Opthal

FAQs

1. How does the NEW M.Ch.(Ophthal) differ from similar programs elsewhere?

The New M.Ch.(Ophthal), is a taught distance learning program yet encompassing all elements of a rigorous classroom curriculum. It incorporates the current principles and practice of Ophthalmology and offers evidence based and cutting edge solutions. It is available to be undertaken at your place of work at your pace. A dedicated group of tutors and consultants are available to solve your queries and opine on difficult problems. The Knowledge Exchange Program (KXP) brings together and delivers the latest updates with student-faculty interaction. All thesis/ dissertations will be published in the USAIM M.Ch.(Ophthal) journal where they will be available to all interested candidates.

2. How can I verify eligibility?

Email: You can send us the tracking form and attach scanned documents and certificates as attachment. Once we confirm your eligibility we will ask you to send us physical certified copies for verification and our records. Post: Alternatively you can send us the printout of the tracking form duly filled with certified copies as mentioned in the requirements. If we confirm your eligibility you won’t need to send us the documents all over again.

3. Does this Certification allow me to practice Ophthalmology surgery?

This Certification is awarded as recognition of specialist knowledge after gaining a registered post-graduate qualification like the FRCS with relevant experience, D.Ophthal, MS(Ophthal) or the DNB(Ophthal), which allows you unrestricted license to practice ophthalmology medicine and surgery in your home state/country of qualification and current residence.
Please note that the M.Ch.(Ophthal) awarded by the USAIM is NOT a registrable qualification with the General Medical Council (UK) or the Medical Council of India (MCI) and as such and in itself does not offer licensure to practice ophthalmology medicine or surgery. Any candidate who enrolls on the course using fraudulent means/certificates and/or references will be liable to criminal prosecution and legal action which may include cancellation of his license to practice medicine.

4. Who will issue me the admission letter and final certification?

The University of Seychelles American Institute of Medicine (USAIM) will issue the admission letters and issue all certification to successful candidates on completion of the course.

5. How long have I got to complete each module?

One module consisting of several sub-topics will be delivered at the beginning of the month. Each candidate is expected to study the material and take the test at the end of each module. Each test contributes to the overall results so it is mandatory to take the tests. Unless one test is returned the next module will not be delivered and you may lose precious time for studying the next module. The course has to be completed within the stipulated time for the certification.

6. Is there a time-limit on completing the program?

Yes. The entire thesis/dissertation, modular learning, KXP and final testing have to be completed within the 6 month period to maintain international distance learning accreditation requirements and certification standards. In extreme or unusual circumstances, a candidate may be allowed an extension on payment of a late fee, currently $1000.

7. Where will the Knowledge Exchange Program (KXP) be held?

Currently the KXP programs have been planned in India. A centre is being planned in Dubai/Sharjah for interested candidates and information should be available soon.

8. Can I pay in installments?

Unfortunately there is no current provision to pay in instalments and no provisions for refund. The full fee has to be paid in advance.

9. Are there any special facilities for sponsored candidates?

If there are 5 or more candidates registering from a single institution there is a provision for an institutional discount. A sponsoring hospital/ institute/ body or company may be allowed to sponsor a candidate subject to certain conditions. Please contact or email the course administrator for details.

10. KXP Attendance – the problem is I can't come to India during this period. Is there any course in UK -KXP

If you plan to enroll in course, the KXP course would be in the sixth month. Your presence for the same is a part of the curriculum. In case of absence of your attendance in the KXP Program, you would not be eligible to the receipt of M. Ch. (Ophthal) Certificate. The attendance of the KXP course is mandatory.

11. Regarding the thesis when should we start?

The thesis/dissertation has to be written by you with an undertaking by you, duly signed that the copy rights and patency of the same are with you as your thesis/dissertation would be subject to being published in the Journal of USAIM.

12. Can I pay in pounds (equal to Rs 210000)?

No, The fees has to be paid in Indian rupees
FOR CREDIT TO
BOOLEAN EDUCATION A/c. USAIM.Quexst Solutions Pvt.Ltd
58/59, Suvarna Apartment, Mayur Colony, Kothrud, Pune 411 038.
Account Number 0149-847-0000-128
HDFC Bank, Kothrud Branch, Pune, India.

13. Is there any fixed day to do this KXP course, can u please clarify?

Every batch will have the KXP course (Knowledge Exchange Program) in the sixth month after the commencement of the batch. There will be 3 fixed days within which you will have interactive lecture series with your faculty and batch mates.

The final examination will be conducted after the lecture series in the same city as the KXP will be conducted. The candidates will plan for total 3 days of presence in the city of KXP

14. Where does a doctor stand among the rest after he gets the degree?

On successful completion of the course the candidate gets:

> M. Ch. (Ophthal) (USAIM) certification. > CME Credit hours award certificate > Letter confirming attendance at the Lecture program > Knowledge sharing with the experts and fellow professionals during the KXP > Letter of acceptance of his thesis which is subject to publication in the Journal of M.Ch.

15. Who will provide the training for the online tutorials? (Very few docs are techies, how does one teach them?)

The support is always available 24 x 7 x 365 for answering any queries via phone or mails. The operations of the portal are very simple. These are made keeping in mind the target user, a busy doctor, who should spend more time studying rather than understanding how to use the portal.

16. How much time does a doctor spend daily/weekly/monthly on the training?

It is envisaged that the doctor spends a month on each of the 6 modules selected by the candidate. It is expected that a student spends and hour every day to understand the study material for learning the online modules. These are 6 modules, one module per month.

17. Who will issue me the admission letter and Final Certification?

The University of Seychelles American Institute of Medicine (USAIM) will issue the admission letters and issue all certification to successful candidates on completion of the course.

18. Can an Indian resident pay in USD and vice versa a resident from abroad pay in Indian Rupees?

An Indian resident has to pay in Indian rupees (Rs. 210, 000/-) only and any resident residing outside India needs to pay in USD (in dollars equivalent to Rs. 210, 000/-).

19. Eligibility for the course?

Any candidate who is an MBBS; and D.Ophthal, DNB, M.S. (Ophthal), FRCS, MRCS with 4 years of experience in the field of ophthalmology or any other allied super specialties after graduation in liable to take the exams.

20. How much time do we need to put in everyday to finish the course?

It should not take you more than 1-2 hours every day for 1 module per month to get through the assigned module per month.

21. Can we do it at this (elder) age?

This being a totally audio-visual based online Program, it is easier to understand and follow-up rather than read through books. This program is for upgrading skills and is very important to professionals with experience to get updated on latest techniques, tools and research work in the field.

22. Is this recognized by MCI?

MCI does not recognize any Certification Program. Similarly, this program is also a Certification Program and M. Ch. (Ophthal) (USAIM) can be added to the credentials.