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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
CL Gupta Eye Institute (CLGEI), Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh
(A tertiary care ophthalmic center affiliated with the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) network, known for bringing high-standard protocols and structured training to Western U.P.)
STIPEND & SELECTION
- Monthly Remuneration: ₹40,000
- Accommodation: Free optional on-campus stay provided.
- Selection Process: Interview-based (No entrance exam reported as of 2025).
- Intake: Fixed sessions in January and July. Usually, one fellow is taken per session.
DURATION
24 Months (2 Years)
HONEST REVIEW
1. Surgical Hands-on (The “Complete Surgeon” Track)
- Progression: Training is modular. You begin with surgical steps (port making, fluid-gas exchange) and progress to full cases.
- Advanced Autonomy: Uniquely, senior fellows are often given independent Macular Hole surgeries toward the end of their tenure, which is rare in many other premier institutes.
- Case Mix: High volume of:
- Nucleus Drop management.
- Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (RRD).
- Tractional Retinal Detachment (TRD).
- Cataract Training: Strictly None. Even consultants in the VR department do not perform cataracts. VR fellows are expected to focus solely on the posterior segment.
2. Medical Retina & ROP
- Procedures: Fellows are given plenty of Retinal Lasers and Intravitreal Injections.
- ROP: Very strong exposure. Unlike many fellowships where ROP is observation-only, fellows here get hands-on experience with ROP Lasers.
3. Clinical & Academic Environment
- Structure: Highly academic with daily classes at 7:00 AM.
- Culture: Described as hectic but non-toxic and very conducive to learning. There are dedicated senior consultants specifically focused on surgical teaching.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (occasionally extending to 8:00 PM depending on the OT list).
4. Unique Duties
- Evening Camps: Mandatory daily evening screening camps after regular OPD/OT. These are for general screening and posting cataract cases (though you will not operate on them).
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE (2026 UPDATE): The lead VR trainer mentioned in earlier reviews has moved on. While CLGEI maintains LVPEI-standard protocols, the specific surgical “hands-on” volume and mentorship style may have evolved with the new faculty. It is critical to verify current surgical allotment policies during the interview.
PERSONAL OPINION
CL Gupta Moradabad is a “Posterior Segment Specialist’s Hub.” It is one of the few places in North India that offers a structured, LVPEI-style curriculum with the added benefit of potentially performing independent macular surgeries. The trade-off is the total lack of cataract work and the daily evening camp duties. It is ideal for someone who is already a confident cataract surgeon and wants to dedicate two years strictly to becoming a high-end VR specialist.
