What is FRCOphth?

The Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) is a prestigious postgraduate qualification awarded by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) in the United Kingdom. It is recognised as a benchmark of excellence in ophthalmic education and is often considered a necessary step for doctors pursuing a consultant or specialist position in the UK or abroad.

The FRCOphth exam is structured to rigorously assess a candidate’s scientific knowledge, clinical reasoning, practical skills, and ethical judgement in ophthalmology. It serves as the standard exit assessment for UK-based Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) and is also open to internationally trained doctors with equivalent experience.

Holding an FRCOphth not only demonstrates your competence in the speciality, but also increases your employability across many regions, including the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. In countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the FRCOphth is often considered equivalent to a local board examination, making it a valuable asset in the professional portfolio of any ophthalmologist.

To explore official exam guidelines, visit the RCOphth Examinations Portal.

Eligibility and Entry Points

The FRCOphth examination is divided into several stages, primarily Part 1 and Part 2 (Written and Oral). Each stage has specific eligibility requirements, designed to assess progression from theoretical knowledge to applied clinical expertise.

FRCOphth Part 1 – Eligibility

Part 1 is the entry point to the FRCOphth pathway. It is a theory-only assessment that focuses on basic sciences including anatomy, physiology, optics, and pathology relevant to ophthalmology.

To be eligible for Part 1, you must:

• Hold a primary medical qualification (e.g. MBBS, MD) from a recognised medical school.
• There is no requirement for prior ophthalmology training.
• Doctors from both the UK and international countries can apply.
• The degree must be acceptable to the General Medical Council (GMC) or an equivalent international authority.

This makes FRCOphth Part 1 accessible for early-career ophthalmology trainees, including those from abroad who are exploring UK-recognised career paths.

For full details, visit the RCOphth Part 1 Exam Page.

FRCOphth Part 2 – Eligibility

FRCOphth Part 2 is designed to assess advanced clinical knowledge, diagnostic skill, and decision-making. It consists of a Written examination and an Oral examination (Structured Viva and OSCE), taken in sequence.

To be eligible for Part 2 Written, candidates must:

• Have passed the FRCOphth Part 1 examination.

To be eligible for the Part 2 Oral (viva and OSCE), candidates must:

• Have passed the Refraction Certificate examination.
• Have passed the Part 2 Written exam.

UK-based training is not mandatory. However, international candidates must ensure their clinical exposure and training match the breadth and depth expected in UK ophthalmology training, particularly in general ophthalmic conditions, emergency management, and surgical procedures.

Visit the Part 2 Written and Part 2 Oral exam pages for official eligibility documents and guidance.

Exam Structure: Theory and Practical Assessments

The FRCOphth exam is rigorous, and understanding the format is essential for effective preparation. Both Part 1 and Part 2 are structured to test a combination of knowledge retention, clinical thinking, and applied skills.

Part 1 FRCOphth

• Structure: Two written papers with 90 single best answer (SBA) questions each.
  • Paper 1: Covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and optics.
  • Paper 2: Covers pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and investigations.
• Duration: Each paper is 2 hours.
• No clinical or practical component in this part.

Refraction Certificate (Mandatory Before Part 2 Oral)

• Must be passed before sitting for Part 2 Oral (Viva + OSCE).
• Focused purely on practical skills: retinoscopy, subjective refraction, and prescription writing.

Part 2 FRCOphth Written

• Structure:
  • Two written papers (each 2.5 hours) focused on clinical ophthalmology and patient management.
• Pass Validity: Your pass result is valid for 7 years to allow time for completing the oral assessment.

Part 2 FRCOphth Oral (Viva & OSCE)

• Eligibility: Requires a pass in both the Refraction Certificate and Part 2 Written exam.
• Structure:
  • Structured Viva: Typically 4–5 stations covering retina, glaucoma, paediatrics, and more.
  • OSCE: Hands-on clinical scenarios testing communication, diagnostic reasoning, and procedural knowledge.
• Centres: Offered in the UK and select international locations (e.g. India, Malaysia, UAE, Egypt, Pakistan, Greece).

All parts are weighted equally, and candidates must pass each component to obtain the FRCOphth designation.

Timelines and Attempt Limits

Understanding the attempt restrictions and validity periods is crucial for strategic planning.

Part 1

• Attempt Limit: Maximum of six attempts.
• Note: Attempts before August 2013 do not count towards the limit.

Refraction Certificate

• No official attempt cap is publicly listed, but it must be passed before taking the Part 2 Oral.

