Cataract Surgery Training Courses in India

There are many super-specialty eye hospitals that provide Cataract Surgery training to the new ophthalmologist coming to ophthalmology practice.

These training courses are for Small Incision Cataract surgery ( SICS) and Phacoemulsification. Type of cataract surgery training in India.

Content

Why are you going for cataract surgery training?

Timing of Cataract surgery training,  in your career.

What is offered in Cataract surgery training courses?

Educational Qualification joining Cataract surgery training  courses

The day to day schedule of the cataract surgery training

Cost of the Cataract surgery training

Candidate’s Selection for Cataract surgery training courses

Cataract Surgery Training Centers in India

Duration of Cataract surgery training  courses

Cost of the Cataract surgery training

In spite of the fact that you have completed your ophthalmology degree, doesn’t automatically mean you should go for cataract surgery. Cataract surgery training, however good it might be, does not make you a good cataract surgeon.

Later is a journey, not a destination.  Cataract surgery training might well be the beginning of that long journey. Make sure everything else is in order before you start it. You should ensure that you will continue to have the opportunity to operate cases regularly once you finish your training. If that is not the case, training in itself will not help you much. The most important question is “Are you in a position to make the best of your training. It is not the hands-on few cases in training, but the continuous practice after the end of the training, that will help.

 Medical students specializing in ophthalmology often receive training in cataract surgery because it is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the field of ophthalmology. Cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. It is typically performed on patients who have a cataract, which is a clouding of the lens that causes blurred vision.

All surgical training involves a trained surgeon supervising the surgery of a trainee surgeon. A fixed number of cases are promised during the tenure of the training, but the general rule is “more you can do, the more you get”. So a trainee surgeon well trained in the use of operating microscopes and machines, having good hand-to-eye coordination, and well versed with the steps of the surgery, will gain far more out of training than one who has poor hand-to-eye coordination, struggles with the settings of the microscope and is totally oblivious to the surgical steps. Poorly organized trainee surgeons are asked to start a case but soon find themselves assisting the training surgeon, who overtakes them the concern for patients’ safety.  So you make sure that you are actually “’ trainable” before you apply for a training course.

The ideal time for a medical student of ophthalmology to undergo cataract surgery training depends on several factors, including the student’s level of experience, the requirements of the medical program, and the availability of training programs.

In general, it is recommended that medical students undergo cataract surgery training during their residency or fellowship programs. This is because these programs provide a structured and supervised environment for students to develop their surgical skills under the guidance of experienced ophthalmologists.

During their residency or fellowship programs, medical students will typically have the opportunity to observe cataract surgeries performed by experienced surgeons, as well as participate in surgical simulations and hands-on training. This training allows students to develop their surgical skills in a safe and controlled environment before they begin performing surgeries on their own.

It is important for medical students to complete their cataract surgery training early in their careers to ensure that they are prepared to perform this procedure independently when they enter practice. However, it is also important that students have sufficient clinical experience before beginning their surgical training to ensure that they have a strong foundation in the basics of ophthalmology.

In summary, medical students of ophthalmology should ideally undergo cataract surgery training during their residency or fellowship programs. The timing of the training should be determined based on the student’s level of experience, the requirements of the medical program, and the availability of training programs. By completing their training early in their careers, medical students will be well-prepared to perform cataract surgeries safely and effectively when they enter practice.

Most of the centers offer cataract surgery training in Small Incision Cataract surgery ( SICS) and Phacoemulsification. The training in Phacoemulsification is most sought after among the trainee surgeon.

 Phacoemulsification ( Phaco).

 Small Incision Cataract surgery ( SICS).

 Femto-assisted cataract surgery ( FALC).

Most of the training centers have a training schedule designed to accommodate surgeons coming with diverse levels of surgical skills, which include those who have little or no exposure to cataract surgery. So the schedules include classes discussing basic anatomy and surgical steps and basic ophthalmology, which you may not find quite appealing. Actual “hands-on” cases is only small fractions of the training.

Interactive lectures.

Observing the senior surgeons perform surgeries.

Wet lab training on animal eyes.

Enhanced training on the virtual reality module.

Augmentation of OPD skills e.g., Gonioscopy and Indirect Ophthalmology.

