Certificate in Laser and Refractive Surgery (CertLRS)
For ophthalmologists specialising in laser and refractive procedures.
The route to qualification
The Fellowship of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) is the main professional qualification for ophthalmologists in the UK. To be awarded Fellowship, you must successfully complete Part 1 FRCOphth, the Refraction Certificate, Part 2 FRCOphth Written and Part 2 FRCOphth Oral. Once awarded, you must also become a member of the College to use the FRCOphth post-nominals.
Candidates who successfully complete Part 1 FRCOphth and Part 2 FRCOphth Written are awarded the Certificate of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (CertRCOphth), which recognises achievement in the written components of the Fellowship route. CertRCOphth holders may use the CertRCOphth post-nominals and are eligible to apply for Affiliate Membership of the College.
Part 1 FRCOphth
Assesses knowledge of the basic sciences relevant to ophthalmology, based on the first two years of the Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) curriculum.
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Refraction Certificate
Assesses practical refraction skills in a clinical setting. The exam can be taken before or after Part 1 FRCOphth.
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Part 2 FRCOphth Written
Assesses applied knowledge and clinical understanding through multiple-choice single best answer questions. You must have passed Part 1 FRCOphth before sitting this exam.
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Part 2 FRCOphth Oral
Assesses clinical reasoning, communication and decision-making. You must have passed Part 1 FRCOphth, the Refraction Certificate and the Part 2 Written exam before sitting this exam.
View exam detailsAdditional qualifications and awards
Duke Elder Undergraduate Prize Exam
Recognises excellence in undergraduate ophthalmology.
Booking exams: what you need to know
Before you apply, make sure you:
- meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen exam
- check application opening and closing dates
- understand the exam format and delivery method
- read the relevant policies and candidate guidance.
Exam fees
Check the fee for your exam before you apply. Fees are reviewed annually.
| Exam | UK fee | International fee |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 FRCOphth | £725 | |
| Part 2 FRCOphth Written | £725 | |
| Part 2 FRCOphth Oral | £1,395 | India, Egypt and Pakistan: £2,320 | Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore: £2,975 |
| Refraction Certificate | £900 | India, Egypt and Pakistan: £1,125 | Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore: £1,495 |
| Certificate in Laser and Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) | £1,925 | |
| Duke Elder Undergraduate Prize Examination | £65 | |
| Appeals procedure | £1,200 |
How exam fees are spent
We use exam fee income to run exams. We do not use it to fund other College activities, and we do not make a surplus from exam fees.
Fees cover the cost of delivering exams, including venues, suppliers, examiners and operational support.
When we review fees, we consider the type of assessment, curriculum developments, fairness for candidates and the long-term sustainability of exam delivery.
Policies and procedures
Read the policies, procedures and guidance that apply to RCOphth exams.
- Exam terms and conditions
- Candidate code of conduct
- Appeal procedure
- Appeal procedure: guidance for candidates
- Misconduct policy
- Additional attempt policy
- Reasonable adjustments policy
- Reasonable adjustments form