Share This Article
NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
M.M. Joshi Eye Institute (MMJ), Hubli, Karnataka
(One of North Karnataka’s premier tertiary eye care and DNB training centers.)
STIPEND & FEES
- Monthly Remuneration: Incremental scale.
- Months 1–6: ₹30,000
- Months 7–12: ₹40,000
- Months 13–18: ₹50,000
- Admission Fee: None.
- Security Deposit: ₹1,00,000 (Upfront; refunded upon completion).
- Financial Policy: Competitive for the region; no deductions reported if the term is completed.
DURATION
18 Months (1.5 Years)
HONEST REVIEW
- Selection & Intake: Inducts 2–3 fellows per session. Admission involves a written MCQ exam followed by an interview. Notably, unlike RGUHS-affiliated programs, there is no formal exit exam at the end of the 18 months.
- Surgical Progression:
- Timeline: Surgical hands-on typically begins after a 3–4 month observation and clinical workup period.
- Glaucoma Procedures: Fellows perform a high volume of Trabeculectomies (both plain and combined SICS-Trab). Toward the end of the fellowship, hands-on exposure to MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) is provided, including independent cases. Steps in AGV (Ahmed Glaucoma Valve) implantations are also taught.
- Cataract Training: A major advantage of this program is the official inclusion of Phacoemulsification training. If a fellow demonstrates proficiency in SICS early on, Phaco training is fast-tracked.
- Clinical & Laser Exposure: The OPD is described as “very hectic,” offering a massive variety of primary and secondary glaucomas. Fellows get extensive hands-on experience with YAG PIs and other glaucoma-specific lasers.
- Rotations: Includes a 6–8 week peripheral posting at one of MMJ’s satellite centers, where fellows operate independently on both cataracts and glaucoma cases.
- Work Culture & Academics:
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (often extends based on OT load).
- Academics: Strong focus on teaching. Glaucoma fellows are required to attend the 8:00 AM daily DNB classes in addition to their department-specific sessions.
- Duties: Monthly Sunday duties and enucleation calls are mandatory (shared across all specialty fellows).
PERSONAL OPINION
The Glaucoma fellowship at M.M. Joshi is one of the most surgically balanced programs in Karnataka. While many institutes force a choice between “Sub-specialty” and “Cataract,” MMJ allows you to master both MIGS/Trabs and Phaco. It is an ideal “workhorse” fellowship for someone looking to start a comprehensive practice with a strong glaucoma niche in a non-metro or tier-2 city.
