What will you learn?

  • The program is designed to train the next generation of leaders in the fields of cornea by providing a rich academic environment with research opportunities.
  • The fellow will learn how to utilize proper testing and assessment to diagnose diseases, and various surgical approaches
  • The fellow will familiarize and be competent in employing a range of therapeutic options, medical and surgical agents
  • The fellow will be expected to be significantly involved in research activities and clinical trials as well as scholarly activities such as scientific presentations and manuscript publications.
Course Location
Batch Number 1
No of Seats
8 per year
Course In-Charge

Dr. N. Venkatesh Prajna, DO, DNB, FRCO

Contact Details
1, Anna Nagar Madurai – 625 020 Tamil Nadu
+(91) 452-4356-100
+(91) 452-2530-984
Batch Number 1
No of Seats
6 per year
Course In-Charge

Dr. R. Revathi, MS

Contact Details
Avinashi Road, Coimbatore - 641 014 Tamil Nadu
+(91) 422-4360-400
+(91) 422-2593-030
Batch Number 1
No of Seats
5 per year
Course In-Charge

Dr. N. Shivananda, MS

Contact Details
Cuddalore Main Road Thavalakuppam Pondicherry - 605 007
+(91) 413-2619-100
+(91) 413-2618-848
Eligibility Criteria
  • Postgraduate Degree in Ophthalmology from a recognized University
  • Nomination of a candidate from the head of the institution is mandatory
Description
  • The objective of this programme is to train ophthalmologist’s in the diagnosis and management of corneal diseases through clinical evaluation and research, the use of various investigative procedures, medical treatment and surgical intervention
  • The Fellowship is designed to provide a more focused and in-depth education of anterior segment disease. The scope of the training includes the diagnosis and medical management of diseases of the conjunctiva, cornea/sclera and anterior ocular segment, surgery of the conjunctiva, cornea/sclera with special emphasis on corneal transplantation and related surgical procedures
  • Fellows participate directly in the medical and surgical management of a broad spectrum of corneal disorders including microbial keratitis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, keratoconus, chemical injury, ocular surface squamous neoplasia, dry eye, bullous keratopathy, ocular trauma, pterygium etc.,

General Information

Training Facilities:

All Aravind Training Centers (Madurai, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Chennai, Theni, Salem & Pondicherry) are  well equipped with wet labs, tele-ophthalmology network, class rooms and teaching facility, audio visual facility, and library and resource center. The institution provides various on-line resources accessible to both national and international trainees.

Where to stay?
Accommodation and Food:

Inspiration – Aravind international trainee’s hostel is a comfortable and quiet place located close to the LAICO and Aravind Eye Hospital campus, Madurai. Visit the website for more details.

Accommodation facilities with catering services are available within the campus at all Aravind Centres.  Types of facilities differ with each centre.  Please contact the training coordinator for more information.

How to pay?

Course fee covers tuition fee and teaching materials. International candidates can pay through wire transfer; the account details along with the payment procedure will be emailed to you by the course coordinator on confirmation of your admission.

Campus life at Aravind:

We recommend that all trainees take a look at Vanakkam – as guidebook to Southern India and Aravind. As you prepare for your travel to India and to the Aravind destinations, ‘Vanakkam’ will provide you with detailed information on what to expect when you arrive. This includes travel arrangements, dress code, living conditions, local weather and local food, as well as information on sightseeing and restaurants in the cities where the Aravind facilities are located.

Visa:

A Visa is necessary to travel to India. As your visit to India is for undergoing training, you must obtain student /entry / internship visa (based on the duration of your training). It is advisable to get visa for the entire training period even before arriving in India. Extension of visa while undergoing training is not possible. Tourist visa is strictly prohibited.

Approval from National Medical Commission (NMC):

It is mandatory to obtain temporary medical license from NMC for all provisionally selected international ophthalmologists to undergo surgical training in India.  NMC application process is through online portal and the approval process will be taken by the institute after getting necessary information and documents from the participants.  Final selection is subject to fulfilling the procedural formalities of NMC.  Please see https://www.nmc.org.in/  to get detailed information or through course coordinator.

On arrival at Aravind:

The FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) registration formalities will be done as per the instructions given on your visa page. For registration purpose, the participant should have their four passport size colour photographs (4×4 cm with white background, ears distinctly visible without spectacles and cap). If required, documents should be presented to the local police commissioner office in person. Please refer registration guidelines for more details.