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.
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.
- Clinical judgement
- Investigation interpretation
- Patient management
- Part 1 Written
- Refraction Certificate
- Part 2 Written
Structure covers assessment of refraction techniques including:
- Objective refraction (retinoscopy)
- Subjective refraction
- Interpretation of refractive error
- Clinical decision-making during refraction assessment
- Perform accurate retinoscopy
- Refine refractive correction
- Communicate effectively with patients
- Interpret refraction findings in a clinical context
This course is designed as a focused intensive revision programme for candidates preparing for the Refraction Certificate examination.
| Course | Date | Format | Registration Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRCOphth Refraction Certificate Revision Course | To be announced | Online | Opening Soon |
FRCOphth Refraction Certificate Revision Course
Registration Status
April 12, 2026
May 11-15 Birmingham AND June 22-23 KL, Malaysia
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)
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.
- All six lectures
- Access to session recordings for three months
- SBA question bank via the PrepMedico App
- End-of-course mock examination
More Ways to Prepare
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.
When can I take the Refraction Certificate?
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.
Do I need clinical experience to sit the Refraction Certificate?
Candidates should have basic clinical experience performing refraction, as the examination assesses practical skills used in routine ophthalmic practice.
Is the Refraction Certificate part of FRCS Ophthalmology?
No. The Refraction Certificate is specific to the FRCOphth pathway and is not part of the FRCS Ophthalmology examination.
What does the PrepMedico Refraction Certificate course focus on?
The course focuses on structured revision of refraction techniques, interpretation of refractive errors, and examination strategy, helping candidates approach the examination with confidence.

