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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Retina Foundation & Eye Bank, Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
STIPEND
- Year 1: ₹20,000 per month
- Year 2: ₹25,000 per month
DURATION
24 Months (2 Years)
HONEST REVIEW
- Selection & Intake: Admission is granted after a personal interview and a mandatory one-day observership at the hospital. Intake is fluid throughout the year based on vacancy, typically accommodating four fellows per session.
- Phase 1 (Months 1–15): The first year is heavily focused on Medical Retina. Fellows spend the majority of their time on retinal investigations and diagnostics. Intravitreal injections are introduced after the initial 2–3 months.
- Surgical Progression: Surgical retina training is back-loaded, usually commencing after the first year or during the final 7–8 months. Laser procedures are also reserved for this final phase.
- OT Dynamics: Operative sessions are elective and highly dynamic, running in three sessions until 1:00 PM daily. Cases are frequently added in real-time from the ongoing OPD. Surgical training follows a “steps-based” approach, with independent cases granted in the final months solely based on demonstrated skill.
- Limitations: There is no Phacoemulsification training. Hands-on experience for macular surgeries is not provided, and ROP exposure is minimal.
- Work-Life Balance: This is one of the most fellow-friendly schedules in the specialty.
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday–Friday).
- Saturdays: Half-day (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM).
- Sundays/Nights: No night calls, no Sunday duties, and no outreach camp requirements.
- Academics: Education is primarily self-driven. There are no formal daily classes; however, “Doubt Classes” are held every Tuesday where fellows deliver PowerPoint presentations and discuss clinical queries with consultants.
PERSONAL OPINION
The Retina Foundation is a “Surgical Refinement” center rather than a “Mass Volume” center. It is an ideal fit for candidates who already possess basic surgical retina exposure or strong microsurgical skills and are looking for a professional, non-toxic environment to transition into independent practice. The excellent work-life balance makes it a sustainable choice for two years, though self-motivation is key given the lack of a rigid academic structure.
