PhacoART Fellowship Program
Advanced cataract surgery (phacoemulsification & SICS) training and mentorship at Swastik Eye Institute, Ahilyanagar — led by Dr. Praful Chaudhary, with one-to-one OR supervision, wet-lab simulation and HD surgical video review.
PhacoART is a structured, hands-on cataract surgery fellowship at Swastik Eye Institute, Ahilyanagar, supported by the Srivari Eye Foundation. Programs run from a 6-day Premium IOL module to a full 1-year, stipend-paid Comprehensive Cataract Fellowship, and combine pre-course online learning, wet-lab simulation, live surgical observation, one-to-one supervised OR cases on Zeiss and Oertli phaco platforms, and continued post-course mentorship.
About the Institute
A high-volume, ethics-driven training ground built from a 300 sq. ft. clinic into a 35,000 sq. ft. standalone eye institute.
Swastik Eye Institute, Ahilyanagar, gives trainees the opportunity to learn inside a
rapidly growing, high-volume ophthalmic centre built on strong clinical ethics and
advanced eye care practices. Founded by Dr. Praful Chaudhary, the institute has grown
from a modest 300 sq. ft. clinic into a state-of-the-art 35,000 sq. ft. standalone eye
hospital, delivering comprehensive ophthalmology services under one roof.
With infrastructure supporting 7 ophthalmic subspecialties, trainees gain
exposure to diverse, advanced clinical scenarios across cataract, cornea, refractive and
comprehensive eye care — combining modern technology, structured surgical learning and
real-world clinical experience. Supported by Appasamy Associates.
Meet Your Mentor
Dr. Praful Chaudhary
D.O., D.N.B., FICO, FCRS (Cornea & Refractive)
Dr. Praful Chaudhary is a highly experienced ophthalmic surgeon specialising in advanced cataract, cornea, and refractive surgery, with over 25,000 successful ocular procedures to his credit. He is a recognised faculty at major national conferences including AIOS, MOS, DOS and BOA, and is widely respected for his surgical teaching and live surgical demonstrations. Over the past decade, he has transformed a small practice into a leading tertiary ophthalmic institute for advanced eye care and ophthalmic training.
PhacoART Key Features
Dedicated training facilities, modern operating theatres, academic discussion spaces, and premium microscopy & phaco platforms.
Surgical Infrastructure
- Zeiss Lumera i & Leica OE 620 surgical microscopes
- Faros Oertli Phacoemulsification System
- Appasamy Galaxy Leo Phacoemulsification System with Appasamy TruGlo microscope
- One-to-one supervised OR hands-on cases using phaco system & microscope
Training & Review Systems
- Wet lab & simulation-based training using model eyes
- High-quality surgical video recording & teaching systems
- Surgical video analysis & structured review
- Supported by Appasamy Associates in partnership with a leading academic training centre
Zeiss Lumera i Microscope
Appasamy Galaxy Leo Phaco System
Appasamy TruGlo Microscope
Curriculum Structure
Pre-Course Learning
Online — Phaco physics & fluidics, surgical steps, complication basics
Wet-Lab Training
Capsulorhexis, hydro procedures, trenching & chop techniques, IOL loading
Observational Learning
Live surgical demos & decision-making discussions with mentor
Supervised OR Cases
Stepwise surgical execution under direct mentor supervision
Post-Course Mentorship
Continued virtual support and guidance after completing the fellowship
Fellowship Packages
All standard packages include a private AC room in-house. GST is not included.
| Program | Duration | Surgical Cases | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhacoART Express | 20 Days | 20 Cases | ₹1,50,000 |
| PhacoART Advanced | 25 Days | 30 Cases | ₹2,25,000 |
| PhacoART Masterclass | 30 Days | 40 Cases | ₹3,00,000 |
| SICS Masterclass | 30 Days | 40 Cases | ₹3,00,000 |
| FastTrack (Advanced Phaco) | 12 Days | 12 Cases | ₹1,00,000 |
| Difficult Cases | 12 Days | 6 Cases | ₹1,00,000 |
| Premium IOL | 6 Days | 6 Cases | ₹1,00,000 |
FastTrack (Advanced Phaco)
For surgeons already performing good phacoemulsification who want refinement for superior refractive outcomes, or those with limited time needing efficient, intensive training in premium refractive cataract surgery.
Difficult Cases
6 cases over 12 days. Additional charges apply for BHEX, iris hooks, or vitrectomy where required.
Premium IOL
Toric, EDOF and Trifocal IOL training — 6 cases over 6 days. IOL charges are additional.
30 Days | 40 Cases | ₹2,25,000 | Shared Non-AC Room (In-House)
Food, travel and personal expenses are not included. Proportionate refund if case numbers are not met.
Important Note on Training Duration
Effective training requires substantial time commitment. Learning premium refractive cataract surgery involves not just acquiring new techniques, but also unlearning outdated habits and mastering new surgical concepts. This cognitive and motor learning process is complex and typically requires a minimum of 15+ days to develop competency. Shorter programs offer quick exposure; longer programs (20–30 days) enable true skill consolidation and clinical confidence.
Prerequisites for Phacoemulsification Training
Trainees must already be competent in SICS (Small Incision Cataract Surgery), with proficiency in fair CCC (continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis), nucleus rotation, prolapse management, delivery, cortex/visco aspiration, IOL implantation and trailing. Prior SICS competency lets trainees focus on mastering phacoemulsification nuances rather than basic surgical steps, maximising training effectiveness.
Appasamy Centre of Excellence
In partnership with Swastik Eye Institute — a special 12-day fellowship for advanced equipment exposure and hands-on training.
