• Duration of fellowship- three program types- 1 year, 2 years and 3 yrs

• 3 yr programs are also called "sandwich programs" or MO (medical officer) fellowships since they include initial cataract training in first 1-1.5 yrs followed by speciality training later... while the 1 yr and 2 yr programs start you on speciality training earlier.

• Selection- every 6 months, written exam followed by same day interview.

• Fellows taken per session- variable depending on vacancy

• Stipend-

• For the 3 yr program, it's 55k, you get 30-35k after deductions

• For the 2 yr program it's 24k, you get 10-14k after deductions

• No stipend for the 1 year program.

• Admission fees-

60k per year for the 2 yr and 3 yr programs.

10 lacs for the 1 year program.

• Cataracts are given.

• You start with SICS, and after 80-100 SICS you are started on phacos

• You get trabs, numbers variable (~ 15-20)

• You might get complicated cataracts if competent.

• Self-management of complications happens on the go, you pick up after consultants handle few of your complications

• Cataract cases (both SICS and phaco) tend to be less for the 2 yr program, more numbers for the 3 yr one.

• You learn to do complicated cases also.

• Lots of lasers PI hands-on

• Clinical exposure is very good, OP not too hectic.

• Work timings 9 -6 pm

• 1 night duty / month, 1 camp duty/ month, Sunday duties once a month or alternate month

• Lots of peripheral postings with 1-2 months in each posting.. you spend only few months at the main centre.

• You get hands on for MIGS and tubes also, steps given, full cases are given based on yr proficiency

• Academics- regular classes +