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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya (SNC), Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh
(A legendary high-volume charitable institution, one of the largest in India, serving a massive rural population across MP and UP.)
STIPEND & DEPOSITS
- Stipend: Historically competitive (₹50k – ₹80k scaling by year). Under the 2026 “2+1” model, the third year offers a full consultant-grade salary.
- The “Trial Month”: Fellows have a 1-month observation period after joining. You can resign within this first month without any financial penalty.
- Bond: If you resign anytime after the first month, a penalty of ₹2,00,000 is applicable.
- Accommodation: Usually provided on-campus (mandatory for night duties).
DURATION
36 Months (3 Years)
(New 2026 Policy: 2 Years Fellowship + 1 Year Mandatory Consultancy)
HONEST REVIEW
- Selection & Intake: Interviews are held twice a year (February & August). There is no rigid “seat count,” but typically a minimum of 4 fellows are taken per specialty based on departmental needs.
- Surgical Hands-on (Glaucoma):
- Focus: High volume of Trabeculectomies (plain and combined).
- The “Rural” Reality: Because the patient base is largely rural and presents with moderate-to-advanced disease, the focus is on traditional filtration surgery. Exposure to MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) or GATT is almost non-existent due to affordability and clinical indications.
- Surgical Hands-on (Cataract):
- Volume: Glaucoma fellows graduate with approximately 350–400 Phaco cases (slightly fewer than IOL fellows who don’t have specialty OT days).
- Progression: Mastery of SICS is mandatory in the first year. Phacoemulsification starts in the 2nd year only after SICS proficiency is proven.
- Advanced Training: Excellent training in complex cataracts (PXF, small pupil, subluxated lenses, and zonular laxity) and anterior vitrectomy.
- Note: Iris claw lens training is reserved for IOL fellows only.
- Clinical Exposure: Vast and varied. You will see an incredible volume of secondary glaucomas and advanced pathologies that are rare in urban centers.
- Work Culture & Schedule:
- Intensity: Extremely hectic. The patient load in both OPD and OT is massive.
- Environment: Noted for being non-toxic despite the high pressure.
- Duties: No peripheral postings or outreach camp duties for fellows. Night duties involve staying in the hostel; a DNB resident acts as the first call, and a consultant is always available for backup.
- Academics: * Mandatory: Journal Club every Saturday at 8:00 AM.
- Departmental: Classes 3–4 times a week, usually at 7:45 AM. These may be paused during the peak winter “cataract season.”
PERSONAL OPINION
SNC Chitrakoot is a “Clinical & Filtration Powerhouse.” It is the ideal place to become an expert in the “gold standard” of glaucoma care—the Trabeculectomy—and a rugged, confident Phaco surgeon. While you will miss out on the latest MIGS technology, the sheer volume of complex cases ensures you graduate with surgical “iron hands.” The 3-year commitment is long, but the transition into a consultant role in the final year is an excellent career bridge.
