Higher Specialist Training in Medical Ophthalmology
Overview
On successful completion of the Basic Specialist Training in Medical Ophthalmology (BMT), trainees can compete to enter the Higher Specialist Training in Medical Ophthalmology (HMT) programme provided they meet the selection criteria.
Progression is based on performance in basic training and by competitive interview. Minor adjustments (5-7% of total score) may be made to the scorecard as required during each selection process.
The HMT programme is two years in length which includes rotations in the subspecialities of Medical Retina, Paediatric Ophthalmology and Glaucoma.
Application & Entry
After successful completion of the 3 years Basic Specialist Training in Medical Ophthalmology*, trainees can compete to enter the Higher Specialist Training programme provided they meet the selection criteria. Progression is based on performance in core training and by competitive interview.
Minor adjustments (5-7% of total score) may be made to the scorecard as required during each selection process.
Curriculum
The purpose of the Higher Specialist Training in Medical Ophthalmology programme is to provide in-depth training to equip doctors with skills and expertise they require to independently practice as ophthalmologists. The programme has a modular approach and is framed around the three subspecialties located at the core of current and future patient demand - medical retina, glaucoma and paediatric ophthalmology.
Trainees, irrespective of preference and future career choice, need to complete all three modules to successfully complete their training. To reflect the diversity of the future career path of a Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist, training is located in hospital-based training units and will also take place in community clinics as the new Consultant Medical Ophthalmologists take up their posts and non-acute facilities are developed.
The European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) Exam and Higher Medical Training Modular sub-specialty Structured Oral Examination (SOEs) are the formal exit appraisals for the HMT in Ophthalmology programme and for doctors to be eligible for the Specialist Registrar of the Medical Council in the Division of Ophthalmology.
Download the ICO Specialist Training in Medical Ophthalmology curriculum (PDF Document)
