Eye Care in FocusBasic Training in Medical Ophthalmology
Overview
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.
Application & Entry
Applications for July 2027 intake will open on October 30th 2026. Closing date is January 8th, 2027
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.
See our Intake Demographics for Basic Ophthalmic Training.
Please note that you will be redirected to the ICO Applications Portal
- ICO Basic Specialist Training Guidance Document for Applicants July 2027 Intake
- Overview of online application form July 2027 Intake
- Scorecard for Basic Specialist Training in Medical Ophthalmology for July 2027
- Applicant Checklist Basic Specialist Training 2027 Intake
- Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Documents for Applicants
Curriculum
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)
