Share This Article
NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Mahathma Eye Hospital, Tennur, Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), Tamil Nadu
(A specialized tertiary eye care center established in 1997, known for its high clinical volume and strong focus on academic research in glaucoma.)
STIPEND & FEES
- Course Fee: ₹50,000 for the 2-month module.
- Accommodation: Available on-campus (Convenient for outstation trainees).
- Selection: Based on a personal interview and review of basic clinical credentials.
DURATION
2 Months (Short-Term Training)
HONEST REVIEW
- Direct Gonioscopy Training (The Core Skill):
- OT Routine: Your day starts at 8:00 AM in the Operating Theater. The primary focus here is mastering Direct Gonioscopy.
- Technique: You perform gonioscopy on patients immediately before and after MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery). This allows you to visualize the angle anatomy and specifically note postoperative changes in the Anterior Chamber (AC).
- Surgical Observation: While you get extensive diagnostic “hands-on” with the patients, the MIGS procedures themselves are strictly for observation only.
- Clinical OPD & Diagnostics:
- Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT): You become highly proficient in GAT, the gold standard for IOP measurement.
- Imaging & Fields: Training includes structured interpretation of Perimetry (HFA 24-2/10-2) and OCT-RNFL/GCL scans.
- Decision Making: Post-OT hours are spent in the OPD discussing management protocols—specifically when to opt for medical management versus when to indicate a Trabeculectomy.
- Surgical Hands-on (Lasers):
- High Volume: This is the program’s biggest surgical draw. You get significant hands-on experience with glaucoma lasers.
- Numbers: Expect to perform roughly 100 Laser PIs (Peripheral Iridotomies), along with exposure to Iridoplasties and SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty).
- Work Culture & Timings:
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Environment: Academically driven. The Head of Glaucoma, Dr. Prasanna Venkatesh Ramesh, is a prolific researcher, so the clinical discussions are often backed by the latest evidence.
PERSONAL OPINION
Mahathma Trichy is a “Diagnostic & Laser Bootcamp.” It is perfect for a post-MS/DNB candidate who feels shaky about angle evaluation and laser parameters. You won’t leave as a MIGS surgeon, but you will leave as an expert in identifying the angle and performing high-speed, accurate lasers. The 2-month duration is exactly the right amount of time to reach a “saturation point” with these specific skills without a long-term commitment.
