Long Term Fellowship in Cornea and Anterior Segment
The objective of this program is to train ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and management of corneal disease and cataract through clinical evaluation and research, the use of various investigative procedures, medical treatment and surgical intervention.
Duration: 24 months
Session commences: January and July each year.
Places available: Three in each session.
Eligibility: MS or MD or DNB or FRCS in ophthalmology.
Selection: Through a written test and interview in November and May.
Application procedure: Applications must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and testimonials from two referees.
Course Curriculum
Clinical diagnostics Students are trained in the use of the slit lamp, biomicroscopy, keratometry, computerised video keratography, pachymetry, specular microscopy, A-B scan ultrasonography, tear film function tests, and biometry.
Laboratory diagnostics
Microbiology: Smear preparation, culture methodology and interpretation of various corneal infections including bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic.
Pathology: Preparation and interpretation of specimens from various corneal pathologies including scars, edema, dystrophies, infections, degenerations, etc.
Immunology: Understanding various techniques including immunohistocytochemistry and serology.
Medical treatment strategies
Corneal infections, corneal immunological disorders, dry eye and ocular surface disorders, degenerations and dystrophies, complications of keratoplasty, complications of cataract surgery.
Microsurgical techniques
Penetrating keratoplasty, extracapsular cataract extraction, phacoemulsification, surgery for congenital cataract, ocular surface reconstruction (limbal grafts, amniotic membrane grafts), pterygium surgery, tissue adhesive application, patch grafts, superficial keratectomy.
The course module also provides
- Training in the use of laser equipment
- Nd - YAG capsulotomy, Nd - YAG membranotomy, Excimer laser PTK Training in laser refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, ARK)
- Training in contact lens
- Training in eye banking
- Tissue retrieva, tissue storage and tissue evaluation
Surgery for congenital cataract
- Tissue adhesive application
- Trauma surgery
Training in the use of laser equipment
- Nd - YAG capsulotomy
- Nd - YAG membranotomy
Refractive surgery
- Incisional
- Laser assisted (LASIK and PTK)
Eye Banking and tissue evaluation
- Tissue retrieval
- Tissue storage
- Tissue evaluation
- Eye Bank medical standards
Training in Contact Lens
- Contact lens fitting
- Management of contact lens related complications
Training in Microbiology and Pathology
Posting schedule
The first three months constitute the probation period during which the fellows will learn basic examination procedures in cornea, glaucoma, and retina in the International Academy for Advanced Ophthalmic Education (LVP - Zeiss Academy). This will be followed by a performance evaluation; the fellowship may be terminated if the candidate is found unsuitable.
For the next one year the fellow will be assigned to the cornea subspecialty, with a two-month rotation period with each faculty member. The fellows will also serve a rotation period in para-clinical departments like eye bank, microbiology and pathology to gain experience in eye banking and diagnostic techniques.
Independent rotation: The fellows will handle independent OPD and OR one day a week for six months. They will handle all general ophthalmic cases independently and in consultation with the faculty of various subspecialties. They will also have opportunities to perform surgery independently and follow up on the cases.
In-patient care: The fellows will be required to review the medical records of all the hospital patients and present a summary of the patient data along with a treatment plan. Post-operative and medical rounds will start early in the fellowship, enabling reporting on specific assignments.
For further details contact
Education Centre,
L V Prasad Eye Institute,
L V Prasad Marg, Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad - 500 034
Telephone: +91-40-3061 2445 / 46
Fax: +91-40-2354 8271
Email: education@lvpei.org