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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
M.M. Joshi Eye Institute (MMJ), Hubli, Karnataka
(A premier tertiary eye care and DNB training center in North Karnataka.)
STIPEND & FEES
- Monthly Remuneration: Incremental scale (Increases by ₹10,000 every 6 months).
- Months 1–6: ₹30,000
- Months 7–12: ₹40,000
- Months 13–18: ₹50,000
- Months 19–24: ₹60,000
- Final 6 Months: (Consultant-grade stipend during peripheral posting).
- Security Deposit: ₹1,00,000 (Upfront; refunded upon completion).
DURATION
30 Months (2.5 Years)
(Split: 24 Months Core Training in Hubli + 6 Months Consultant Posting at Peripheral Centers)
HONEST REVIEW
- Selection: Admission is via a written MCQ exam (usually in June/July) followed by a personal interview.
- Surgical Hands-on: This is widely considered one of the best surgical VR fellowships at MMJ.
- Timeline: Hands-on begins early, typically in the 2nd month.
- Progression: Training is strictly modular: Port making → Core Vitrectomy → Endolaser → Nucleus Drop Fragmentation → Endophthalmitis management.
- Advanced Training: In the final months, proficient fellows perform full Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (RRD) cases, Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV), and ILM peeling.
- Note: Your pace of progression is directly tied to your existing “tissue handling” skills from Phaco or SICS.
- Medical Retina & Lasers: You will perform a massive volume of intravitreal injections and retinal lasers. Reviewers note you may feel “fed up” with the laser volume by month 8, indicating very high numbers.
- Technology & Infrastructure: Equipped with top-class surgical platforms (e.g., Alcon Constellation) and diagnostic tools. The teaching is highly rated, with approachable mentors.
- Work Culture: * Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Duties: Generally no night duties, except for emergency endophthalmitis cases. Sundays are typically off.
- Research: Increasing focus on mandatory research, publications, and presentations.
- The Consultant Phase: The final 6 months are spent managing peripheral centers as a consultant, which provides invaluable experience in independent decision-making and practice management.
PERSONAL OPINION
The 30-month VR fellowship at M.M. Joshi is a “Surgical Powerhouse” program. While it is six months longer than the standard 2-year fellowship, that extra time is spent as a consultant, which bridges the gap between being a “fellow” and a “specialist.” It is ideal for candidates who want high-volume, step-wise surgical training in a supportive environment. The lack of routine night duties makes the hectic day-shift hours much more sustainable.
