FRCOphth & FRCS Ophthalmology Exam Preparation

Structured, mentor-led preparation for every stage of the FRCOphth pathway and the FRCS Ophthalmology (Edinburgh/Glasgow) route — Part 1 Written, Refraction Certificate, Part 2 Written, and Part 2 Oral/Part 3 Viva.

PrepMedico
Structure of examinations

What is FRCOphth?

The Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) is the UK’s primary postgraduate qualification for ophthalmologists. Awarded by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, it is mandatory for completion of Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) and is recognised internationally as a benchmark of consultant-level competence in ophthalmology.

To be awarded FRCOphth, candidates must pass four examinations: Part 1 Written (basic sciences and optics), the Refraction Certificate (practical refraction OSCE), Part 2 Written (clinical ophthalmology MCQ), and Part 2 Oral (structured viva and OSCE). These are sequential, with each stage having specific prerequisites.

FRCS Ophthalmology (Edinburgh/Glasgow) is the intercollegiate surgical fellowship qualification. Its Part 1 Written closely mirrors FRCOphth Part 1, and its Part 2 Written closely aligns with FRCOphth Part 2 Written. The FRCS Part 3 Viva is equivalent to FRCOphth Part 2 Oral. PrepMedico’s programmes are designed to support candidates across both pathways.
  • UK & International candidates
  • 4 sequential examinations
  • Both FRCOphth & FRCS covered
  • Online proctored where available

Select your current stage and move step-by-step through your exam pathway.

Select the option that matches your current exam stage. Each links directly to the relevant course page.

FRCOphth Part 1 / FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1

Part 1 Written Course

FRCOphth Part 2 Written / FRCS Ophthalmology Part 2 Written

Part 2 Written Course

Refraction Certificate (Practical OSCE)

Refraction Certificate Course

FRCOphth Part 2 Oral / FRCS Ophthalmology Part 3 Viva

Viva Course

Why PrepMedico

There are many ways to prepare for the FRCOphth.PrepMedico is built differently — and the results reflect it. 

Recently Successful Faculty

Our faculty have recently passed FRCOphth and FRCS Ophthalmology within the last few years. They understand current examiner expectations, high-yield patterns, and evolving exam trends — not outdated approaches.

One Course. Two Pathways.

A single structured programme prepares you for both FRCOphth and FRCS Ophthalmology (Edinburgh/Glasgow). No duplication of effort, no additional courses — just a streamlined pathway.

Focused, Small Cohorts

Cohort sizes are deliberately capped to ensure personalised attention. Every candidate receives direct faculty interaction — this is mentorship, not passive learning.

Practice-Centred Learning

Preparation goes beyond theory. Every module includes structured practice — viva sessions, OSCE walkthroughs, and MCQ technique — with real-time faculty feedback.

Flexible Learning, On Your Terms

All sessions are recorded and accessible through the PrepMedico Library, allowing you to revise anytime while balancing clinical commitments.

Our Performance at a Glance

Delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes across cohorts through structured mentorship and exam-focused training.

FRCOphth Part 2 Oral & FRCS Ophthalmology Part 3 Viva
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FRCOphth / FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1 Written
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Understand the Exam & What to Prepare

Understanding the structure of FRCOphth and FRCS Ophthalmology to guide focused and effective preparation.
Part 1 Written FRCOphth / FRCS Ophthalmology
Part 2 Written FRCOphth / FRCS Ophthalmology
Refraction Certificate Practical OSCE
Part 2 Oral / Part 3 Viva FRCOphth / FRCS Ophthalmology
FRCOphth Part 1 Written Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Format2 online proctored papers, same day
Paper 190 SBA MCQ questions — 2 hours
Paper 290 SBA MCQ questions — 2 hours
Total180 questions — must pass both papers
SubjectsOptics, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, pathology, microbiology, immunology, statistics
HeldJanuary · April · October
Max Attempts6 (sittings before Aug 2013 excluded)
EligibilityAny medical graduate — no ophthalmology experience required
⚠️ Both papers must be passed in the same sitting. Results from previous attempts do not carry forward.
FRCS Glasgow Part 1 Written Intercollegiate Fellowship
FormatSingle MCQ paper
Questions160 SBA MCQs
Duration2 hours
SubjectsBasic sciences in relation to ophthalmology — closely mirrors FRCOphth Part 1
Max Attempts Max 6 attempts
Eligibility To apply for FRCS (Ophthalmology) Part 1, you must:
Hold a primary medical qualification that is accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Have completed a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience, including 1 year in pre-registration training.
✅ PrepMedico's Part 1 course prepares you for both FRCOphth and FRCS Ophthalmology pathways within a single structured programme — no duplication, no additional cost.
6-Week Course Syllabus — Session by Session
Week 01Optics

Geometrical optics, refraction principles, optical instruments, lenses, prisms, contact lenses, laser physics.

