Apply for Fellowship

Apply for Fellowship 

Demonstrate your professional expertise in ophthalmology and gain the recognition you deserve. 

We offer three routes to Fellowship, each leading to the right to use the prestigious post-nominals FRCOphth whilst a member in good standing.  

Fellowship by exam

This is the main route for trainee doctors completing Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) and others practising in the UK through alternative training pathways. You achieve Fellowship by exam by successfully completing the FRCOphth examinations.   

Many international ophthalmologists also use this qualification to support specialist registration with the GMC through the Portfolio Pathway (formerly CESR) when applying to work in the UK.

Once you have passed the final exam, we will contact you to complete your membership registration or upgrade your existing membership. See our subscription fees. You do not need to fill in a separate form. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of receiving confirmation that you passed your final exam, please email us.  

Fellowship by registration 

If you are an ophthalmologist working in the UK and registered on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register for Ophthalmology with permission to practise, you can apply for Fellowship through a quick and simple process.  

Step 1: Create an account with us (if you do not already have one).
Step 2: Complete a short two-minute application form and include your GMC number.

We will review the application and confirm the outcome within one week. If your application is successful, your Fellowship will be activated once the subscription fee is paid. 

Fellow by application 

Ophthalmologists practising in the UK or internationally can apply for Fellowship based on their professional experience and contributions to the field. As a minimum, applicants must: 

• Have at least seven years of relevant work experience in ophthalmology  

• Meet the minimum requirement of points based on evidence provided for essential domains of Clinical, Education & Training, Research & Innovation, Management, Leadership as outlined on Assessment Matrix) 

• Provide a supportive letter from your Medical Director or Head of department (see FBA MBA MD support form) 

• Provide two positive references from two eligible referees (see FBA MBA Referee form) 

• Be eligible to practise without restrictions. 

Please see our detailed applicant guidance and FAQ.  

All three routes lead to Fellow membership and provide the same membership benefits and rights. 

Please note: Fellowship by exam is the only route accepted by the GMC as proof of skills, knowledge and experience for specialist registration. Please check with your regulator or employer which route they accept for their purposes.  

Any questions? Email us. 

If you were previously a Fellow of the College and would like to rejoin, please email us.