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Cataract Microsurgery training programme (SICS & Phaco)
Prepared by Dr A V Sripriya Date : 04/03/08
Programme overview:
- Duration : 2 Months Orientation
- 10 seats per session
- Wet lab training: ECCE / Small incision
cataract surgery / Phacoemulsification
surgery)
- Observe senior faculty operate
- Hands-on training under supervision
- Interactive academic sessions
The selected candidates undergo intensive
training in conventional ECCE and small
incision cataract surgeries over 2 months.
Orientation introduces them to the examination
techniques like slit lamp bio microscopy,
applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, fundus
indirect ophthalmoscopy, digital biometry
recording etc., followed in Sankara Nethralaya.
Their exposure to the meticulous recording
of patient's data in the medical records
helps them document details and follow up
patients better in their future practice.
After the initial orientation, they undergo
wet lab training on the basics of conventional
cataract surgery and small incision techniques
using animal eyes/models.
Next comes the hands-on training under
expert guidance. Each candidate starts with
conventional extracapsular surgeries and
graduates on to small incision surgeries
over the 2 months period.
Parallel classes are held on principles
of cataract surgery. This involves powerpoint
presentations by the fellows under guidance
of a faculty member, thereby enabling them
to improve their ophthalmic knowledge.
All along the fellows observe senior cataract
surgeons operate on a variety of cases.
They are encouraged to interact freely with
them. This not only improves their understanding
and skills, but also exposes them to different
techniques of cataract extraction.
Throughout the course they maintain a record
of procedures observed / done by them. This
log book is reviewed periodically to aid
in course correction. It also helps keep
tract of their developing skills as a surgeon.
The entire prorgramme is overseen by a
mentor who co-ordinates the events and interacts
with the fellows on a regular basis to attend
to their requirements during and even after
the fellowship.
Jaslok Community Ophthalmic Centre :
Set in the heart of the city of Chennai,
it caters to the socio-economically backward
classes of India. All patients seen here
are treated free of cost irrespective of
the surgical procedures involved. Patients
are brought by NGOs on a regular basis.
This is a 75-bedded hospital with 5 operating
theatres equipped with state of the art
machinery. About 8000 to 10,000 surgeries
are done here annually. The OPD is also
well equipped with slit lamps, indirect
ophthalmoscopes and digital biometry facilities.
Patients undergo a physical examination
in addition to the thorough ocular exam,
prior to cataract surgery. Patients selected
for surgery undergo the same the following
day. The next morning the patient is discharged
along with a complete course of medication,
dark protective glasses, eye shield and
micropore tape. Postoperative instructions
are explained clearly by the doctors, nurses
and the camp volunteers apart from playing
a video clipping of the do's and don'ts.
Regular post-op camps are conducted where
the ophthalmologist goes back to the campsite
to evaluate the patients thereby avoiding
the risk of patient dropouts. This helps
enhance the patient care, which is the mainstay
of the hospital's policy.
Faculty:
There is a team of 33 cataract surgeons,
headed by Dr. Prema Padmanabhan.
Accommodation:
Residential accommodation will be provided
at nominal cost to those who are selected
subject to availability. While allotting
accommodation preference will be given to
out station candidates.
Leave:
During the 2 month period candidates are
not allowed to take any leave / exams.
Stipend:
Candidates admitted to the course shall
be eligible for a stipend of Rs. 5200 p.m.
Mode of selection:
Advertisements appear in the in house magazine
and the hospital website. Circulars are
sent to most of the government hospitals
and to some charitable organizations a month
prior to the start of a new session. Selection
is purely based on merit.
The applicants undergo a multiple choice
question test related to cataract surgery
and ophthalmic basics. Short listed candidates
are interviewed by our senior faculty. Usually
results are announced the same evening .
Pre-Requisite:
- Post graduate degree/diploma in ophthalmology
- Persons already employed are required
to produce N.O.C. at the time of joining.
- Original post-graduate degree or diploma
and medical council registration to be
submitted for verification at the time
of interview.
Please click here to download Application Form
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