Ophthalmology is a small but highly competitive medical and surgical specialty, dealing with diverse ophthalmological problems and a wide range of patients from premature babies to the older population. Working alongside other professional colleagues, you will have the chance to offer sight-saving microsurgical or pharmacological treatments to patients of all ages, along with sub-specialty work in rare diseases.
Doctors in training to be a consultant ophthalmologist will train in a variety of sub-specialties and go on to make a career in one or more of the following:
- Cornea and anterior segment
- Medical retina
- Glaucoma
- Oculoplastic surgery
- Paediatric ophthalmology
- Medical ophthalmology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Academic research
- Vitreoretinal Surgery
- Ocular Motility
- Urgent Eye Care
- Community Ophthalmology.
I became an ophthalmologist because it allowed me to blend medicine and surgery in a highly technical environment and in a discipline which is evolving. I wanted the challenge of learning new skills and knowledge and the satisfaction of highly effective treatments.
What to expect as an ophthalmologist
Whilst a general ophthalmologist’s surgical workload may include squint and glaucoma surgery, oculoplastic and nasolacrimal surgery, cataract surgery is the most commonly known eye condition that ophthalmologists deal with. Many of the population will need cataract surgery at some point in their lifetime. Because of the diversity of eye disease and patients, ophthalmologists may discuss a patient’s care and co-morbidities involving many other areas of medicine such as diabetes, rheumatology, neurology, ENT and maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, paediatrics and genetics. Read the short career guide So you want to be an Ophthalmologist? for more information.
Another important part of the patient care involves partnerships with other professions that ensure a joined up approach across primary and secondary care. Find out about who else is involved in ophthalmology.
The road to qualification is challenging, but there are plenty of rewards and career routes to pursue, including academic research.
Find out more about our Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) Curriculum
National Recruitment for Ophthalmic Specialist Training
Health Education South West (Severn) coordinate national recruitment into Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) on behalf of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
Candidates are able to preference all available posts across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
All enquiries should be made directly to the recruiting team either by ringing 01454 252610 or emailing [email protected].
2023 recruitment
Please follow the links below for further information about the 2023 recruitment process:
Update on OST3
National Recruitment Deanery Proforma Information
The College has produced additional information by region for trainees applying for National Recruitment to assist in deciding on preference. Please select each region for detailed information:
England
- East Midlands Deanery – awaiting information
- East of England Deanery Proforma 2020
- KSS Deanery Proforma 2020
- London North Deanery Proforma 2020
- London South Deanery Proforma 2020
- Mersey Deanery – awaiting information
- North West Deanery – awaiting information
- North East Deanery Proforma 2020
- Oxford Deanery – awaiting information
- Severn Deanery – awaiting information
- South West Peninsula Deanery Proforma 2020
- Wessex Deanery – awaiting information
- West Midlands Deanery – awaiting information
- Yorkshire & Humberside, North Deanery – awaiting infromation
- Yorkshire & Humberside, South Deanery – awaiting information
Northern Ireland
Scotland
- North Scotland Deanery – awaiting information
- East of Scotland Deanery – awaiting information
- South-East Scotland Deanery Proforma 2020
- West Scotland Deanery – awaiting information
Wales
Medical Ophthalmology
There was a change to the ST3 Medical Ophthalmology entry requirements in 2016. Trainees from an ophthalmology background – who completed ST2 and passed the FRCOphth Part 1 by August 2016 – may be eligible to apply. Successful applicants enter at ST3 level but complete a period of core medical training as part of their programme.
More information about medical ophthalmology