The Candidates are taught the basics and techniques of Small Incision Cataract surgery ( SICS) and Phacoemulsification in a structured manner. The trainee ophthalmologists are first familiarized with the techniques through lectures by highly experienced senior consultants about the machine, steps in surgery, and the pre and postoperative care of the patients. Then the doctors observe senior consultants and other trainees operate upon patients thereby learning first-hand how to hold the instrument, seating posture, adjust the microscope, phaco machine, etc. 

The candidate is then given many independent Small Incision Cataract surgeries ( SICS) and Phacoemulsification cases. The candidate can also see post-operative patients and assess the success of their operations. In the final stage, each trainee ophthalmologist operates under the supervision and learns the nuances of Small Incision Cataract surgery ( SICS) and Phacoemulsification.

The surgery is performed with live records to enable review and correction wherever necessary. The trainer is present at all times during the Surgery to impart necessary skills to the trainee ophthalmologists. The trainee is also trained in preoperative assessment and postoperative management of the patients. In the event of a complication, the trainee will assist the trainer to learn it is being managed with post-operative care. The candidate will be provided a Log Book where they can record all their cases, complications, and other details.

The daily schedule of a medical student undergoing cataract surgery training can vary depending on the specific training program, the student’s level of experience, and the hospital or clinic where the training is taking place. However, here is an example of a typical daily schedule for a medical student undergoing cataract surgery training:

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Wake up and get ready for the day.

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Review patient charts, prepare for surgery, and attend morning rounds with the surgical team.

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Observe cataract surgeries performed by experienced surgeons, assist with surgical procedures, and participate in surgical simulations and hands-on training.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Attend lectures, case discussions, and other educational activities related to cataract surgery and ophthalmology.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Review patient charts, complete any necessary paperwork, and prepare for the next day’s procedures.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Free time to study, relax, or participate in extracurricular activities.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner break.

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Attend study groups or review materials related to cataract surgery or ophthalmology.

10:00 PM – 6:00 AM: Sleep.

It is important to note that the daily schedule of a medical student undergoing cataract surgery training can be demanding and may require long hours, especially during the observation and hands-on training phases. However, this training is critical to the student’s development as an ophthalmologist and prepares them to provide safe and effective care to their patients in the future.

Community Eye Program: Most of the hospitals have a parallel community eye program which is the source of the patients which the fellow has to operate. Fellows may be expected to manage and screen the patients in the OPD of the community eye clinic. Fellows are expected to have their own white apron/ coats, and basic ophthalmic equipment like a torch or ophthalmoscope. The fellow is expected to maintain a logbook of OPD work and Surgical cases performed,

Teaching Programmes: The Hospitals have teaching programs including lectures/ cases/ journals presentation which the fellow are often expected to attend and maintain a logbook.

Orientation: The first few days of training involved OPD screening and orientation of the candidate to the work atmosphere. Subsequently, the candidate would observe, assist cases, and then start surgery stepwise. Surgical Training follows a step ladder pattern starting from basic steps. the candidate starts with operating fewer cases and then increases with the development of expertise by the candidate and the ability of the candidate to operate independently.

Completion Certificate: Most institutes give a compilation certificate for the training course.

Cases Count: A fellow usually operates about 30 cases in Short Term Fellowships for  ECCE/ SICS/ IOL Microsurgery and 25 cases for the Phacoemulsification fellowship. Most of the training centers give the option of operating more cases against extra payment, time if available.

In India, the educational qualification for a medical student of ophthalmology to undergo cataract surgery training is as follows:

1. The student must complete a five-and-a-half-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from a recognized medical institution.
2. After completing the MBBS degree, the student must complete a one-year compulsory rotating internship in a hospital recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
3. The student can then apply for a three-year post-graduate degree program in ophthalmology (Doctor of Medicine or Master of Surgery) in a recognized medical institution. During this post-graduate program, the student will receive extensive theoretical and practical training in various aspects of ophthalmology, including cataract surgery.
4. After completing the post-graduate program, the student must pass a final examination to obtain the post-graduate degree in ophthalmology.
5. The student can then register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the State Medical Council as a qualified ophthalmologist.

In summary, the educational qualification for a medical student of ophthalmology to undergo cataract surgery training in India is an MBBS degree, a one-year internship, and a three-year post-graduate degree program in ophthalmology. The training provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to safely and effectively perform cataract surgery and provide quality eye care to patients in India.

