FRCOphth Refraction Certificate Revision Course

The Refraction Certificate is a mandatory component of the FRCOphth examination pathway awarded by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

This practical examination assesses a candidate’s ability to perform objective and subjective refraction accurately and safely in a clinical setting.

The PrepMedico Refraction Certificate course is designed as a focused intensive revision programme, helping candidates develop the practical understanding and structured approach required for success in the examination.

Is This Course Right for You?

Preparing for the FRCOphth Refraction Certificate Examination

This course is designed for candidates preparing to sit the Refraction Certificate examination conducted by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

 

The programme focuses on the core practical skills and clinical reasoning required to perform accurate refraction and interpret findings during the examination.

Ophthalmology Trainees Preparing for the Next Stage of Training

Many trainees attempt the Refraction Certificate after passing FRCOphth Part 1, as it forms a key requirement before progressing to the later stages of the examination pathway.

International / IMG Candidates

The Refraction Certificate examination is open to international candidates worldwide, provided they have passed FRCOphth Part 1 Written.

Candidates Looking for Structured Practical Revision

Candidates who already have clinical experience in refraction often benefit from structured revision focusing on examination technique, common pitfalls, and examiner expectations.

Prerequisites & Where This Sits

The Refraction Certificate sits within the FRCOphth examination pathway.

 

Candidates must pass FRCOphth Part 1 Written before sitting the Refraction Certificate examination.

⚠ 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.

After passing Part 1, candidates may sit:

  • Refraction Certificate
  • Part 2 Written

These examinations can be taken in any order.


Final Stage

After completing all three:

  • Part 1 Written
  • Refraction Certificate
  • Part 2 Written

Candidates become eligible to sit the FRCOphth Part 2 Oral examination — the final stage of the FRCOphth pathway.

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
Coming Soon
📋
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
Coming Soon
🎓
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
Refraction Certificate Examination
Examination Format
Practical Clinical Examination

Structure covers assessment of refraction techniques including:

  • Objective refraction (retinoscopy)
  • Subjective refraction
  • Interpretation of refractive error
  • Clinical decision-making during refraction assessment
Examination Focus
What Candidates Are Assessed On
  • Perform accurate retinoscopy
  • Refine refractive correction
  • Communicate effectively with patients
  • Interpret refraction findings in a clinical context
What This Course Includes

This course is designed as a focused intensive revision programme for candidates preparing for the Refraction Certificate examination.

Structured Practical Teaching
Focused on the key principles of objective and subjective refraction, with emphasis on examination technique and clinical accuracy.
Examination-Focused Guidance
Structured guidance on how refraction is assessed in the examination, including common errors and examiner expectations.
Practical Interpretation
Discussion of clinical scenarios and refractive findings frequently encountered in the examination.
Interactive Discussion
Candidates are encouraged to clarify refraction techniques, interpretation, and examination strategy through live discussion.
Course Format
Delivered as a one-day intensive revision session, designed to provide focused preparation shortly before the examination. The teaching session is conducted live online, allowing candidates from different locations to participate.
Suitable For
Candidates who have passed FRCOphth Part 1 Written and are preparing to sit the Refraction Certificate examination as part of the FRCOphth pathway.
Course Date Format Registration Status
FRCOphth Refraction Certificate Revision Course To be announced Online Opening Soon

FRCOphth Refraction Certificate Revision Course

Course
Dates

Registration Status

2nd FRCOphth Refraction Certificate Revision Course

April 12, 2026

May 11-15 Birmingham AND June 22-23 KL, Malaysia

Registration Closed

3rd FRCOphth Refraction Certificate Revision Course

September 06, 2026

19th-20th Oct Bangalore AND pakistan 28th Sept

3rd FRCOphth Refraction Certificate Revision Course

November 01, 2026

7-10 Dec Birmingham and Cairo ( 22nd nov)

Planned

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.

 

More Ways to Prepare

Library Subscription

1-1 Mentoring​

Mock Viva

What is the Refraction Certificate?

The Refraction Certificate is a practical examination within the FRCOphth qualification, assessing the ability to perform accurate refraction using both objective and subjective methods.

Candidates may take the Refraction Certificate after passing FRCOphth Part 1 Written.


It can be taken before or after Part 2 Written, but must be completed before sitting the Part 2 Oral examination.

Candidates should have basic clinical experience performing refraction, as the examination assesses practical skills used in routine ophthalmic practice.

No. The Refraction Certificate is specific to the FRCOphth pathway and is not part of the FRCS Ophthalmology examination.

The course focuses on structured revision of refraction techniques, interpretation of refractive errors, and examination strategy, helping candidates approach the examination with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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