Basic Training in Surgical Ophthalmology

Overview

The national Specialist Training Programme in Surgical Ophthalmology is seven years in duration. The curriculum is competence-based and consists of three years basic training (BST1, BST2 & BST3) and four years higher training (HST4, HST5, HST6, HST7).

The training programme in Surgical Ophthalmology provides the structure for specialist training, culminating in graduation with achievement of the Certificate of Completion of Surgical Ophthalmology Training (CCST).

Surgical ophthalmology refers to ophthalmologists who perform microsurgical intraocular operations, such as cataract extraction surgery or retinal detachment repair surgery. Although the eye is a very small organ there are numerous subspecialties in ophthalmology including Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, Corneal and External Diseases, Glaucoma, Vitreoretinal surgery, medical retina and ocular oncology, Neuro-ophthalmology, Oculoplastics & Orbital / lacrimal disorders

The purpose of the basic years is to provide a broad based initial training in ophthalmology with attainment of knowledge skills and professional behaviours relevant to the practice of ophthalmology in any specialist discipline.

Entry on to the programme is by interview held at the Irish College of Ophthalmologists. An applicant’s undergraduate performance together with their personal and professional attributes, such as, ability to work as a team, communication skills and personal motivation, are all relevant. Successful candidates are appointed to the basic training programme for a three-year period.

Trainees rotate around the clinical training sites and contracts of employment are issued by the relevant hospitals. Trainees are rotated to a new team every 6 months in order to acquire the skills and competencies required to successfully complete BST.

Further information on how to apply and details on the application scorecard for entry to BST is available below under “Application & Entry”.

Application & Entry

Entry to the programme is by annual competitive interview run by the Irish College of Ophthalmologists. Available posts are advertised via this website in November/December of each year.

To apply for the Basic Training Programme a trainee needs to be registered with the Medical Council of Ireland and eligible for trainee specialist registration.

Successful candidates are appointed to the training programme for a three year period. Trainees rotate around the clinical training sites and contracts of employment are issued by the relevant hospitals.

Entry on to the Programme is by competitive interview held at the Irish College of Ophthalmologists. Consideration is given to an honours medical degree, prizes /medals (see below) achieved during undergraduate years, postgraduate degrees and presentations, research and /or publications. Personal and professional attributes such as, ability to work as a team, communications skills and personal motivation are also important.

Any interested graduate can contact Andrea Farrell, Senior Training and Operations Administrator at andrea.farrell @eyedoctors.ie who can put you in touch with the Dean of Postgraduate Education or other Eye Doctors working throughout the country, whose team, either junior or senior, would be happy to talk to you about a career in Ophthalmology.

Applications for Basic Training in Surgical Ophthalmology, commencing July 2025, will open on Friday 25th October 2024 and will close 4pm Friday, 24th January 2025. Further information on the application, eligibility requirements and English language requirements are outlined in the documents below. We recommend that all interested doctors review the documents below prior to submitting an application.

Submit an online application

Please note that you will be redirected to the ICO Applications Portal

Specialist Training Programmes in Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology Application Scorecard

Curriculum

Basic Training in Surgical Ophthalmology

The purpose of the foundation years of surgical ophthalmology training is to provide a broad based initial training in ophthalmology with attainment of knowledge skills and professional behaviours relevant to the practice of ophthalmology in any specialist discipline. Following successful completion of Basic Training in Surgical Ophthalmology (requires passing the MRCSI exam) and depending on career preference and ability, candidates can compete to enter Higher Specialist Training in Surgical Ophthalmology.

Basic Training is based on a clearly defined curriculum which sets out:

Training structure and pathway
Educational content
Assessment and appraisal processes
Examination format and regulations
Counselling and support arrangements
Core Training in Ophthalmology introduces trainees to the specialty of ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery and to the care and management of the ophthalmic patient;
Principles of assessment and investigation of the surgical patient (elective / emergency)
Pre-operative preparation, peri-operative management and postoperative care of the surgical patient.
Principles of operative surgery and theatre etiquette.
Surgical and multidisciplinary team working
Professional behaviour/ethical practice
Pattern of life long learning

There are clearly defined competencies which must be achieved in order to progress to the next phase of training. This curriculum defines the principles and practice of Basic Training.

Download the curriculum (PDF Document)

ICO Specialist Training in Basic Surgical Ophthalmology Curriculum Appendix C V2022

Flexible Training

The medical workforce is changing and, over recent years, numerous reports have pointed to the importance of providing flexible working arrangements for doctors. The HSE National Flexible Training Scheme for Specialist Trainees is a national scheme managed and funded by NDTP for supernumerary posts. The scheme facilitates doctors to continue their training in a flexible manner for a set period of time. For further information and to complete an application, please visit HSE National Flexible Training Scheme Guide which sets out details of the Scheme and provides information for trainees, training bodies and employers about the programme.

Applications for the scheme are open from 2nd September to 8th November 2024.