Fellowship of the All India Collegium of Ophthalmology (FAICO) in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

The Fellow All India Collegium of Ophthalmology (FAICO) in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus is a specialized training program for ophthalmologists. This course belongs to the field of pediatric ophthalmology. It typically lasts for one year, providing in-depth knowledge and skills. The program covers the diagnosis and management of eye disorders in children, including strabismus (misaligned eyes). Participants gain hands-on experience in various techniques and treatments specific to pediatric patients.

The Fellowship of the All India Collegium of Ophthalmology (FAICO) in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus is a qualification that confers mastery of skills. It is a rigorous journey of hard work that leads to a global career. The course is mainly for professionals who truly want to move beyond basic and dedicate their practice to children's eye care, signifying that they have met the rigorous national standards of employers in managing complex childhood eye diseases and misalignments, like strabismus. Going deep into the traditional principles of treatment, this degree award for exceptional and sustained contributions to science serves as an opportunity to explore the fascinating scope of focusing on health, preventive care, and signifying a professional’s expert competence by validating your advanced clinical knowledge to meet the highest national benchmarks for specialist knowledge, clinical skill, and ethical practice. The degree is that prestigious door that opens into the profound realm to offer its clients a truly transformative path for a physician, equipping them with the skills to handle everything, making them a vital asset in today's world. This degree is earned through a process of specialized training, examinations, and a demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of practice, and establishes them as experts.

The requirements for getting into this course include candidates having an MS, MD, or DNB degree in Ophthalmology with a valid license.

The course usually extends for 1 year.

The cost usually ranges between INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000, depending on the institute.

Having such a prestigious degree offers exposure to several opportunities. Candidates who want to excel in their fields and get a good boost to their careers through the knowledge and skills gained in this course. Professionals with a strong interest in this field and seeking to advance their careers can opt for the course. The details are given below:

• Ophthalmologists aiming to become a dedicated Pediatric Ophthalmologist.
• Doctors passionate about working with children and making a lifelong impact on their vision.
• Those fascinated by the surgical precision required for pediatric eye conditions.
• Clinicians seeking to master complex areas like pediatric glaucoma management.

Getting the degree is incredibly empowering. Candidates transition from managing general health to becoming the master of a life-saving domain. You learn to perform and interpret sophisticated operations/ tests, making it the backbone of your clinical decisions. This course is your passport to leading diagnosis and pioneering new treatments. The intellectual challenge, the direct impact on saving lives, and the prestige that comes with being a super-specialist make it immensely worthwhile in addressing the related challenges through this course. The course opens the doors to working in niche roles. Furthermore, this course is essential for skill enhancement and a career boost. Below are some of the key points provided:

• There's a critical shortage of trained pediatric eye specialists across the country.
• Directly improve a child's quality of life by treating conditions like amblyopia.
• The FAICO certification is highly respected and opens doors to top-tier hospitals.
• Gain unparalleled hands-on experience in specialized pediatric procedures.

Getting into this course requires dedication, a strong academic background, and passing the entrance exam of the FAICO Exam for Peds Ophthalmology, a competitive national-level test.

The detailed process for admission is as follows:

1. Apply for the FAICO entrance exam
2. Candidates who successfully clear the written test are shortlisted for a clinical and interview round
3. Final selection is based on the combined performance in the exam and the interview.

The syllabus typically includes the following areas:

1. Child eye development
2. Genetics
3. Amblyopia diagnosis and treatment
4. Pediatric glaucoma management
5. Strabismus surgery
6. Pediatric cataracts
7. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
8. Neuro-ophthalmology.

Below are certain colleges, where the courses are provided:

• Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore
• L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad
• Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai
• Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi
• Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore
• Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi

The scope of jobs is diverse and expanding rapidly across multiple career paths, driven by the rising demand for specialists. This course also serves as a knowledge booster and a skill enhancer, with immense applications in current educational systems. Graduates are almost relaxed in terms of career opportunities, as after pursuing this course, it enhances employability in different fields, such as research and academia. Moreover, the increasing demand for specialists opens the door for national and international opportunities, thereby enhancing employability. Below are some of the career options that a candidate can check after this course:

• Pediatric Ophthalmologists in multi-specialty eye hospitals
• Join academic institutions as faculty
• Consultants for ROP screening in neonatal ICUs.

Typically, the completion of this course helps the candidate to gain a demanding salary between ₹1,200,000 to ₹1,800,000 per annum or more, and this steadily increases with experience. Furthermore, in the UK NHS and in the Gulf region, packages can be equally attractive.

The completion of this course is itself rewarding, as professionals are already well-trained and equipped with advanced degrees and the required specialized skills. However, there is no limit to learning, and hence, for further enhancement, professionals may opt for additional education. Some of the options are given below:

• Pursue observerships internationally
• Fellowships in super-specialized niches like pediatric vitreo-retina or pediatric oculoplasty.