According to a recent study “Democratizing Access to World-Class Eye Care” India with an estimated 25,000 ophthalmologists has just around 15 per million population. However, the urban-rural disparity exists here too with urban areas having one ophthalmologist for 10,000 people with rural areas far behind at one for every 250,000 people. This imbalance highlights a significant gap in accessible and timely eye care services, especially in underserved and remote regions.

Addressing this disparity requires more than infrastructure, it demands skilled, motivated professionals on the ground. The Sightsavers India Fellowship Program is a vital step in this direction. Designed to nurture and equip young ophthalmologists, the programme offers hands-on clinical training, community engagement experience, a chance to participate in eye health surveys, and exposure to high-volume settings in rural and peri-urban areas.

By investing in the next generation of eye health professionals, the Fellowship is not only strengthening the human resource base but also ensuring that quality eye care reaches those who need it the most. It is a strategic response to a systemic issue and a step towards a future where preventable blindness is no longer a public health burden.

The 24-month structured program combines intensive clinical training at leading eye health institutions with experienced professionals with practical experience. The program includes district postings, one-on-one clinical-surgical mentorship, participation in community-based surveys and self-transformation mentoring. Fellows will also receive an attractive stipend and residential facility.

The fellows experience structured skill enhancement and mentoring process covering clinical and surgical ophthalmology and managerial and holistic life skills. Every stage of the fellowship program optimises learning that helps the fellows transform into all-rounded seasoned professional

The residential Fellowship is designed for postgraduates or diploma holders in ophthalmology (MS/DO/DNB) from any recognised institute / university in India, having sound knowledge on clinical ophthalmology (current year pass outs are eligible to apply). Desired attributes include high learning orientation, adaptability, professional ethics and emotional resilience.

The last date for submitting applications is 15^th August 2025 and the Fellowship will begin in September 2025.

Speaking on the announcement, RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said “India has made remarkable strides in expanding access to eye care and strengthening human resources remains key to sustaining this progress. Through Sightsavers India’s Fellowship Program, we are proud to nurture young ophthalmologists who are passionate about delivering quality care where it’s needed most. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of fellows—future leaders who will help shape a more inclusive society and contribute to reducing blindness prevalence.”

Interested applicants can visit the Sightsavers India Fellowship Program website for more information and apply online.

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