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

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Is This Course Right for You?

Taking FRCOphth Part 1 Written

The full FRCOphth Part 1 basic sciences syllabus is covered systematically across six structured weekly sessions.The exam consists of two online proctored SBA papers (90 questions each) taken on the same day. 

Taking FRCS Ophthalmology (Edinburgh / Glasgow) Part 1

FRCS Part 1 assesses the same core basic sciences as FRCOphth Part 1. 
Where the exam emphasis differs, these areas are clearly highlighted during the course sessions.

UK Ophthalmology Trainee (ST1–ST7 or earlier)

Many trainees prepare for FRCOphth Part 1 early during specialty training, as it provides a strong foundation in ophthalmic basic sciences and supports progression through the training pathway.

International / IMG Candidate

FRCOphth examinations are open to international medical graduates worldwide.Candidates sit the written examinations through online proctored formats or designated international test centres.PrepMedico candidates regularly sit the exam from centres across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
 
 
 

CESR Candidate

FRCOphth Part 1 forms an important milestone for doctors pursuing the CESR pathway in ophthalmology, demonstrating foundational knowledge aligned with the RCOphth curriculum.

No Ophthalmology Experience Yet

The RCOphth does not require previous ophthalmology training to sit Part 1.This course is designed to support candidates entering the specialty for the first time, building a strong foundation in ophthalmic basic sciences.

Re-sitting the FRCOphth Part 1 Examination

Candidates repeating the exam benefit from structured revision, focused MCQ discussion, and examiner-style explanations, helping identify knowledge gaps and improve exam technique.

Prerequisites & Where This Sits

The Part 1 Written examination forms the entry point for both the FRCOphth and FRCS Ophthalmology examination pathways. Understanding where this exam sits within the overall sequence helps candidates plan their preparation efficiently.

⚠ Important
Part 1 Written — The Gateway Examination

FRCOphth Part 1 Written and FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1 assess the same core ophthalmic basic sciences and represent the first step in their respective examination pathways.

Passing Part 1 Written is required before progressing further in the FRCOphth pathway, including:

  • Refraction Certificate
  • Part 2 Written
  • Part 2 Oral

The FRCS Ophthalmology pathway follows a similar progression toward the FRCS Part 3 Oral examination.

Candidates cannot progress within the FRCOphth examination sequence without a confirmed Part 1 pass.

Do not begin preparing for the FRCOphth Part 2 Written or the Refraction Certificate until Part 1 is passed. Both examinations require a confirmed Part 1 Written pass at the time of application.
After Passing Part 1 →
👁️
Can be taken in any order after Part 1
Refraction Certificate
Practical examination assessing retinoscopy, subjective refraction, and core refraction techniques.
FRCOphth pathway
📋
Can be taken in any order after Part 1
Part 2 Written
Full clinical ophthalmology curriculum — 180 SBA MCQs assessing applied clinical knowledge across the OST syllabus.
FRCOphth / FRCS Ophthalmology
🎓
Final examination
Part 2 Oral & Clinical Viva
Final FRCOphth examination assessing:
  • Clinical judgement
  • Investigation interpretation
  • Patient management
  • Part 1 Written
  • Refraction Certificate
  • Part 2 Written

What This Course Includes

This course is designed to prepare candidates for FRCOphth Part 1 Written and FRCS Ophthalmology (Edinburgh / Glasgow) Part 1, covering the complete ophthalmic basic sciences syllabus tested in both examinations.

Six Structured Live Lectures
Six comprehensive teaching sessions delivered over six weeks. Each lecture lasts approximately three hours, covering the full Part 1 syllabus in a systematic and exam-focused format.
Time-tested SBA Question Bank
Candidates receive access to a single-best-answer (SBA) question bank via the PrepMedico App, allowing targeted practice aligned with the exam format.
End-of-course Mock Examination
A full mock examination conducted at the end of the course using the same structure and difficulty level as the FRCOphth Part 1 and FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1 examinations.
Recorded Sessions for Revision
All lectures are recorded and made available for three months from the date of registration, allowing candidates to revise key concepts at their own pace.

Course Schedule

Week Date & Time (GMT) Session / Topic
1Sunday · 10:30Optics
2Sunday · 10:30Statistics
3Sunday · 10:30Physiology and Biochemistry
4Sunday · 10:30Pharmacology, Genetics & Investigations
5Sunday · 10:30Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
6Sunday · 10:30Anatomy & Embryology

FRCOphth & FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1 Courses

Course Edition

Dates/Target Exam

Registration Status

2nd
2 Aug 2026 – 6 Sep 2026

Target Exams: 15 Sept 2026 (FRCS Glasgow) & 14 Oct 2026 (FRCOphth)

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3rd
TBA
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Course Schedule:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K-cx7ZPxKgPjZOv6lWn2r12Jr-Ltadh8Ts6PM9lCvoE/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Individual Lecture Sessions

Candidates who are unable to join the full Part 1 course may enrol in individual topic lectures.

Each session follows the same three-hour structured teaching format delivered within the full course and covers the FRCOphth Part 1 and FRCS Ophthalmology (Edinburgh / Glasgow) Part 1 basic sciences syllabus.

Please note that individual lecture enrolments do not include access to session recordings.Lecture recordings are available only to candidates registered for the full course programme.

Full course registration includes:

  • All six lectures
  • Access to session recordings for three months
  • SBA question bank via the PrepMedico App
  • End-of-course mock examination

Candidates enrolling in individual lectures will not receive access to the recordings or mock exam.

More Ways to Prepare

Library Subscription

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1-1 Mentoring​

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Mock Viva

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What is the difference between FRCOphth and FRCS Ophthalmology?

FRCOphth is awarded by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. FRCS Ophthalmology is the intercollegiate surgical fellowship awarded by Edinburgh and Glasgow. Both assess similar competencies. PrepMedico's Part 1 Written and Part 2 Oral courses cover both pathways simultaneously.

Four. Part 1 Written, the Refraction Certificate, Part 2 Written, and Part 2 Oral. Each has its own prerequisites. PrepMedico offers a dedicated course for each stage.

You must pass Part 1 Written first. After that, Part 2 Written and the Refraction Certificate can be taken in any order. Both must be passed before you can sit the Part 2 Oral examination.

Yes. FRCOphth is open to international medical graduates. PrepMedico's courses serve IMG candidates, with course dates aligned to international exam centres including Bangalore, Amman, Cairo, Malaysia, Delhi, Pakistan, and others.

The Library Subscription gives access to recorded sessions from a PrepMedico course cohort. Ideal for candidates who cannot attend live sessions or want flexible, self-paced revision.

No. International candidates can sit all FRCOphth exams without UK-based training. However, clinical experience should align with the breadth expected in the RCOphth curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions

2nd FRCOpth Part 1 and FRCS Ophthalmology (Glasgow/ Edinburgh) Part 1 Revision Course

(2 Aug 2026 – 6 Sep 2026)

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