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Published on: January 27
Read Time: 2 min
Updated: February 4
Fellowship Overview
NAME OF THE HOSPITAL: Sri Sankara Deva Netralaya (SSDN), Guwahati
STATE: Assam
STIPEND: ₹40,000/month
DURATION: 2 Years
Accommodation: Provided outside campus (₹5,000/month)
Honest Review of the Fellowship
This is a structured oculoplasty (orbit & adnexa) fellowship with gradual surgical exposure and variable hands-on opportunities.
Intake: 1–2 fellows every 6 months
Selection Process: Interview
The first month involves rotation across different specialties to understand the system. From the second month onwards, fellows are posted in the orbit department, primarily handling OPD and patient workup.
Hands-on exposure in the initial phase depends on prior surgical experience, with opportunities to perform steps in minor procedures.
Training Experience
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Early phase: OPD + minor procedural steps
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After ~6 months:
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Entropion surgeries
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DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy)
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After ~1 year:
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Orbitotomies
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Lid surgeries
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Ptosis correction
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Blepharoplasty
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Surgical Exposure Characteristics:
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OT twice weekly
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Gradual increase in responsibility
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Full surgeries may be allowed based on performance and consultant confidence
Limitations:
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Hands-on exposure is variable
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No hands-on for cataract or refractive procedures
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Aesthetic/cosmetology procedures: assist only, no hands-on
Additional Clinical Exposure:
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Refractive and cataract OPD workup (observational learning)
Work Culture & Duties
Working Hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM (may extend till ~6:30 PM)
Academics:
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Daily classes at 8 AM (compulsory for all fellows)
Department: Variable workload (hectic during some seasons), but non-toxic
Consultants: Friendly and approachable
Duties:
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At least 1 night duty/month
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1 Sunday hospital duty/month
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Some Sundays: peripheral center posting (refraction cases)
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No camp duties
Additional Requirement
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Mandatory additional 6 months after fellowship as an “adjunct consultant” (as per department policy)
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During this period:
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You manage OPD patients under supervision
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Can post cases in your name
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Gain more independent decision-making experience
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Personal Opinion
This fellowship provides a good understanding of common oculoplasty procedures with gradual skill development.
However, hands-on exposure can be inconsistent and dependent on individual performance and case flow. Additional experience may be required after fellowship to gain full surgical confidence.
Note
Kindly share your honest feedback on the ophthalmology fellowship to help others make an informed choice. Your response will remain anonymous.
