This page answers common questions about course accreditation.
You should find the main information you need here. If you need help with a specific query, contact the accreditation team.
Course organisers or providers can apply if they run educational or scientific courses that support the development of competent ophthalmologists or eye care professionals and can provide evidence of high-quality delivery.
If your course is longer than five days, or is delivered through a modular or distance-learning format, contact the accreditation team before applying.
Email the accreditation team about course eligibility – [email protected]
No. You must provide detailed participant feedback from at least the previous two deliveries of the course as part of your application.
This feedback should demonstrate that the course was delivered successfully and achieved positive participant outcomes.
No. Accreditation applies only to future deliveries of a course after accreditation has been awarded.
It cannot be applied retrospectively to previous course deliveries.
You should apply well in advance of your next planned course date.
To apply, complete the Course Accreditation application form.
As part of your application, you must demonstrate how your course meets College standards and provide any supporting evidence requested in the application guidance.
Your application should include participant evaluations from at least the previous two course deliveries.
These evaluations should demonstrate:
- how the course was delivered
- participant feedback and satisfaction
- whether the intended learning outcomes were achieved
Additional supporting documentation may also be required. Full requirements are set out in the application form and accreditation guidance.
Each application is initially reviewed by the College staff team.
If the course is considered eligible, a quality assurance visit is arranged while the course is being delivered. The visiting panel would normally include a consultant ophthalmologist and a member of College staff.
The panel’s report is reviewed by the Training Committee, which considers whether the course should be recommended for accreditation.
The timescale depends on:
- the date of future course deliveries
- the availability of the quality assurance panel
You should apply as early as possible and at least six months before the course is due to run
Course accreditation is normally awarded for three years, subject to satisfactory annual monitoring and review.
Accreditation may be extended by mutual agreement following review.
If your application is successful, you must meet the College’s monitoring requirements throughout the accreditation period.
This includes:
- participant evaluations following each course delivery
- an annual report from the course tutor and/or faculty to the Training Committee
The College reserves the right to withdraw accreditation if required standards are not maintained.
There is an initial assessment fee, which is non-refundable.
If the course is accredited, an accreditation fee also applies. The applying organisation must also meet the costs associated with the quality assurance visit.
Payment stages are:
- Initial assessment fee when the application is submitted
- Quality assurance visit fee when the visit is arranged
- Accreditation fee following approval
For current fees and payment information, see the Course Accreditation Fees page.
Possibly.
Eligible courses may also be recognised for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points at no additional charge.
Each course is assessed individually against the College’s CPD criteria and standards.
If a course does not meet the requirements, it must not be promoted as carrying CPD points.
Yes.
Accredited courses are listed on the College website.
Applications from industry-funded or privately funded courses are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you are unsure whether your course is suitable for accreditation, contact the accreditation team before applying.
If you have questions about any part of the accreditation process, contact the accreditation team at [email protected]