Sightsavers India invites applications for ophthalmologists fellowship programme

NEW DELHI: Sightsavers India, a non-governmental organisation working towards eliminating avoidable blindness, has invited applications from ophthalmologists for its annual fellowship programme for the year 2024. Eligible candidates can apply for the fellowship on the official website, indiafellowshipprogram.sightsaversindia.in, till June 30. The programme is scheduled to commence in August 2024.

Under the two-year fellowship programme, selected candidates will be provided training to enhance skills and get mentorship across various domains such as clinical and surgical ophthalmology, managerial and holistic life skills development.

Selected fellows will undergo an intensive four-month training focusing on small incision cataract surgery (SICS). They will be then placed at a location in one of eight states – Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha – for 20 months. 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.

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Sightsavers India CEO RN Mohanty said, “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.”