FELLOWSHIP DIRECTORY: LONG-TERM FELLOWSHIPS

NAME OF THE INSTITUTE

Christian Medical College (CMC), Schell Eye Hospital, Vellore

(Established in 2023, these fellowships are integrated into one of India’s most prestigious medical institutions. The Schell Eye Hospital campus is known for its academic rigor, multi-disciplinary approach, and ethical medical practice.)

STIPEND & SELECTION

• Stipend: Competitive (Standardized CMC scale for 2026; roughly ₹50,000 – ₹60,000).
• Selection Process: A centralized entrance exam followed by a personal interview.
• Intake: Highly exclusive—only one seat per specialty is available annually.
• Exit Evaluation: A formal exit exam is mandatory to receive the fellowship certification.

DURATION

24 Months (2 Years)

HONEST REVIEW: THE CMC ADVANTAGE

• Surgical Foundation: A major highlight of CMC is that all fellows receive Phaco training, regardless of their sub-specialty. If you enter with weak SICS skills, the faculty ensures you master those first before moving to Phaco.
• Academic Excellence: The program is deeply structured. You will participate in high-level seminars, journal clubs, and case presentations that often involve inter-departmental collaboration (e.g., with Rheumatology or Neurology).
• Work Culture: Described as hectic but professional. The clinical exposure is massive due to CMC’s status as a national referral hub.

SPECIALTY-SPECIFIC BREAKDOWN

Specialty	Hands-On Highlights	Limitations
Glaucoma	SICS+Trab, Phaco+Trab, Cyclodestructive procedures, Lasers (PI, Suturolysis).	No independent hands-on for MIGS or Glaucoma Drainage Devices (GDD).
Uvea & Med Retina	High-volume lasers, intravitreal injections, complex cataracts. Rotations in Rheumatology/ID.	ROP lasers are managed by the VR department; fellows only observe.
Paediatric Ophthal	Paediatric cataracts, Squints, NLD probings.	Paediatric Oncology (Retinoblastoma) is observation-only.
Community & Comp	High-volume SICS/Phaco, field surveys, and community outreach.	Requires a mandatory research thesis/project.
Orbit & Lacrimal	Comprehensive workup and assisting.	Hands-on is limited; primarily observation and assisting based.

PERSONAL OPINION

CMC Vellore is the “Academic Gold Standard.” It is not a “surgical factory” like some charitable trusts; instead, it focuses on the science of medicine. You will learn why you are performing a procedure as much as how. The inclusion of Phaco for every fellow is a huge draw. It is the ideal choice for someone who aspires to a career in academics or tertiary multispecialty hospitals.