Highest MCQ frequency
Week 02Statistics

Study design, hypothesis testing, data interpretation, clinical trials, sensitivity & specificity, evidence-based medicine.

Commonly underestimated
Week 03Physiology & Biochemistry

Ocular physiology, aqueous humour dynamics, retinal physiology, lacrimal system, IOP regulation, corneal physiology.

Core science
Week 04Pharmacology, Genetics & Investigations

Mechanisms of ophthalmic drugs, pharmacokinetics, genetics principles, ocular investigations and their interpretation.

Cross-topic
Week 05Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology

Ophthalmic pathology, ocular microbiology, immunological mechanisms, inflammatory disease, tumour pathology.

Frequently tested
Week 06Anatomy & Embryology

Orbital anatomy, cranial nerve anatomy, blood supply, embryological development of the eye and adnexa.

High-yield
FRCOphth Part 2 Written Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Format2 online proctored papers, same day
Paper 190 SBA MCQ questions — 2 hours
Paper 290 SBA MCQ questions — 2 hours
Total180 questions — must pass both papers
SubjectsClinical ophthalmology across the OST curriculum including retina, glaucoma, cornea, cataract, paediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, uveitis, ocular oncology, medical ophthalmology and ocular emergencies
HeldUsually June/July and November/December
Max Attempts4 attempts permitted
EligibilityCandidates must have passed Part 1 and the Refraction Certificate
⚠️ Both papers must be passed in the same sitting. A passing paper from a previous attempt does not carry over.
FRCS Glasgow Part 2 Written Intercollegiate Fellowship
FormatSingle MCQ paper
Questions180 SBA MCQs
Duration2 hours 30 minutes
SubjectsClinical ophthalmology including ophthalmic surgery, medical ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology and general medicine relevant to ophthalmic practice
Syllabus OverlapSubstantial overlap with FRCOphth Part 2 Written, covering core clinical ophthalmology topics
Divergence HandlingFRCS-specific areas such as general medical management and neurological aspects of ophthalmology are highlighted separately where required
✅ PrepMedico's Part 2 Written course prepares candidates for both FRCOphth and FRCS Ophthalmology pathways within a single structured programme. No duplication of effort. No separate registration required.
6-Week Course Syllabus — Session by Session
Week 01Retina & Ethics / Guidelines

Retinal diseases including macular disorders, vascular retinal disease, retinal detachment, and vitreoretinal interface disorders. Professional ethics, clinical governance, and guideline-based decision making.

High-frequency clinical topics
Week 02Neuro-Ophthalmology & Oculoplastics

Neuro-ophthalmic disorders including optic neuropathies, visual pathway lesions, and pupillary abnormalities. Oculoplastic conditions including eyelid disorders, lacrimal system disease, and periocular pathology.

Core clinical area
Week 03Cornea, External Eye & Cataract

Corneal diseases, ocular surface disorders, infections, keratoconus, and corneal dystrophies. Cataract types, surgical principles, lens pathology, and postoperative complications.

Surgical fundamentals
Week 04Paediatrics, Strabismus & Orbit

Childhood eye disorders, amblyopia, paediatric cataract, and congenital conditions. Strabismus assessment and management, orbital disease including inflammatory, vascular, and neoplastic pathology.

Common exam scenarios
Week 05Investigations, Glaucoma & Basic Science

Ophthalmic investigations including OCT, visual fields, angiography, and electrophysiology. Glaucoma pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management, with supporting clinical science.

Clinical interpretation
Week 06Uveitis, Ocular Oncology & Systemic Medicine

Inflammatory eye diseases, classification of uveitis, and systemic associations. Ocular tumours and oncology principles. Systemic diseases affecting the eye and ophthalmic manifestations of general medicine.

