About the Clinic

The Dr G Sitalakshmi Memorial Clinic for Ocular Surface Disorders at Sankara Nethralaya is one of the few dedicated ocular surface clinics in Asia. Established in 2005, the clinic was founded with the specific aim of providing holistic care to those suffering from ocular surface disorders.

The clinic addresses the entire spectrum of ocular surface disorders (OSDs) — from mild forms of dry eye and ocular allergies to more challenging conditions such as Stevens Johnson syndrome and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid — through a comprehensive, state-of-the-art approach.

The clinic offers a short-term fellowship in this specialty to candidates with a strong inclination toward the ocular surface and its disorders.

Why This Fellowship?

Sankara Nethralaya has been described as the “mecca of eye care in Asia,” treating over a million patients from India and across the world. This fellowship offers unparalleled exposure to the breadth and volume of ocular surface cases seen at one of India’s premier ophthalmic institutions, combined with structured academic training, hands-on surgical opportunities, and engagement in ongoing research.

Course Objectives

The aim of this fellowship is to train candidates in the diagnosis and management of ocular surface disorders, keeping pace with current understanding and evolving trends in the field.

Highlights of the Course

Diagnostic Skills

• Dry Eye Work-Up — A detailed workup including symptom questionnaires and both basic and advanced investigations: tear volume and tear clearance tests, ocular surface staining, invasive and non-invasive tests, tear osmolarity testing, meibography, keratography, LipiView analysis, and confocal imaging of corneal nerves.
• Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to Ocular Allergies.
• Diagnostic approach to Cicatricial Disorders of the Ocular Surface, including Stevens Johnson syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, chemical injuries, trachoma, and related conditions.

Surgical Exposure

• Ocular Surface Reconstructive Procedures — including symblepharon grading and management, amniotic membrane transplantation, simple limbal epithelial transplantation (autologous and allogeneic), mucous membrane grafting for lid margin keratinization, minor salivary gland transplantation, punctal cautery, tenon’s and conjunctival patch grafts, and tectonic and optical keratoplasties.
• Decision-making regarding the appropriate choice of keratoprosthesis for end-stage ocular surface disorders, including perioperative care.
• Decision-making on the use of immunosuppressive medications in consultation with an internist for immune-mediated conditions.

Hands-on Surgical Training

• Wet Lab Practice — Structured sessions providing fellows the opportunity to practise and refine key ocular surface surgical techniques in a supervised environment prior to assisting in live surgeries.
• Opportunity to Assist in Live Surgeries — Fellows will have direct exposure to a wide range of ocular surface surgical procedures, working alongside experienced surgeons in the operating theatre.

Research & Academics

• Participation in select ongoing and retrospective research projects in the field of ocular surface disease.
• Academic sessions including structured classes, case presentations, journal discussions, and video-assisted skill transfer by the fellow and the team.

How to apply

Please send your curriculum vitae, including details of your surgical experience, to: drsal@snmail.org with cc: drnr@snmail.org

Please use the subject line: Application for SN-OSC Fellowship

Selection process

Candidates will be selected based on their submitted resume and an interview conducted either in person or via video conference.

Duties and responsibilities

Working hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (consulting and operating hours may extend beyond 5:00 PM).

Academic Sessions: Usually conducted after 5:00 PM.

Research Activities: Any additional research-related work is to be carried out after 5:00 PM.

Attendance: Fellows are expected to maintain consistent attendance throughout the tenure. Leave during the fellowship period is strongly discouraged except in exceptional circumstances.

Fellowship Certificate

A Fellowship Certificate will be awarded to candidates upon successful completion of the programme.

Notes:

• Course duration and fees are subject to change. Applicants will be notified of any revisions at the time of selection.
• This fellowship is open to Indian and international candidates who have completed a Cornea Fellowship with surgical experience.
• No stipend is provided for this fellowship.