Basic Training in Surgical Ophthalmology
Overview
The Specialist Training Programme in Surgical Ophthalmology is seven years in duration. The curriculum is competence-based and consists of three years basic training and four years higher training.
Surgical ophthalmology refers to ophthalmologists who perform microsurgical intraocular operations, such as cataract extraction surgery or retinal detachment repair surgery. Subspecialties in surgical ophthalmology include but are not limited to Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Corneal and External Diseases, Glaucoma, Vitreoretinal surgery, Medical Retina and Ocular Oncology, Neuro-ophthalmology, Oculoplastics and Orbital / Lacrimal Disorders.
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 BST.
Following successful completion of BST1–BST3 training, trainee can compete to enter HST via application and interview.
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.
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.
Please note that you will be redirected to the ICO Applications Portal
- ICO Basic Specialist Training Guidance Document of Applicants 2026
- Overview of online BST application form 2026
- Scorecard for Basic Specialist Training in Surgical Ophthalmology for July 2026
- Applicant Checklist Basic Specialist Training 2026
- Eligibility for Trainee Specialist Division
- Medical Council notice on eligibility for trainee specialist division
- English Language requirement
- Allocation of places
- Frequently Asked Questions
Curriculum
Basic Training in Surgical Ophthalmology
The purpose of the foundation years of surgical ophthalmology training 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 Basic Training in Surgical Ophthalmology (requires passing the MRCSI exam) and depending on career preference and ability, candidates can compete to enter Higher Specialist Training in Surgical Ophthalmology.
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
- Core Training in Ophthalmology introduces trainees to the specialty of ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery and to the care and management of the ophthalmic patient;
- Principles of assessment and investigation of the surgical patient (elective / emergency)
- Pre-operative preparation, peri-operative management and postoperative care of the surgical patient.
- Principles of operative surgery and theatre etiquette.
- Surgical and 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.
Download the curriculum (PDF Document)
ICO Specialist Training in Basic Surgical Ophthalmology Curriculum Appendix C V2022