High-yield clinical integration
Refraction Certificate — Examination Format Royal College of Ophthalmologists
FormatObjective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Stations10 OSCE stations assessing practical refraction skills
Duration10 minutes per station (total OSCE circuit)
Skills Assessed
Objective RefractionRetinoscopy technique and accuracy
Subjective RefractionRefinement of refractive correction with patient responses
Equipment UseUse of trial lenses and trial frames
Refractive ErrorDetermining and interpreting refractive error
Findings InterpretationInterpretation of refraction findings
CommunicationCommunication with patients during refraction assessment
The examination uses a hybrid format combining real patients and retinoscopy simulators.
When the Exam Is Taken 📋 The Refraction Certificate is a mandatory component of the FRCOphth qualification. Candidates may take the Refraction Certificate or Part 1 as their first exam, but Part 1, the Refraction Certificate, and Part 2 Written must all be passed before sitting the final Part 2 Oral examination.
PrepMedico Refraction Certificate Course ✅ PrepMedico offers a focused one-day intensive revision online course designed specifically for candidates preparing for the Refraction Certificate examination. The course includes structured guidance on retinoscopy techniques, subjective refraction practice, OSCE-style scenarios, and examiner-focused strategies to help candidates approach the exam with confidence.
FRCOphth Part 2 OralRoyal College of Ophthalmologists
Component 1: Structured Viva
Format5 stations × 10 minutes each
Viva Station AreasPatient Investigations · Patient Management · Attitudes, Ethics & Responsibilities (AER) · Audit, Research & Evidence-Based Practice · Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Component 2: Clinical OSCE
Format5 × 20-minute clinical stations + 1 Communication Skills station (10 min, conducted alongside Structured Viva)
Station 1Anterior Segment
Station 2Glaucoma and Lid
Station 3Posterior Segment
Station 4Strabismus and Orbit
Station 5Neuro-ophthalmology
Station 6Communication Skills
Requirements
PrerequisitesMust have passed Part 1, Refraction Certificate, and Part 2 Written
Maximum Attempts4 attempts
⚠️ Candidates must pass the Part 2 Oral examination. Limited cross-compensation may apply if a candidate marginally fails the Structured Viva, but a poor OSCE cannot be compensated by a good Structured Viva.
FRCS Ophthalmology Part 3Intercollegiate Fellowship
Component 1: Structured Oral Examination
Format3 × 20-minute oral examinations
Oral 1Lids, Oculoplastics and Anterior Segment
Oral 2Posterior Segment and Glaucoma
Oral 3Neurology, Motility and General Medicine
Component 2: Clinical Examination
Format4 × 12-minute clinical stations
Station 1Anterior Segment Disorders
Station 2Posterior Segment Disorders
Station 3Neuro-ophthalmic and Ocular Motility Disorders
Station 4Oculoplastic and Lid Disorders
How this differs from FRCOphth Part 2 Oral
The FRCS Part 3 does not include AER or Health Promotion components. The oral element uses 3 × 20-minute structured sessions rather than 5 × 10-minute viva stations. The clinical element consists of 4 examination stations with no separate Communication Skills station.
✅ PrepMedico's Part 2 Oral / Part 3 Viva course prepares candidates for both FRCOphth and FRCS Ophthalmology viva-clinical pathways within a single structured programme.

Meet our Faculty

PrepMedico

Ms Swetha Ravichandran

MS, FMRF (cornea), FRCOPHTH

PrepMedico

Ms Riddhi Thaker

MBBS, BSc, FRCOphth, FEBO

PrepMedico

Ms Shruthy Vaishali Ramesh

MS, DNB, FRCOphth, FAICO

PrepMedico

Dr Shreyans Jain

MD , FRCS (Glasgow), FRCOphth, FICO, DNB, FAICO

Consultant Vitreoretina surgeon

PrepMedico

Dr Aahan D Shah

MBBS, MS (Gold), FICO, FRCOphth

M.Ch Vitreoretina trainee

PrepMedico

Ms Rachana Shah

MBBS, MS, FRCOphth


PrepMedico

Ms Sapna Sinha

MBBS, MS, FRCS (Glasgow), FRCOphth,
MRCS (Edinburgh), FICO

Honorary faculty

PrepMedico

Dr Sonali Gupta

MS, FRCS(Glasgow), FRCOphth, FICO, DNB

Consultant-Neuro-ophthalmology, Paediatric ophthalmology and Strabismus

Find Your Course

Part 1 Written

FRCOphth Part 1 and FRCS Ophthalmology (Glasgow/Edinburgh) Part 1 Revision Course

6-week structured MCQ preparation covering the full basic sciences syllabus — optics, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, statistics, and embryology. Both pathways in one course.

