A Career as an Eye Doctor
Thinking of a Career in Ophthalmology?
- Basic Training in Medical Ophthalmology
- Basic Training in Surgical Ophthalmology
commencing July 2025 will open via our website on Friday, 25 October 2024. Closing Date: Friday, 24 January 2025. The ICO will launch a new application software on our website in October 2024. Updated documentation for 2025 intake will be made available on our website shortly.
Join us for this year's ICO Online Careers in Ophthalmology Talk for those interested in applying to Basic Specialist Training on Wednesday 16th October at 7pm.
All are welcome to attend, whether you are in medical school, interning or a graduate.
The session aims to highlight the excellent training and career opportunities in Medical Ophthalmology and Surgical Ophthalmology and will be hosted by Miss Yvonne Delaney, Dean of Postgraduate Education, Irish College of Ophthalmologists.
Specialist Training Programmes in Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology Application Scorecard
Specialist Training in Ophthalmology
The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) is the accredited postgraduate training body responsible for the delivery of Specialist Training in Ophthalmology. The ICO is recognised for this purpose by the Irish Medical Council (IMC) and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and disease of the eye and visual system. Ophthalmologists diagnose, medically treat and perform surgery to preserve vision and prevent sight loss in patients. The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) is responsible for the delivery of Specialist Training in Ophthalmology and offers two training pathways:
- Medical Ophthalmology (5-year programme)
- Surgical Ophthalmology (7-year programme)
Entry to the Basic Training Programmes in Medical Ophthalmology and Surgical Ophthalmology is by annual competitive interview run by 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.
Further details on how to apply can be found on the Basic Medical Training section of our website and on the Basic Surgical Training section.