If you are MS/ MD in ophthalmology from an MCI-recognized medical institution in India, and you are registered with MCI for the practice of ophthalmology in India, then you can be a candidate for training.

Some institutions accept DOMS doctor candidates. Foreign nationals with MCI-recognized medical degrees and temporary registration with MCI are also accepted.

Most of the institutions insist on a No Objection Certificate from the employer at the time of the interview and have the relevant certificates in the original.

Formalities for foreign nationals for MCI Registration

The selection criteria for a medical student of ophthalmology to undergo cataract surgery training in India vary depending on the institution offering the training program. However, some common selection criteria are as follows:

1. Educational Qualification: The student must have completed an MBBS degree from a recognized medical institution and completed the mandatory one-year rotating internship.
2. Entrance Exam: Some institutions require the student to appear for an entrance exam that tests their knowledge and aptitude in ophthalmology. The entrance exam may include questions on subjects such as anatomy, physiology, optics, and ophthalmic pathology.
3. Merit-Based Selection: Many institutions select students based on their academic performance in the MBBS program and the post-graduate entrance exam. The students with the highest scores are selected for the training program.
4. Interview: Some institutions conduct an interview to evaluate the student’s motivation, interest, and aptitude for cataract surgery training. The interview panel may include practicing ophthalmologists and faculty members from the institution.
5. Other Factors: Some institutions may also consider other factors such as the student’s experience in ophthalmology, research publications, and extracurricular activities.

In summary, the selection criteria for a medical student of ophthalmology to undergo cataract surgery training in India typically involve evaluating the student’s educational qualifications, aptitude in ophthalmology, academic performance, and other factors that may demonstrate their interest and motivation for the training program.

Most institutions select the candidates on first cum first serve basis or a personal interview.

Institutions like Sankar Netralaya have a selection exam to decide the candidates for training.

The purpose of the training is to learn tracts of the trade so that you can operate cases without complications.  It is also an opportunity to find a mentor who can advise you at every turn of your professional career. Select the institution and the trainer cautiously, and do not get overwhelmed by someone offering more cases in less time.

The duration of cataract surgery training courses in India varies depending on the institution offering the training program. However, the duration of cataract surgery training courses generally ranges from a few days to several months.

Some institutions offer short-term courses that last for a few days or weeks, which may include both theoretical and practical training sessions. These courses may focus on specific aspects of cataract surgery, such as phacoemulsification or small incision cataract surgery.

Other institutions offer longer-duration courses that may last for several months and provide more in-depth theoretical and practical training. These courses may cover a wide range of topics, including patient selection, preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques, postoperative care, and management of complications.

Additionally, some institutions may offer fellowship programs in cataract surgery that may last for one or two years, providing extensive training and hands-on experience in cataract surgery and other advanced procedures.

In summary, the duration of cataract surgery training courses in India varies depending on the institution offering the training program and may range from a few days to several months or even years.

The training duration range from 2 weeks to 2 months.

It depends upon the number of cases you will get to operate. A trainee gets around one to two cases per day.

As a general rule, the longer the training you can afford, the better it is. It gives you the opportunity to learn about practice habits, organizational skills, and work culture. Anyone offering training for a duration of less than 15 days can be easily avoided.

The cost of cataract surgery training courses in India varies depending on the institution offering the training program and the duration of the course. Short-term courses may cost anywhere between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000, while longer-duration courses may cost between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 or more.

The cost of cataract surgery training may also depend on the type of training program, with some programs offering basic training in cataract surgery techniques, while others offering more advanced and specialized training.

In addition to the course fee, students may also need to bear the cost of accommodation, travel, and other expenses. Some institutions may provide accommodation facilities, while others may require students to arrange their own accommodation.

It is important to note that some institutions may offer scholarships or financial aid to students based on merit, financial need, or other criteria. Therefore, interested students are advised to research different training programs and their costs, as well as any available scholarships or financial assistance before selecting a program.

In summary, the cost of cataract surgery training courses in India varies depending on several factors, including the institution offering the program, the duration of the course, and the type of training provided. Interested students should research different training programs and their costs before selecting a program.

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