Mumbai, 25th April, 2024: Sightsavers India, a development organisation dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness and promoting equality of opportunity for individuals with disabilities, announces the commencement of applications for its annual Fellowship Programme for the year 2024. The application window remains open until 30th June 2024, with the programme scheduled to commence in August 2024.

The Sightsavers India Fellowship Programme provides a distinctive and promising career for ophthalmologists. It is crafted to guide selected fellows through a rewarding 24-month journey. This structured programme enhances skills and provides mentorship across various domains, including clinical and surgical ophthalmology, as well as managerial and holistic life skills development.

Mr. RN Mohanty, the Chief Executive Officer of Sightsavers India, expressed that the program has garnered increasing interest among young and aspiring ophthalmologists. He emphasised its role as a transformative career pathway tailored to mould recent post-graduates into proficient surgeons with a holistic skill set. “Spanning a duration of 24 months, our fellows undergo rigorous training and receive guidance from industry leaders. Within this timeframe, they refine their clinical and surgical aptitudes, gain expertise in managing community-based healthcare facilities, participate in impactful surveys, and cultivate their individual aspirations while collaborating closely with senior leadership. These immersive experiences foster a comprehensive understanding of the eye-health landscape ”

Upon acceptance, fellows undergo an intensive four-month training focusing on Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS). Subsequently, they are placed within peripheral locations for 20 months across one of the 8 states: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The Fellows also participate in surveys such as Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB).

These placements facilitate continuous skills enhancement and invaluable personal interactions with respected eye care and development leaders.

At each programme stage, emphasis is placed on optimising learning experiences, enabling fellows to evolve into well-rounded, seasoned professionals. Furthermore, they receive an attractive stipend throughout the duration of the fellowship, recognising their dedication and contribution.