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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
SVP Lions Eye Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra
(A high-volume charitable institution known for its “efficiency-first” training model and strong community outreach in Southern Maharashtra.)
STIPEND & ACCOMMODATION
- Monthly Remuneration: ₹25,000
- Accommodation: Free accommodation provided within the hospital premises.
- Financial Policy: Competitive for a charitable setup; the low cost of living in Sangli makes this stipend manageable.
DURATION
12 Months (1 Year)
Note: The hospital intentionally keeps the duration short (1 year) to respect the fellow’s time, unlike many 18-24 month programs.
HONEST REVIEW
- Selection & Intake: Only one fellow is taken per session. Selection is via a personal interview with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), focusing primarily on the candidate’s eagerness to learn and foundational clinical skills.
- Surgical Hands-on (The “9+3” Model):
- First 9 Months (SICS Mastery): Fellows perform a massive volume of approximately 500 SICS cases.
- SICS Complexity: During this phase, you are not just doing routine cases; you receive hands-on for CTR insertion, Multiple Sphincterotomy (MST), and Iris Claw lenses.
- Last 3 Months (Phaco Transition): Fellows move to Phacoemulsification, performing roughly 100 cases using modern platforms like Oertli and Alcon Legion. Training focuses on clear corneal incisions and foldable IOLs.
- Breadth of Surgery: Beyond cataracts, the fellow is given hands-on experience in:
- Glaucoma: Trabeculectomy.
- Adnexa/Ocular Surface: DCR, Pterygium.
- Medical Retina: Intravitreal injections.
- Post-Fellowship Opportunity: After the 12-month tenure, some fellows choose to stay for an additional 6-month consultancy to master topical phaco on private/paying cases.
- Clinical Load: High volume. As of mid-2025, the center has successfully trained 23 fellows (including short-term candidates).
- Work Culture: Known for being a practical, surgical-heavy environment. Sessions typically start in January and June.
PERSONAL OPINION
SVP Lions Sangli is a “Surgical Powerhouse” for the time-conscious ophthalmologist. It is one of the few programs in India that offers a 500-SICS and 100-Phaco volume within a single year. It is ideal for those who want to reach surgical independence quickly without the “filler” months often found in 2-year programs. While the stipend is modest, the high surgical autonomy and free accommodation make it an elite “finishing school” for anterior segment surgeons.
