The center also conducts the final FRCS Examination (Ophthalmology) of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh). In 2016, the Infosys Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of Indian IT major Infosys, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sankara Eye Hospitals to set-up a sustainable eye care training academy and undertake research and training activitiesin eye care. Courses offered Diplomate of National Board of Examination (DNB) Ophthalmology (three years) recognized by the National Board of Examinations Diplomate of National Board: Two-year postdoctoral Vitreoretinal fellowship recognized by National Board of Examination Fellowship in General Ophthalmology, Cornea, Uvea, Oculoplastis, Glaucoma and, Vitreoretinal. Session starts April and October. Cataract Surgery (Basic & Advanced) Sir Ratan Tata two-month fellowship. Session starts January/April/July and October. PhD programmes in Ophthalmology, Biochemistry & Microbiology affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr M G R Medical University, Chennai Elite School of Optometry (ESO) The Elite School of Optometry (ESO) is the first and leading college of optometry in India offering a four-year professional degree: B.Optometry. The college is run by Sankara Nethralaya in collaboration with SASTRA University, Tanjore from the academic year 2017–18. Previously, it functioned in collaboration with Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani. Located at close proximity to the Chennai International Airport, Chennai, ESO has a diverse student community coming from states across India. ESO is considered the IIT of optometry in India. The college gives its students a strong academic foundation and excellent clinical training. Students of ESO have also completed their MS PHD program on a scholarship from various leading universities of different countries. A few work for leading MNCs across the world, while some head the research department of known universities or hospital. In 2018, the Elite School of Optometry saw eight students received PhD degrees, 32 received their Bachelor of Optometry degree, and award for the Best Optometry of the year 2017 and ESO awards were also distributed. Almost half of the undergraduates were female. The SN Academy The Sankara Nethralaya Academy – with a distinctive series of programmes and expert faculty – aims to create a pool of well-trained eye care professionals competent to meet challenges in ophthalmology. The academy serves as a platform for creating, processing and disseminating knowledge related to eye care, ophthalmic research and hospital administration. The institution offers wide-ranging programmes including allied health sciences like Optometry (M.Optom, Fellowships and Certificate courses), Ophthalmic Dispensing (B.Sc.), Medical Laboratory Technology