24th April, New Delhi, India – Sightsavers India, a leading organisation dedicated to preventing avoidable blindness and promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities, has announced that applications are now open for their prestigious India Fellowship Program.
Blindness due to cataracts and refractive errors remains a major public health concern in India, especially in rural areas, where the shortage of trained eye care professionals results in delayed diagnosis and treatment. To address this issue, Sightsavers India has launched a unique 24-month fellowship program for promising and passionate young ophthalmologists to get trained at some of India’s leading eye health institutes and apply these skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The program identifies promising young ophthalmologists from India and grooms them through an innovative course to enhance their perspectives on rural eye health. Over 24 months, fellows experience a structured skill enhancement and mentoring process covering clinical and surgical ophthalmology and managerial and holistic life skills. Every stage of the fellowship program optimises learning that helps the fellows transform into all-rounded seasoned professionals.
The Sightsavers India Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity to be trained at leading eye health institutions in New Delhi, Noida, and Kolkata, under the guidance of experienced professionals. The program includes exciting district postings, one-on-one clinical-surgical mentorship, participation in community-based surveys, and self-transformation mentoring. Fellows will also receive an attractive stipend, a residential facility, and international exposure.
To be eligible, the individual should be a post-graduate or diploma holder in ophthalmology (MS/DNB/DO) from any recognised institute/university in India, having sound knowledge of clinical ophthalmology. Desired attributes include high learning orientation, adaptability, professional ethics, and emotional resilience.
The last date for submitting applications is June 30th, 2023. Fellows will be intimated via e-mail by July 2023, and the Fellowship will begin in August 2023.
On the announcement, RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said, “The India Fellowship Program is an exceptional opportunity for promising ophthalmologists to enhance their skills and knowledge, work on real-world scenarios and transform into all-rounded seasoned professionals. We are excited to invite applications from talented individuals who share our passion for preventing avoidable blindness and promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities.”
Interested applicants can visit the Sightsavers India Fellowship Program website for more information and apply online.