Sightsavers India, a leading development organization dedicated to preventing avoidable blindness and promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities, is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 cohort of its prestigious India Fellowship Programme.
According to a recent study titled “Democratizing Access to World-Class Eye Care”, India, with an estimated 25,000 ophthalmologists, has only about 15 ophthalmologists per million people. The disparity is even starker in rural areas, with one ophthalmologist serving every 250,000 individuals, compared to one for every 10,000 in urban regions. This urban-rural imbalance underscores a critical gap in timely and accessible eye care, especially in underserved areas.
Addressing this challenge goes beyond building infrastructure—it requires skilled and motivated professionals on the ground. The Sightsavers India Fellowship Programme is a strategic initiative designed to bridge this gap. It aims to nurture and empower young ophthalmologists through intensive clinical training, community engagement, participation in eye health surveys, and exposure to high-volume settings in rural and peri-urban regions.
Spanning 24 months, the structured, residential Fellowship offers:
- Hands-on clinical training at leading eye health institutions under expert mentorship
- District-level postings for real-world experience
- Surgical and clinical skill enhancement
- Community-based outreach and surveys
- Mentoring in managerial and life skills development
- A competitive stipend and residential accommodation
This transformative experience prepares fellows to become well-rounded, compassionate, and capable professionals committed to delivering quality eye care where it is needed most.
The Fellowship is open to postgraduates or diploma holders in ophthalmology (MS/DO/DNB) from any recognized Indian institute or university. Final-year students and recent graduates (2025 pass-outs) are also eligible to apply. Ideal candidates should demonstrate high learning orientation, adaptability, strong professional ethics, and emotional resilience.
The last date to apply is 15th August 2025, and the new cohort will commence in September 2025.
RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, stated: “India has made remarkable progress in expanding access to eye care, but sustaining this momentum requires continuous investment in human resources. Through our Fellowship Programme, we are proud to support young ophthalmologists who are passionate about delivering quality care in the most underserved areas. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of fellows—future leaders who will help build an inclusive society and reduce preventable blindness in India.”
To learn more and apply online, visit: 🔗 https://indiafellowshipprogram.sightsaversindia.org/
