Share This Article
NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Sankara Nethralaya (SN), Main Campus (College Road), Chennai
(The Department of Vitreoretinal Services at SN is world-renowned, pioneered by legends like Dr. S.S. Badrinath. it is considered one of the most academically rigorous VR programs globally.)
STIPEND & SELECTION
- Monthly Remuneration: ₹55,000 (No caution deposit required).
- Selection Process: National-level written exam (historically a unique True/False pattern) followed by a personal interview the next day.
- Intake: Conducted every 6 months (January and July).
- Exit Exam: Historically none, but official “unofficial” exit assessments are being integrated starting in 2026.
CHOOSE YOUR TRACK
- Clinical Fellowship (2 Years): Pure Vitreo-Retinal clinical and surgical training.
- Clinical cum Research Fellowship (2.5 Years): Includes an initial 6-month dedicated research block followed by the 2-year clinical track. You remain the primary investigator for your project throughout the residency.
HONEST REVIEW
- Surgical Hands-on (The “Nethralaya” Ladder):
- Phase 1 (Months 1–18): Training is strictly modular. You start with “steps” (port making, fluid-gas exchange, SOI) from the first month.
- Rotations: You rotate through 18–19 different consultants, spending one month each in Oncology, Uvea, Medical Retina, and Diagnostics.
- Phase 2 (The SR Phase – Final 6 Months): This is where you gain autonomy. You are assigned a mentor, see patients in your own name, and perform independent surgeries (at the mentor’s discretion).
- Cataract Training: None. This is a specialized posterior segment track; fellows are expected to be proficient in cataract surgery prior to joining.
- Sub-Specialty Exposure:
- Oncology: Excellent. SN is a national referral hub for retinoblastoma and choroidal melanoma.
- Medical Retina: Massive volume of lasers and injections during your dedicated MR month.
- ROP: Lower volume for fellows. Most ROP screening and lasers are handled by Senior Residents (SRs) during NICU visits. Fellows primarily see Stage 4/5 cases in the OT.
- Work Culture & Duties:
- Intensity: Extremely hectic. While official hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, OTs frequently run much later.
- Peripheral Posting: Includes 2–3 day weekend rotations at Sri City (Andhra Pradesh), where you manage comprehensive ophthalmology cases.
- Calls: 4–5 duties per month (Night/Ward/Enucleation). Includes one 12-hour Sunday duty (7 AM – 7 PM) and mandatory public holiday duties.
- Academics: Elite. Once-weekly formal classes supplemented by daily bedside clinics and grand rounds.
PERSONAL OPINION
Sankara Nethralaya VR is a “Global Gold Standard.” It is the ideal fellowship for someone who wants to be a “Complete Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon.” You don’t just learn to peel membranes; you learn the pathology of oncology and the nuances of uveitis. The 2.5-year research track is highly recommended if you aim for a career in academics or international practice, as the SN research pedigree is recognized worldwide. You will exit as a highly disciplined, protocol-oriented surgeon.
