The Vitreo-retina fellowship programme at Vittala International Institute of ophthalmology (VIIO)/ Prabha Eye Clinic (PEC) is of 24 months duration. The fellowship programme aims to provide adequate exposure to various Retinal diseases and their management. At the end of the fellowship, the trainee should be in examination and manage retinal diseases medically and gain surgical competence.
Rotations
In the rotation with respective consultants, whenever the fellow is on duty in either of the hospitals, those days/ timings, they are to be relieved from duties with the consultant.
Remaining 5 months:
- 2 months – further rotation in the sub speciality of choice
- Final 3 months- independent OPD at VIIO/ PECRC with supervised surgical opportunity (only at VIIO).
Competencies to be gained at the end of the fellowship:
Vitreo Retina:
Adequate exposure to both medical and surgical retina.
- Proficiency in indirect ophthalmoscopy with indentation- Performing and interpreting FFA
- Performing and interpreting OCT scans of the retina
- Performing and interpreting B Scan ultrasound examination
- Observing and preforming under supervision- Pan retinal photocoagulation, focal lasers
- Assisting in scleral buckle, and complex vitreoretinal surgeries
- Intravitreal injections- antibiotics and anti vegfs
- Assisting in the assessment of retinal disorders in children including ROP
- Exposure to tele-retina services and community retinal services
Uvea and Ocular Inflammation:
Adequate exposure to the diagnosis and management of uveitis and ocular inflammatory disorders.
- Proficiency in clinical evaluation, anterior segment and fundus examination- Differentiating active vs quiescent disease
- Ordering of investigations appropriately
- Principles of management including appropriate use of steroids and immunosuppressants
- AC tap and Vitreous taps- indications and interpretation
- Pre cataract surgery protocols for uveitic eyes
Research Goals:
The fellow is expected to mandatorily get involved in one / two research projects in the duration of fellowship and present at least one paper, and one poster in a national/ state conference. Attempts towards publishing the research project in a peer reviewed paper should also be made.
Teaching responsibility:
The fellow has to mandatorily commit one hour per week for teaching of optometry residents, and 1 hour per week for DNB residents as part of the teaching programme. As and when assigned , he / she should also be involved in teaching other staff of the hospital for training purposes.
Outside postings/ screening camps:
The fellow has to participate in the screening and opd activities of the hospital held outside the hospital, when assigned as per roster. The fellow also has to take part in the rural outreach activities of VIIO, as posted.
Eye donation/ eye calls: when on duty the fellow is expected to attend to eye donation calls and collect donor eyes, and coordinate with the eye bank in charge after the eye call.