Higher Specialist 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 purpose of the Higher Specialist Training Programme in Surgical Ophthalmology is to provide in-depth surgical training so as to equip doctors with skills both in cataract surgery as well as in the subspecialties of anterior segment (corneal transplant), glaucoma (trabeculectomy), strabismus (squint surgery), orbit (enucleations), vitreo-retinal (retinal detachment repair), nasolacrimal and oculoplastic surgery. HST trainees, irrespective of preference and future career choice, must undertake training in all subspecialties to successfully complete their training.
On successful completion of the Basic Specialist Training in Surgical Ophthalmology (BST), requires passing the MRCSI Ophth exam, trainees can compete to enter the Higher Specialist Training in Surgical Ophthalmology (HST) programme provided they meet the selection criteria.
Progression is based on performance in basic training and by competitive interview held centrally in collaboration with the RCSI. Minor adjustments (5-7% of total score) may be made to the scorecard as required during each selection process.
Application & Entry
Applications for July 2027 intake will commence in Autumn 2026.
Please note that FRCOphth Part 1 results will only be accepted for exams completed up to and including the October 2026 sitting.
Interviews for July 2027 intake will take place in person in Dublin. Further details will be shared in due course.
After successful completion of the 3 years of Basic Specialist Training in Surgical Ophthalmology, trainees can compete to enter the Higher Specialist Training program provided they meet the selection criteria. Progression is based on performance in Basic Specialist Training and by competitive interview held centrally in conjunction with the RCSI.
Minor adjustments (5-7% of total score) may be made to the scorecard as required during each selection process.
Curriculum
There are 8 sub-specialties in ophthalmic surgery and the training programme covers all.
- Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Paediatric Ophthalmology
- Cornea and Anterior Segment
- Glaucoma
- Vitreoretinal
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Medical Retina
- Oculoplastic
*Emergency Ophthalmology is embedded in the learning outcomes of the 8 different specialties listed above.
Download the curriculum (PDF Document)
