Ophthalmic Specialist Training (OST) is a seven-year surgical training programme that you will only be able to join on completion of the two-year Foundation Programme, and after successfully competing for a training place. If you are thinking to apply, please visit the Become an Ophthalmologist webpage for information about National Recruitment.
What does the training programme involve?
The RCOphth Training Committee determines the content and structure of the training programme, which is then approved by the General Medical Council (GMC) We offer skills courses, training advice and educational resources to support your professional development. We represent the speciality’s interests and ensure both trainees and trainers have a voice in shaping current and future ophthalmic practice. General Medical Council (GMC)
Postgraduate Deans and regional Schools of Ophthalmology oversee the delivery of the training programme, which is managed at a local level by Training Programme Directors (TPDs). Training takes place in hospital eye departments, under the guidance and supervision of consultants, speciality doctors and senior doctors in training. Educational Supervisors, allocated by units, will oversee your educational development and support you to become a qualified ophthalmologist.
Develop a breadth of knowledge and skills
During your training, you will learn from many different clinicians practicing across the breadth of special interest areas. You will see patients from all walks of life because ophthalmology includes paediatric, trauma, geriatric care and more. Towards the end of the training, you will be able to specialise in one or more special interest areas including glaucoma, paediatrics, medical retina and others.
To progress through training, achieve your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and join the GMC’s Specialist Register you must:
- Record training progress in the e-Portfolio against the learning outcomes defined in the OST Curriculum and demonstrate their achievement at the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP)
- Record surgical data in the Eye Logbook
- Pass the FRCOphth exams at set waypoints.
You are strongly recommended to use simulation extensively during your training to master micro-surgical techniques and other skills before in vivo training.
Please visit the Out of Programme/Trainee Selected Components webpage for more information about taking time out of the programme.
