For ophthalmologists seeking internationally recognised qualifications, two routes stand out: the Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (FRCS Ophthalmology).
Both awards attest to advanced competence in ophthalmology and can open doors to senior posts in the UK, Middle East and elsewhere. However, they differ in eligibility requirements, exam structure and alignment with UK training.
This guide reflects the latest official information available in 2025.
The FRCOphth is the benchmark qualification for ophthalmologists completing the UK Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) programme. It assesses a candidate’s theoretical knowledge, clinical reasoning and applied surgical skills through a multi-stage examination process:
The oral exam is currently delivered in the UK and several overseas centres including Singapore, India, Egypt, Malaysia, Greece, Dubai and Pakistan.
A pass in the Part 2 Written exam is valid for seven years. Candidates have six attempts at Part 1 and four attempts at the Part 2 examinations.
Recent exam reports show that pass rates for FRCOphth exams are higher than many candidates expect:
| FRCOphth component | Pass rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 (Oct 2024 diet) | 70.9 % (232/327 candidates) | FRCOphth Part 1 report (Oct 2024) |
| Part 2 Written (Dec 2024 diet) | 79.3 % (134/169 candidates) | Psychometric Report (Dec 2024) |
| Part 2 Oral (Apr 2024 diet) | 74.8 % overall | FRCOphth Part 2 oral report (Apr 2024) |
| Part 2 Oral (Nov 2024 diet) | 67.5 % overall | FRCOphth Part 2 oral report (Nov 2024) |
Note: Pass rates vary between examination diets, but the figures above illustrate that the success rate is significantly higher than the 35–45 % suggested in some online sources. This underscores the importance of preparing thoroughly and sitting the exam when ready.
The FRCS (Glasgow) is a surgical fellowship examination offered by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
It provides an internationally respected credential demonstrating a candidate’s ability to practise general ophthalmology independently. Unlike FRCOphth, the FRCS is not part of the UK OST pathway, although it is recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) and may support applications for specialist registration.
The FRCS examination has three parts:
| Criterion | FRCOphth | FRCS (Glasgow) |
|---|---|---|
| Integration with UK training | Required for UK OST; essential for progression to consultant posts within the NHS. | Not part of UK OST but recognised by GMC; provides an alternative route for experienced clinicians. |
| Primary requirement | Medical degree; candidates must hold a qualification acceptable to the GMC/IMC. | Medical degree acceptable to the GMC. |
| Clinical experience required | No mandatory months of training to sit Part 2 Written; exam is aimed at OST trainees in years 4–7. | Part 1: at least 2 years post-qualification, including one year internship. Part 2 & 3: 5–6 years post-qualification, including 4.5 years in ophthalmology. |
| Exam format | Four components – Part 1, Refraction Certificate, Part 2 Written and Part 2 Oral (Viva & OSCE). | Three components – Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 (structured oral & clinical exam). |
| Practical requirements | Refraction Certificate and OSCE assess hands-on skills. | Clinical exam in Part 3 assesses patient examination and communication. |
| Exam centres (2025) | Written exams online; Oral exam held in the UK and abroad (Singapore, India, Egypt, Malaysia, Greece, Dubai, Pakistan). | Parts 1 & 2 online; Part 3 in select centres (recently Amman and Cairo). |
| Attempt limits | Six attempts at Part 1; four at Part 2 components. | Attempt limits apply; resit candidates must wait 12 months before reapplying. |
| Typical preparation time | Many sit Part 2 during years 4–7 of OST. | Preparation often takes 1–2 years, depending on prior experience. |
United Kingdom:
FRCOphth is the standard qualification for entry to consultant-level posts in NHS hospitals. FRCS (Glasgow) is valued but considered external to the OST pathway; it may support GMC registration and consultant applications but is not a substitute for UK specialty training.
Middle East and Asia:
Both qualifications are respected by health authorities. FRCOphth often carries more weight for academic or consultant roles in Gulf countries due to its alignment with UK standards. FRCS (Glasgow) remains a prestigious credential for experienced clinicians seeking senior clinical positions.
Global mobility:
FRCOphth enjoys broad recognition across Europe and the Commonwealth. FRCS (Glasgow) offers flexible recognition across multiple healthcare systems because it is not tied to a specific training programme.
While both examinations are rigorous, recent pass-rate data show that candidates who prepare effectively have a high chance of success.
The FRCOphth Part 2 Oral now has pass rates above 65 %, and the Part 2 Written exam had a pass rate of nearly 80 % in December 2024.
Your decision should depend on your career goals, training background and geographic aspirations:
It is not uncommon for some clinicians to pursue both qualifications – obtaining the FRCS first to gain international recognition and then completing the FRCOphth to meet UK and Gulf requirements.
The FRCOphth and FRCS (Glasgow) pathways both confer prestige and open doors across the globe.
However, their eligibility requirements, structure and alignment with UK training differ significantly. As of 2025, FRCOphth remains the essential qualification for UK-based ophthalmologists, while FRCS (Glasgow) offers an alternative for experienced practitioners seeking a flexible, internationally accepted fellowship.
Understanding these differences – and staying abreast of changing exam formats and pass rates – will help you choose the pathway that best matches your career ambitions.
Yes. FRCOphth is more academically demanding due to its multi-stage exams and detailed theory components, whereas FRCS (Glasgow) is more clinically focused.
Yes. Many candidates complete both over time, earning FRCS (Glasgow) first for flexibility, then FRCOphth for higher recognition in the UK and Middle East.
Both are accepted, but FRCOphth often carries additional weight for consultant-level classification due to its alignment with the UK RCOphth standards.
FRCOphth usually takes 2–3 years, while FRCS (Glasgow) can be completed in 1.5–2 years, depending on preparation and attempt frequency.
No. Both accept international applicants, but FRCOphth requires documentation of structured training equivalent to UK standards.
