Sightsavers India is a reputed development organization working to eliminate avoidable blindness and advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. The organization operates through impactful programs that combine medical interventions with community-based efforts to ensure accessible, affordable, and sustainable eye care services across the country. Sightsavers India works closely with government systems, local partners, and healthcare institutions to bring high-quality eye health services to underserved populations, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. Their strategic focus not only lies in providing treatment but also in building awareness, developing human resources, and influencing policies to bring about systemic change. With a vision to create a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes and where people with visual impairments can fully participate in society, Sightsavers India has continuously led efforts in capacity building and equitable health service delivery. The India Fellowship Program is a key initiative under this mission, aiming to build the next generation of ophthalmologists through rigorous training, field experience, and holistic development. This initiative stands as a commitment to bridging the urban-rural healthcare divide and fostering skilled leadership in eye care.

The Sightsavers India Fellowship Program is a 24-month structured initiative designed to empower young ophthalmologists with advanced clinical and community-based training. It addresses the pressing issue of unequal access to eye care services across India, especially in rural regions. Despite having around 25,000 ophthalmologists in the country, the urban-rural disparity in their distribution remains stark. This Fellowship is a step toward closing that gap by placing trained professionals where they are most needed. The program offers fellows a unique blend of hands-on clinical training at leading eye health institutions, district-level postings in high-need areas, and participation in eye health surveys. Fellows receive one-on-one clinical-surgical mentorship, engagement in community eye care, and life skills coaching to become well-rounded healthcare professionals. The program also includes a residential facility and a competitive stipend to support participants during their journey. With its practical, real-world focus, the Fellowship nurtures not just technical proficiency but also professional ethics, adaptability, and emotional resilience. It is a visionary response to a systemic issue, contributing to the long-term goal of eliminating avoidable blindness and building sustainable eye care systems in underserved areas.