Eligibility FRCOphth

Who is the FRCOphth exam for?

These exams are for ophthalmology trainees in the UK’s Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) program, which lasts for seven years. Trainees take these exams at various stages of their training. It is also open for International Medical Graduates (IMGs),

These exams are for ophthalmologists, particularly International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who want to demonstrate their clinical expertise and gain a high-level, globally recognized qualification

Part 1 FRCOphth exam

  • UK trainees take it by the end of year two as a curriculum requirement to progress
  • No prior ophthalmology experience is required for overseas candidates
  • Candidates must have a verified MBBS qualification
  • Candidates must submit an attested copy of their medical degree or GMC registration evidence

Part 2 FRCOphth written exam

  • Candidates who have successfully passed the Part 1 FRCOphth exam are eligible to
    take the Part 2 written exam.

Refraction Certificate exam

  • This exam can be taken before or after the Part 1 or Part 2 written exam.
  • Passing this exam is mandatory before appearing for the Part 2 oral exam
  • OST trainees must pass this exam before entering year four of training

Part 2 FRCOphth oral exam

  • Candidates must have passed both the Part 2 written exam and the Refraction Certificate exam.
  • The Royal College recommends a minimum of four years of ophthalmology experience before taking the Part 2 written and oral exams

Part 1 FRCS Ophthalmology written exam

  • 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 of internship and 1 year in pre-registration training (clinical experience). (Experience does not have to be in ophthalmology)

Part 2 FRCS Ophthalmology written exam

  • Candidates who have successfully passed the Part 1 FRCS Ophthalmology exam are eligible to take the Part 2 written exam.
  • 1 year of internship and 5 years of clinical experience of which 54 months must be in clinical ophthalmology

Part 3 FRCS Ophthalmology Oral and clinical exam

Candidates must have passed parts 1 and 2 (in cases where you are not exempt). Some qualifications exempt candidates from having to take particular FRCS (Ophthalmology) examinations.

If you have any of the following qualifications, you may be exempt from part 1 and be able to move straight on to Part 2 FRCS (Ophthalmology)

  • Part 3 FRCS Ophthalmology Oral and clinical exam
  • FRCSEd Ophthalmology Part A
  •  MRCSEd Ophthalmology Part 1
  • FRCSEd Ophthalmology Part 1
  • FRCSI (Ophthalmology) Part 1
  • MRCSI (Ophthalmology Part 1
  • FRCOphth Part 1
  • MRCOphth Part 1
  • ICO: Basic Sciences or Visual Sciences AND Optics and Refractions or Optics, Refractions and Use of Instruments
  • FC Ophth (SA)
  • Diploma in Ophthalmology (SA)
  • M.Med (Ophthalmology) Singapore
  • Fellowship in Ophthalmology (Pakistan)
  • University of Colombo: MD (Ophthalmology) Module IV OR M.Med (Ophthalmology) OR MD (Ophthalmology) Part II

If you have the following qualifications, you may be exempt from Part 2:

  • ICO: Clinical Sciences or Clinical Ophthalmology