Program Highlights
- Advanced equipment systems exposure
- Intensive 12-day curriculum
- Hands-on training for all levels
- Real-time surgical feedback
- Video recording & analysis
Who Participates
- Beginners seeking fundamentals
- Experienced surgeons refining technique
- Intermediate practitioners advancing their skills
- All skill levels welcome
- Can be combined with PhacoART programs
Why PhacoART?
Exclusive Training
- One Fellow per batch — personalised attention
- Hands-on Phaco surgery in real OR
- HD surgical video recording & review
- Surgical video analysis & feedback
- Continued mentor support post-fellowship
Advanced Infrastructure
- Zeiss Lumera i & Leica OE 620 surgical microscopes
- Faros Oertli Phacoemulsification System
- Appasamy Galaxy Leo Phaco with Appasamy TruGlo
- Dedicated wet-lab with model eyes for simulation
- Academic discussion spaces for case review
Comprehensive Curriculum
- Premium cataract & Toric IOL planning
- Hard cataracts & small pupil management
- Premium IOLs — Toric, EDOF, Multifocal
- Fluidics on Zeiss & Oertli systems
- Pre-op planning & complication management
- Practice-building pearls
One Year Comprehensive Cataract Fellowship
A full-time, immersive fellowship for advanced cataract & medical cornea training under Dr. Praful Chaudhary.
What You Will Gain
- Surgical Volume: 80–100 cases with progressive responsibility
- Premium Surgery: Toric, EDOF, Trifocal IOL, MICS under mentorship
- Medical Cornea: Keratoconus, cross-linking, topography expertise
- HD Video Review: Every surgery recorded with structured feedback
- Wet Lab Practice: Unlimited model-eye training between live cases
- IOL Planning: Pre-op workup, optical biometry, lens selection
- High-Volume OPD: Exposure across 7 subspecialties
- Certificate: Completion certificate from Swastik Eye Institute
Eligibility & Key Terms
- Qualified as MS / DNB / D.O / DOMS Ophthalmology
- Basic phaco experience welcome
- Motivated for advanced cataract practice
- Full-year residency commitment required
- Seat confirmed after advance payment & interview
- Stipend reviewed every 3 months, based on performance
- Case allocation depends on availability & competency
Clinical Education
Diploma in Optometry
2 Year Full-Time
Clinical-heavy curriculum focusing on OCT, Biometry, and Specialty Clinics.
- 12th Science Eligibility
- Real-patient exposure
Ophthalmic Tech
1 Year Certificate
- OT Sterilization Protocols
- Surgical Assistance training
- OPD Workflow Management
Clinical Internship
Flexible Duration
- Contact Lens Evaluation
- Keratoconus Screening
- Premium Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PhacoART Fellowship Program?
PhacoART is a structured, hands-on cataract surgery fellowship at Swastik Eye Institute, Ahilyanagar, led by Dr. Praful Chaudhary. It combines pre-course online learning, wet-lab simulation, observational learning, one-to-one supervised OR cases, and post-course mentorship to shorten the phacoemulsification learning curve.
Who can apply for the PhacoART Fellowship?
Ophthalmologists at any stage who want structured surgical training can apply. Candidates for the phacoemulsification packages must already be competent in SICS, including capsulorhexis, nucleus rotation and IOL implantation, so training time is focused on phaco-specific skills.
How long does the fellowship take and what does it cost?
Programs range from a 6-day Premium IOL module (₹1,00,000) to a 30-day PhacoART Masterclass with 40 cases (₹3,00,000). A 20-day PhacoART Express (20 cases) costs ₹1,50,000 and a 25-day PhacoART Advanced (30 cases) costs ₹2,25,000. GST is not included. A minimum of 15+ days is recommended to consolidate true surgical competency.
Is accommodation included in the fellowship fee?
Standard packages include a private AC room in-house. The budget-conscious Economy Option (₹2,25,000 for 30 days / 40 cases) provides a shared non-AC room instead. Food, travel and personal expenses are not included in any package.
What equipment will I train on?
Trainees work on Zeiss Lumera i and Leica OE 620 surgical microscopes, the Faros Oertli phacoemulsification system, and the Appasamy Galaxy Leo phacoemulsification system with the Appasamy TruGlo microscope, alongside a dedicated wet lab with model eyes.
Is there a one-year, stipend-based fellowship?
Yes. The One Year Comprehensive Cataract Fellowship offers 80–100 assured surgical cases, a monthly stipend of ₹25,000–₹45,000 reviewed every 3 months, shared non-AC in-house accommodation, and focused training in premium refractive cataract surgery and medical cornea, with one fellow accepted per year.
What is the Appasamy Centre of Excellence program?
A special 12-day fellowship run in partnership with Appasamy Associates, focused on advanced equipment exposure and hands-on training for all skill levels, with real-time surgical feedback and video analysis. It can be combined with PhacoART programs.
Are fellowship fees refundable?
Fellowship fees are non-refundable and non-transferable once a seat is confirmed against advance payment. A proportionate refund applies only if the committed number of surgical cases is not met during the program.
Terms & Conditions
- Fellowship seat confirmed only upon receipt of advance payment.
- Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; a proportionate refund applies only if committed case numbers are not met.
- Patient safety remains the highest priority at all times.
- The mentor reserves the right to intervene or take over any surgical case.
- Surgical proficiency at any specific level cannot be guaranteed.
- Case allocation depends on patient availability and trainee competency.
- Professional conduct is mandatory throughout the programme.
- Accommodation is subject to availability.
- Food, travel, and personal expenses are not included.
Ready to take the next step?
Applications are open for the 2026 academic session.
Ahilyanagar – 414003, Maharashtra, India