The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Ophthalmology Foundation have signed a new partnership agreement to support ophthalmologists throughout their careers – and advance patient care.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will strengthen international collaboration in education, assessment and professional development. Under the agreement, the two organisations will formally recognise the value and professional standing of each other’s examinations.
Professor Hany Eteiba, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, said:
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence in ophthalmic education, professional standards and the advancement of eye care worldwide.
“We are delighted to be working together to support the workforce, the ophthalmic surgeons of tomorrow, and importantly, the patients we collectively serve.”
Dr David E.I. Pyott, Vice President of the Ophthalmology Foundation, said:
“This partnership represents an important milestone not only for our organisations, but also for the ophthalmologists who dedicate themselves to achieving these highly respected qualifications.
“Together, we are creating greater opportunities for professional recognition, career progression, and international collaboration within the global ophthalmic community.
“As we continue to expand our global network, this agreement is another step towards building a truly international examination pathway that supports excellence in training and lifelong professional development.”
Under the partnership, successful completion of the Ophthalmology Foundation’s exams will now form part of the pathway to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow’s FRCS (Ophthalmology) – a key qualification for those pursuing a career in ophthalmic surgery.
Ophthalmologists who have passed both the Ophthalmology Foundation’s Visual Sciences and Optics, Refraction and Instruments examinations will be exempt from FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1. Those who have passed the Ophthalmology Foundation’s Clinical Ophthalmology examination will be exempt from FRCS Ophthalmology Part 2.
There are reciprocal exemption arrangements for candidates who hold either the College’s FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1 or Part 2 exams for exemption from the Ophthalmology Foundation’s examinations.
More information can be found on our assessment web pages.