New Classification of Membership
The College is pleased to announce a new classification of Membership of the College for examination candidates who have successfully completed the Refraction Certificate and Diploma examinations, which has previously been referred to as the Diploma Plus.
The MRCOphth is a postgraduate ophthalmic qualification for doctors who have a number of years experience and knowledge in ophthalmology below that expected of an independent practitioner.
The benefits of
Membership to candidates passing the Diploma and Refraction Certificate
examinations are as follows:
- Internationally recognised
post-nominals: MRCOphth
- Allows candidates the opportunity to apply to the Ophthalmic Qualifications Committee for entry to the Ophthalmic Medical Practitioner register
- Gives Diplomates the potential to become Members of the College and obtain voting rights
- New MRCOphth is a
particularly suitable qualification for those training as medical
ophthalmologists or non-career grade ophthalmologists
Please note that
those holding the following historic examinations are also eligible to apply
for the new classification of Membership:
Have passed both the Diploma (DRCOphth) since November 2001 AND:
- Part 2 MRCOphth (Nov 1997-Nov 2008)
- Optics and Refraction Module (May 1989 - November 1998)
OR
- Passed the Diploma (DRCOphth) including compulsory Practical Refraction component (June 1997 - June 2001)
New Members via this route are not eligible to sit the Fellowship Assessment. Those wishing to obtain Fellowship of the College may enter the Part 2 FRCOphth examination but are still required to pass the Part 1 FRCOphth examination, in addition to the Refraction Certificate, in order to fulfil the eligibility criteria to enter the Part 2 FRCOphth examination.
Those wishing to apply for
the new classification of Membership should submit their completed 
application
form to the Examinations Department. Membership diplomas will be
presented to new Members at the Admission Ceremony in September each year for
which invitations are issued in early July.
If you have any further queries regarding the new classification of Membership, please contact Emily Beet, Head of the Examinations Department.
Page Updated: 28 January 2010 (ELB)