IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHANGES TO THE FRCSEd (OPHTH) EXAMINATIONS
Following a review of the Ophthalmology Examinations offered by the College it has been decided that the following changes will be made with effect from 1 January 2011:
- The structure of the FRCSEd Ophthalmology Examination will change from four parts to three – Parts A, B and C.
- Part A - a written paper of 3 hours duration.
- Part B - a clinical refraction of one patient, three objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), a structured oral examination.
- Part C - a written paper of 3 hours duration, three objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), a multi-station oral examination.
Further information on the structure of the Examination can be found in the Regulations.
- Candidates who are successful in Part B (and who satisfy the eligibility criteria) will be awarded an MRCSEd (Ophthalmology). However the College will no longer hold any Examinations titled MRCSEd (Ophthalmology).
- Candidates who are successful in Part C (and who satisfy the eligibility criteria) will be awarded an FRCSEd (Ophthalmology).
We appreciate that there are candidates who have already started the Examination under the previous Regulations and Examination structure. Therefore a comprehensive list of exemptions for such candidates is available on this website. These exemptions will only be available for the transitional period of 2011.
All candidates should be aware that the new-format FRCSEd (Ophth) Examination has been designed for use as a conjoint examination with partner organisations overseas. Although the examination is not recognised by PMETB as an assessment that would contribute towards the award of the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), UK trainees may apply for this examination if they wish to do so.
It is highly recommended that all candidates also read the following documents:
November 2010