View course
Part 2 Written

FRCOphth Part 2 Written & FRCS Ophthalmology Part 2 Written Revision Course

6-week clinical ophthalmology MCQ preparation covering retina, glaucoma, cornea, cataract, paediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, uveitis, ocular oncology, and systemic medicine. Both pathways in one course.

View course
Refraction Certificate

Refraction Certificate — Practical OSCE Intensive Revision Course

Focused one-day intensive online course covering retinoscopy techniques, subjective refraction practice, OSCE-style scenarios, and examiner-focused strategies for the Refraction Certificate examination.

View course
Part 2 Oral / Part 3 Viva

FRCOphth Part 2 Oral & FRCS Ophthalmology (Edinburgh/Glasgow) Part 3 Viva Course

4-week intensive viva and OSCE preparation. All subspecialty viva practice, 1-to-1 mock viva, 1-to-1 mock OSCE, dual-track Week 4 (AER/HP for FRCOphth; Neurology/General Medicine for FRCS).

View course

More Ways to Prepare

Library Subscription

1-1 Mentoring​

Mock Viva

What is the difference between FRCOphth and FRCS Ophthalmology?

FRCOphth is awarded by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) and represents the primary professional qualification in ophthalmology in the UK training pathway.

FRCS Ophthalmology is the intercollegiate surgical fellowship awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Both examinations assess similar clinical knowledge and competencies in ophthalmology, although their examination structures differ slightly.

PrepMedico’s Part 1 Written and Part 2 Oral preparation courses are designed to cover both pathways simultaneously.

Four examinations must be completed:• Part 1 Written• Refraction Certificate• Part 2 Written• Part 2 Oral

Each examination has its own eligibility requirements and prerequisites. PrepMedico offers dedicated preparation courses for each stage of the examination pathway.

Candidates must first pass Part 1 Written.After that, Part 2 Written and the Refraction Certificate may be taken in any order.

Both must be passed before a candidate becomes eligible to sit the Part 2 Oral examination.

Yes. FRCOphth is open to international medical graduates (IMGs).

Many candidates preparing for the examination are based outside the UK. PrepMedico courses regularly support candidates appearing at international exam centres such as Bangalore, Amman, Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, Delhi, Pakistan, and other locations.

No. UK-based training is not mandatory.
However, candidates should ensure they have adequate clinical exposure across the breadth of ophthalmology expected within the RCOphth curriculum.
The Library Subscription provides access to recorded sessions from a previous PrepMedico course cohort.
It is designed for candidates who:• cannot attend live sessions• want flexible self-paced revision• want access to structured exam-focused teaching recordings 

Most candidates pursuing UK training follow the FRCOphth pathway, as it aligns directly with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists training curriculum.

FRCS Ophthalmology is an intercollegiate surgical fellowship and may be pursued by candidates seeking a surgical fellowship qualification.

Because the syllabus overlap is significant, preparation strategies are often similar.

FRCOphth examinations are considered high-standard postgraduate assessments.
They test:• applied clinical knowledge• examination interpretation• clinical decision making• understanding of ophthalmic investigations• safe patient management
Structured preparation and regular practice with exam-style questions and viva discussions are essential.
 
 
 

For most candidates the pathway typically takes 2–3 years, depending on preparation time, exam availability, and progression through each stage.

PrepMedico courses are primarily live interactive teaching sessions, allowing candidates to engage directly with faculty and discuss exam-style scenarios.Recordings are provided for revision through the PrepMedico digital learning platform.
Courses are delivered by a global faculty of consultant ophthalmologists and senior surgeons, many of whom are actively involved in postgraduate teaching and examination preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Part 1 Written
Part 2 Written
Refraction Certificate
Part 2 Oral / Part 3 Viva

How PrepMedico prepares you

Exam Details and Pattern

Read More

Ready to Ace your FRCOpth / FRCS ophthalmology?

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Part 1 Written
Part 2 Written
Refraction Certificate
Part 2 Oral / Part 3 Viva