Medical students and foundation doctors
You don’t need to wait until you apply for Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) to start exploring a career in ophthalmology.
During medical school and foundation training, you can build your knowledge of ophthalmology, develop practical skills and learn more about what a career in the specialty involves.
If you’re not sure what basic skills and knowledge in ophthalmology you should have, look at our guide to help direct your learning.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists supports medical students and foundation doctors through learning resources and opportunities to get involved. You can also join the College as an Associate Member to access benefits including online learning and other resources to support your career development.
Why choose ophthalmology
Ophthalmology combines clinical assessment with surgery. You will: diagnose and manage a wide range of eye conditions; develop practical and surgical skills; work with patients of all ages; use imaging, lasers and other specialist technology; build a career that could include teaching, leadership or research.
You will often work closely with optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and other eye care professionals, as well as doctors in specialties such as neurology, paediatrics, rheumatology and diabetes care.
What ophthalmologists do
Ophthalmologists diagnose, treat and manage eye disease. Their work include surgery, clinics and multidisciplinary working in 12 special interest areas:
- Cataract surgery
- Glaucoma
- Medical retina
- Vitreoretinal surgery
- Cornea and ocular surface disease
- Paediatric ophthalmology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Oculoplastics and orbit
- Ocular motility
- Uveitis
- Urgent eye care
- Community ophthalmology
What to expect from the specialty
Ophthalmology combines clinical assessment with surgery. You will often work closely with optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and other eye care professionals, as well as doctors in specialties such as neurology, paediatrics, rheumatology and diabetes care.
Route into ophthalmology training
Entry into the seven-year Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) programme is through a national recruitment process. Entry is only possible at OST1.
National recruitment to OST is coordinated by NHS England South West on behalf of the College. Applicants can preference posts across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For full details, read the NHS recruitment guidance.
Check whether you are eligible
You should review the current eligibility requirements before applying. Applicants with more than 30 months of ophthalmology experience are not eligible for OST and may need to explore the Portfolio Pathway route.
Read about the Portfolio Pathway route if you exceed the time limit.