How to apply
Ophthalmology, especially surgical ophthalmology, is a highly competitive specialty in Ireland. Entry to the programme is by competitive interview – applicants can access the current scoring system on the Irish College Of Ophtalmologist's website. There is no Equivalent Standards Route (ESR) into surgical ophthalmology. The only route is by competitive progression from the Basic Surgical Ophthalmology Training Programme.
Consideration is given to an honours medical degree, prizes/medals achieved during undergraduate years, postgraduate degrees and presentations, as well as research and/or publications. Personal and professional attributes, such as the ability to work as a team, communications skills and personal motivation, are also important.
To be eligible for a Specialty Programme in Ophthalmic Surgery, you must have successfully obtained your Certificate of Completion of Core Surgical Training (CCCST).
Trainees rotating through the seven recognised training centres in Ireland will also need to sit an exit exam at the end of the training to acquire the Fellowship in Ophthalmic Surgery through RCSI.