Enhance your glaucoma surgical skills with focused hands-on trabeculectomy training under expert mentorship.

At Nandadeep Eye Hospital, we offer an Advanced Trabeculectomy Surgical Training Program designed for ophthalmologists who are already proficient in phacoemulsification and wish to expand their capabilities into glaucoma management. This specialized course is structured to develop confidence in performing trabeculectomy with Mitomycin-C through real-time, supervised surgical exposure.

Program Overview

Program Overview:

  • Hands-on surgeries: Perform 10 full trabeculectomy cases under the guidance of experienced glaucoma surgeons
  • Preoperative planning & case selection: Learn the nuances of selecting appropriate cases and tailoring surgical strategies
  • Use of Mitomycin-C (MMC): Gain practical experience with MMC to optimize surgical outcomes
  • Surgical video analysis: Review your recorded surgeries to reinforce learning and correct technique

Ideal Candidate:

  • Ophthalmologists who are already independently performing phacoemulsification
  • Surgeons seeking to incorporate trabeculectomy into their glaucoma treatment protocol
  • Candidates ready to take on complex surgical decision-making in glaucoma care

Why Choose This Course:

  • Stepwise mentorship tailored to your individual learning curve
  • Learn from consultants with extensive glaucoma surgical experience
  • Exposure to real clinical scenarios and complication management
  • Combine seamlessly with our Advanced Phaco program for a complete anterior segment surgical upgrade
  • Located in an internationally accessible region with support for accommodation and local travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the surgical training programs?

Ophthalmologists at various skill levels can apply:

  • Beginner Phaco Program: For those with minimal prior surgical experience (ECCE/SICS).
  • Advanced Phaco Program: For surgeons already performing phaco regularly.
  • SICS & Trabeculectomy Programs: For surgeons with basic cataract or glaucoma surgery experience.
  • Strabismus Program: Requires prior observership or fellowship in strabismology.
How long is the beginner phaco training program?

The recommended duration is 3 weeks for 45 cases. For those opting for more cases (e.g., 60–100), training may extend to 4–7 weeks, depending on your pace.

Shorter, customized programs are also available upon request.

What is the difference between the Beginner and Advanced Phaco Courses?

The main difference lies in your existing surgical experience and training goals:

  • 🔹 Beginner Phaco Course
    • Designed for surgeons with limited or no phaco experience
    • Includes wet lab practice and stepwise learning of each surgical step
    • Focuses on building a strong surgical foundation
  • 🔹 Advanced Phaco Course
    • Meant for surgeons already performing phaco in regular practice
    • Focuses on refining surgical technique, especially chop, trench-divide, and improving efficiency
    • Starts directly with full-case hands-on surgeries after skill evaluation

⚠️ Note: Advanced course does not mean only difficult cases will be assigned. Challenging cases (e.g., small pupils, hard cataracts, iris claw IOLs) are introduced based on trainer assessment and involve additional fees per case.

What is included in the beginner phaco course structure?
  • Wet Lab Training: Hand–eye coordination, phaco probe handling, footswitch use
  • Hands-On Surgical Training:
    • First 10 cases: Stepwise learning of each surgical step
    • Next 10: Includes trenching and divide
    • Next 25+: Full phaco cases using trench-divide/chop techniques based on learning curve
Are difficult cases included in the training?

Yes, but only when the trainee has reached a suitable skill level. Difficult cases include mature cataracts, small pupils, intumescent lenses, use of CTR/Iris Claw IOL, etc. These are billed separately.

Is accommodation provided?

Yes, trainees are provided complimentary air-conditioned accommodation with attached bath, within hospital premises.

Note: If traveling with family, the trainee must arrange nearby hotel accommodation (admin assistance is available).

Are meals and laundry included?

No. Food and laundry expenses must be borne by the trainee.

How are surgeries recorded and reviewed?

Every surgery is HD video recorded. Trainers provide constructive feedback and analysis to help improve your technique.

Can I combine Phaco with SICS or Trabeculectomy training?

Yes, many trainees follow up Phaco training with SICS or Trabeculectomy programs to broaden their surgical skills. Custom plans are available.

Will I become an expert surgeon by the end of training?

You’ll gain intensive hands-on experience and personal mentorship. However, your progress depends on your current skills, consistency, and open-mindedness. The program is designed to build strong foundations and surgical confidence.

How much does it cost to do 100 phaco cases in the beginner course?

For updated fees and package details, please contact:

How do I reach Sangli from abroad? What are the travel options for international trainees?
  • 🔹 Fly into India via international airports:
    • Mumbai International Airport (~7 hours to Sangli by car)
    • Pune International Airport (~4 hours to Sangli by car)
  • 🔹 Domestic Airport – Kolhapur:
    • Just 1 hour away from Sangli
    • Connected to Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore
  • 🔹 By Road:
    • Sangli is well-connected via highways
    • Private taxis and car services are commonly used from nearby airports

✅ Complimentary Pickup: We offer free car pickup from Kolhapur, Pune, or Mumbai (by prior arrangement).

Our Mentors

Dr. Sourabh D. Patwardhan Phaco-Refractive Vitreoretina- Glaucoma specialist FRCS (UK), MS (AIIMS), DNB, MNAMS, FICO

Dr. Sourabh D. Patwardhan

FRCS (UK), MS (AIIMS), DNB, MNAMS, FICO

Dr. Nidhi S. Patwardhan Cataract and Refractive specialist M.D. (AIIMS), FICO, D.O.M.S

Dr. Nidhi S. Patwardhan

M.D. (AIIMS), FICO, D.O.M.S