Vitreo-Retinal Surgery review @ Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya (SNC), Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh

Most other specialty fellowships in SNC are of 3 yrs since they include cataract training.

VR is the only one with duration 2 yrs.

No phaco training.

3-4 fellows taken per session.

Selection by exam + interview (intake time depends on when current VR fellows are finishing), notice put out on their website and alumni whatsapp groups. 

Only 1 fellow given direct fellowship (2 yrs), the others may be asked to do initial research work for 3-6 months (idea is to not have all fellows pass out at the same time which would disrupt case allotments and work schedules). Most common duration now for VR is 3 years.

During research time, you will work in the dept and ward but not see OP.

Clinical op is good- you see lots of patients, see every textbook case.

First 6 months spent on medical retina work- lots of lasers and intravit injections.

After that they start with SOR, then proceed to vitrectomy, macular hole surgeries etc 

Initially you are given steps but once you pick up, you will be given cases to do independently.

You get good hands-on. Unlike other places where VR fellowship means you only get steps in retinal surgeries till the end, here you get steps in the beginning and then progress to operating independently once you pick up well. Cases are posted in your name by the end of fellowship.

Stipend 50k in 1st yr, 60k in 2nd yr.

For the 3 yrs VR program, it is 50k, 60k and 70k in 1st, 2nd and 3rd yr.

Work timings 8- 6pm.

Hectic++ but no toxicity

No night duties or Sunday duties unless an endoph case comes.

Food and accommodation provided on campus, not charged from your stipend. Plus, fellows get single room (even AC).

ROP exposure is good, you are given lasers in babies and you also get few intravit injections in ROP babies towards end of fellowship.

Regular classes- 4 times/ week, once a week common rounds.

One of those rare, good VR fellowships where you pass out as an independent VR surgeon and don't have to join a trust/ charitable place afterwards to fine-tune your surgical skills.

Note- If you leave fellowship in between, you will have to pay 2 lacs. The 1st month is observation period and if you decide not to continue, you can leave without paying any penalty. But if you quit fellowship any time after the 1st month, you will be charged 2 lacs.