Cataract & Refractive (PhacoRef) Fellowship review @ HV Desai Eye Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra

Duration= 18 months

Selection- interview 

2 fellows taken every 6 months

Stipend- 35k

40k in the last 6 months.

Surgical training starts after 2 months 

You start with SICS.

3 OT days per week so 3 cases per week initially and numbers increase gradually based on how you pick up.

Phaco training given after first 6 months 

1 phaco per week, rest all SICS 

Can expect an average of 50-60 phacos in total

Management of complications (ant vitrectomy and iris claws) are taught in last 2 months.. but numbers for this is less so you'll need to do more cases after fellowship to refine that skill

Advanced cataract cases are given mostly for SICS, can get some for phaco if your skill is good.

You also get to do a few topical phacos in last month. 

Refrac sx exposure starts after first 6 months but hands-on given only in last 6 months.

Pt load is less so you get around 15-20 cases, all LASIK and PRK.. SMILE not given to fellows. 

OPD- 1st 6 months is exclusive Gen Ophthal OPD posting after that you get lasik OP/ refractive OP posting intermixed with Gen Ophthal OP

OP is hectic, you get to see all speciality cases (since you're the one referring them to specialities)

Work eviron is busy but not toxic.

Consultants are friendly.

No camp duties or night calls.

Sunday duties 1-2/ month, either Sunday half day OP or Sunday pre-op camp duty.

Enucleation duty is shared between all fellows.

Academics- mostly self learning