institution known for affordable eye care and a strong DNB program.)
STIPEND
- Monthly Remuneration: Typically ranges from ₹40,000 – ₹50,000 (Subject to institutional updates for the 2026 session).
- Financial Policy: Competitive for the Malabar region; reflects the fellow’s role in a busy charitable setup.
DURATION
18 Months (1.5 Years)
HONEST REVIEW
- Mentorship: Training is centered under a single, dedicated senior consultant. This provides a consistent “one-on-one” apprenticeship model both academically and surgically.
- Surgical Hands-on (Glaucoma):
- Trabeculectomy: Expect to perform approximately 25–30 cases. The progression starts with plain Trabeculectomies, followed by combined (Phaco-Trab) cases.
- Policy: For “payment” (private) cases, surgery is performed under direct supervision. Charitable/camp cases allow for more independence once proficiency is proven.
- Cataract Training (Phaco-Centric):
- The “Phaco” Advantage: Unlike many charitable hospitals that focus on SICS, Comtrust is an excellent place to master Phacoemulsification. You get exposure to high-end machines and foldable IOLs.
- The “SICS” Gap: If you are seeking to improve your Manual SICS skills, this may not be the ideal choice. SICS cases are primarily reserved for Post-Graduate (DNB/MS) students.
- Timeline: Hands-on usually begins around the 3-month mark, but can be delayed depending on the initial clinical assessment of your skills.
- Clinical Exposure: Exceptional. As a major charitable hub in North Kerala, you will see the full spectrum of primary, secondary, and congenital glaucomas.
- Work Culture & Duties:
- Environment: Described as “good” with friendly staff and a non-toxic peer atmosphere.
- Duties: Outreach camp duties occur periodically and are shared between PGs and fellows.
- Academics: No formal “classroom” theory schedule; learning is predominantly bedside, clinic-based, and mentored by the department head.
PERSONAL OPINION
Comtrust Kozhikode is a “Phaco-Glaucoma Bridge.” It is perfect for an ophthalmologist who already has a solid foundation in SICS and wants to transition into a confident Phaco surgeon while simultaneously picking up the technical nuances of Trabeculectomy. It offers a “Real World” training environment—high volume, practical, and clinical—without the rigid academic formalities of university-based programs.
