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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Comtrust Charitable Trust Eye Hospital, Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala
(A high-volume charitable institution and a key referral center for North Kerala.)
STIPEND
- Monthly Remuneration: Approximately ₹53,000 – ₹58,000 (aligned with DNB/Fellowship standards at the institute).
- Accommodation: Fellows are advised to stay near the hospital to manage nocturnal pediatric emergencies and early rounds.
DURATION
18 Months (1.5 Years)
HONEST REVIEW
- Mentorship: Training is overseen by the HOD, Dr. Leila Mohan (Senior Consultant and Paediatric Ophthalmology specialist). The academic environment is strong, with an emphasis on conference participation and regular classes.
- Surgical Hands-on (Strabismus):
- Timeline: OT exposure typically begins after the first 3 months.
- Scope: Fellows receive substantial hands-on experience in strabismus surgeries, particularly involving the recti muscles. Opportunities to perform oblique muscle surgeries are granted based on the fellow’s demonstrated skill and progress.
- Clinical Exposure:
- Volume: Exceptionally high OPD numbers. This is a “busy” fellowship that requires high stamina.
- Independence: Fellows start seeing independent OPD cases by the 2nd or 3rd month.
- Sub-specialties: Excellent exposure to Neuro-Ophthalmology (optic neuritis, nerve palsies, myasthenia) as these cases are integrated into the pediatric department’s workflow.
- Cataract Training:
- Paediatric Cataract: Notably, there is no specific training or hands-on for pediatric cataract cases in this track.
- Adult Cataract: Fellows can perform SICS, but must share camp cases with the DNB residents. Access to Phacoemulsification is limited and reserved for those who already demonstrate high proficiency in SICS.
- Work Culture & Duties:
- Environment: Professional and supportive.
- Casualty: Fellows are the first point of contact for all pediatric eye injuries, including night calls.
- Camps: Mandatory outreach camp duties occur once or twice a month.
PERSONAL OPINION
Comtrust Kozhikode is a “Strabismus & Neuro-Ophthal Specialist” incubator. It is arguably the best place in the region to master the clinical and surgical nuances of Squint and complex Neuro-Ophthalmology. While the lack of pediatric cataract training is a significant “lacuna,” the sheer volume of rectus muscle surgeries and clinical cases makes you a very confident strabismologist. It is ideal for those who want to sub-specialize in squint while maintaining a basic grip on adult cataract surgery.