Part 2 Written

• Attempt Limit: Maximum of four attempts.
• Result Validity: A successful pass remains valid for seven years, allowing time to complete the Oral exam.

Part 2 Oral

• Attempt Limit: Maximum of four attempts.

It’s essential to keep track of how many attempts you’ve made and plan accordingly to avoid breaching eligibility.

While many candidates rely on textbooks and question banks, true success in the FRCOphth exams, especially Part 2, lies in clinical reasoning and effective oral articulation. PrepMedico’s approach to preparation goes beyond traditional lectures. Instead, it focuses on real-case mock vivas conducted by experienced doctors who have cleared the FRCOphth themselves. Candidates also gain exposure to a variety of subspecialties, such as retina, glaucoma, and cornea, through targeted drills.

The program also incorporates live feedback sessions, where candidates receive insights on improving clarity, structure, and clinical prioritisation. For overseas doctors unfamiliar with the UK OST exam style, this mentorship proves invaluable. It’s not just about knowing the correct answer, but learning how to think aloud and respond under pressure – a skill that the viva component often tests.

To see how this structured, interactive approach can boost your preparation, explore the PrepMedico FRCOphth Programme.

Preparing for the FRCOphth involves understanding the structure, eligibility, and expectations at each stage. Whether you’re approaching Part 1 or preparing for the Oral exam, a focused, case-based approach can make a significant difference.

To learn more about structured preparation, visit the PrepMedico FRCOphth Programme.

For official exam updates and resources, refer to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Examinations Portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible to take FRCOphth exams?

• FRCOphth is available to any medical graduate holding a primary medical qualification (such as MBBS or MD) from a recognized university. However, suitable training in ophthalmology is advisable for success in these exams.

What is the exam format and timeline?

• Part 1: Two papers of 90 single best answer (SBA) questions each. It is fully theory-based, focusing on optics, anatomy, physiology, and basic science relevant to ophthalmology.
• Refraction Certificate: A practical exam assessing retinoscopy and subjective refraction skills. This is a prerequisite for taking the Part 2 Oral.
• Part 2 Written: Two papers (clinical ophthalmology and patient management) that must be passed before attempting the Oral.
• Part 2 Oral: Structured Viva and OSCE, testing clinical skills, diagnostic reasoning, and communication. These may be conducted over one or two days, depending on location and schedule.

For full timeline updates and booking details, refer to the RCOphth Examinations Calendar.

How many times can I attempt FRCOphth?

• Part 1: Maximum of six attempts. Attempts made before August 2013 do not count towards this total.
• Part 2 Written and Oral: Each has a limit of four attempts. Attempts before August 2014 are excluded from the count.
• Refraction Certificate: No published attempt limit, but it must be passed before sitting Part 2 Oral.

For additional guidance on exam rules, see the Examination Regulations.

Is FRCOphth recognised outside the UK?

Yes. The FRCOphth qualification is highly respected across several regions including the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman), Africa, and Asia. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it may support consultant classification, depending on additional criteria such as experience and employer requirements. Recognition is always subject to local health authority regulations.

What is the difference between PrepMedico and other prep options?

PrepMedico offers live, mentor-led preparation including:

• One-on-one mock vivas
• Structured feedback on exam technique
• Clinical reasoning support aligned with FRCOphth expectations

Unlike passive video-based courses or standalone question banks, this mentorship-driven format focuses on real-time application and guidance, especially useful for Part 2 Oral and Refraction Certificate stages.

Explore more: PrepMedico FRCOphth Support.

Do I need UK-based training to apply?

No. While UK-based ophthalmology training is common, international candidates can apply as long as their clinical experience aligns with the RCOphth curriculum.

Candidates must ensure their training covers a broad scope of clinical ophthalmology to be well-prepared for both written and oral assessments.

How long does it take to prepare for FRCOphth?

Preparation time varies by part and individual background:

• Part 1: Typically 3 to 4 months focusing on optics, anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
• Refraction Certificate: Requires 4 to 6 weeks of focused hands-on practice.
• Part 2 Written: On average, 3 to 5 months, with emphasis on clinical application, guidelines, and case-based practice.
• Part 2 Oral: Candidates often prepare for 6 to 8 weeks, including mock vivas and OSCE practice, particularly if they are not in regular clinical settings.

Those working full-time often benefit from structured mentorship or guided programmes to stay on track.PrepMedico recommends starting early and integrating mock vivas by month 2 for Part 2.