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Basic Training in Medical Ophthalmology

 

The Medical Ophthalmology Curriculum is a five-year competence-based curriculum consisting of three basic years (BMT1, BMT2 & BMT3) followed by two years (HMT4 & HMT5) of subspecialty training in paediatrics, glaucoma and medical retina. 

The Training Programme in Medical Ophthalmology is the route to qualification as a Medical Ophthalmologist in Ireland. 

Entry on to the programme is by interview held at the Irish College of Ophthalmologists. Successful candidates are appointed to the basic training program 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 BMT.

Following successful completion BMT1 –BMT3 Training (requires passing the MRCSI exam) candidates can compete to enter higher Training in Medical Ophthalmology HMT4 – 5.

 

Online Applications for Basic Training in Medical Ophthalmology, commencing July 2026, will open on Friday 24th October 2025 and will close 4pm Friday, 16th January 2026. 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.

See our Intake Demographics for Basic Ophthalmic Training.

ICO Progression Metrics 2026

Submit an online application

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

Applications for July 2026 intake will be available on the application opening date of Friday October 24th 2025
 

 

 

Basic Training in Medical Ophthalmology BMT1, BMT2, BMT3.

The purpose of the first three years of Basic Training in Medical Ophthalmology 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 BMT1, BMT2 & BMT3 (requires passing the MRCSI (ophth) exam), candidates can compete to enter higher training in Medical Ophthalmology HMT4 - 5

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
  • 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 BMT1 - BMT3.

Download the Medical Ophthalmology curriculum (PDF Document)

The medical workforce is changing and, over recent years, numerous reports have pointed to the importance of providing flexible working arrangements for doctors.

The ICO understand the importance of work-life balance.  We support flexible timetables for your continued health and wellbeing throughout your career in medicine.

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.

Financial Supports

There are currently three schemes in operation which provide financial supports to NCHD's and Consultants, funded by the NDTP.

Details of the schemes can be found on the HSE website .

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