FRCS exams
The FRCS Ophthalmology examination assesses the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required of ophthalmologists in training. It is delivered in three parts: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Read more about each part below.
FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1
The Part 1 examination tests knowledge of basic sciences relevant to ophthalmic surgery, forming the first stage of the FRCS Ophthalmology assessment.
FRCS Ophthalmology Part 2
The FRCS Part 2 examination tests knowledge of ophthalmic medicine and surgery and general medicine and neurology, forming the second stage of the FRCS Ophthalmology assessment.
FRCS Ophthalmology Part 3
FRCS Ophthalmology Part 3 is a structured oral and clinical exam that assesses decision-making, communication and professional skills required for independent ophthalmic practice.
Overview
The Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) qualification in Ophthalmology is a key step for those pursuing a career in ophthalmic surgery.
To achieve the FRCS (Ophth), you must successfully complete a structured, multi-part examination. Once you complete the exams and join the College, you will be entitled to use the FRCS (Ophth) postnominals as a mark of professional achievement.
Applications to the FRCS Ophthalmology
The FRCS Ophthalmology examination consists of three parts: Part 1 (written), Part 2 (written) and Part 3 (structured oral and clinical). Parts 1 and 2 assess theoretical and applied clinical knowledge, while Part 3 evaluates applied knowledge, decision-making, clinical and communication skills in a patient-focused setting.
Our Examinations team is available to offer guidance and support as you progress through the FRCS exam pathway.
Information on how to apply, exam content and regulations, is provided in the supporting documentation on the exam pages.
New exempting qualifications route
The College has signed a new partnership agreement with the Ophthalmology Foundation. 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).
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.
Further details can be found in the Exempting Qualifications document on the pages referring to Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the exam.
Discontinuation of International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) exempting qualifications route
Following a review of our ophthalmology examinations, the College has taken the decision to discontinue the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) examinations exemption route for FRCS Ophthalmology. From 1 January 2028, the College will no longer accept ICO qualifications as exemptions for entry to the FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1, 2 and 3 examinations.
Candidates who hold ICO qualifications and have attempted FRCS Ophthalmology Part 2 or Part 3 prior to 1 January 2028 will be permitted to remain in the exam system and continue to sit FRCS exams through to completion.
Candidates who are not able to enter the FRCS system prior to 1 January 2028 will be required to sit the FRCS Part 1, 2 or 3 exam or to enter the exam system through alternative exemption routes. Full details of the transitional arrangements can be found on the ICO Exemption: Transitional Rules document on the pages referring to Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the exam.
Further details of available alternative exemption routes can be found in the Exempting Qualifications document on the pages referring to Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the exam.
Exam locations
Part 1 (Written) and Part 2 (Written)
These written papers are delivered online in a suitable location of the candidate's choice.
Part 3 (Structured Oral and Clinical)
Part 3 is an in-person exam comprising a structured oral and a clinical examination and is held at centres in the following locations:
- India - Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi
- Jordan - Amman
- Egypt - Cairo
Candidates will receive full exam centre details after registering interest and being allocated a place.
Your Diploma
Following your successful completion of the FRCS Ophthalmology examinations, you will become eligible for fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
You will be invited to complete the College membership process and we will also invite you to mark this achievement and celebrate your admission to the College as a Fellow at one of our Diploma Ceremonies, held throughout the year at our College in Glasgow.
Advance your career with College membership
On completion of the final part of FRCS Ophthalmology, successful candidates will be invited to proceed to admission to the College. In joining us, you will be part of a growing membership committed to ensuring high standards of practice through assessment and continuing professional development.
You can view information on our membership categories, learn how you can contribute to College life and see the benefits offered by visiting our membership pages.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You must pass Part 1 before sitting Part 2, and must pass Part 2 before you can apply for Part 3.
Yes. The FRCS Ophthalmology is respected worldwide as a benchmark of competence in general ophthalmic practice.
No. While it is a respected qualification, FRCS Ophthalmology does not provide direct entry into UK higher specialist training. However, the Fellowship is recognised for the purpose of registration with the General Medical Council of the UK.
You will be eligible for fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Our Membership team will contact you with information on how to join the College and receive your diploma.
Part 1 and Part 2 are delivered online . Part 3 is held in-person at centres internationally, depending on demand.
I’ve completed ophthalmology exams with the Ophthalmology Foundation. Do they count towards the FRCS (Ophthalmology)?
Yes, successful completion of the Ophthalmology Foundation examinations can form part of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow’s FRCS (Ophthalmology) pathway. However, it does not, on its own, confer the FRCS qualification.
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.
Candidates must then complete Part 3 of the College’s exam to achieve FRCS Ophthalmology and become eligible for fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
I’ve completed ophthalmology exams with the Ophthalmology Foundation. Do they allow me to apply for MRCS (Ophth)(Glasg) and membership of the college?
No, the Ophthalmology Foundation exempting qualifications on their own do not make candidates eligible for MRCS (Ophth)(Glasg). To apply for membership, you must either sit and pass both FRCS Part 1 and FRCS Part 2, or hold the exempting qualifications for Part 1 and then sit and pass FRCS Part 2 to obtain MRCS (Ophth)(Glasg).
I’ve completed ophthalmology exams with the ICO (International Council of Ophthalmology). Do they count towards the FRCS (Ophthalmology)?
Until 1 January 2028, successful completion of the ICO exempting qualifications can form part of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow’s FRCS (Ophthalmology) pathway. However, it does not, on its own, confer the FRCS qualification.
I hold the ICO exempting qualifications but have not yet attempted FRCS Part 2 or Part 3. When are the last opportunities for me to apply for the FRCS exams using these qualifications?
New candidates applying for Part 2 for the first time would need to sit the exam in Autumn 2027.
New candidates applying for Part 3 for the first time would need to sit the exam by the final diet of 2027, normally held in December.
Candidates who have already attempted either Part 2 or Part 3 of the FRCS Ophthalmology before 1 January 2028 may continue to sit the exams after this date.
Please be aware that we will be no longer be accepting International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) examinations as exemptions for entry to the FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1, 2 and 3 examinations from 1 January 2028.
What our Members say
"The experience of taking the exam has been very informative regarding the approach to patient care outside India. The ability to interact with professionals from all over the world, keeps one informed of the ongoings in the professional community."
Dr Anuradha
Ophthalmologist
Fellow
"FRCS Glasgow (Ophthalmology) enabled me to pursue fellowship training in cornea and external eye disease at one of Europe’s largest ophthalmology centres. The community support and friendships enabled by being part of the College."
Chamika De Silva
Ophthalmologist
Fellow
"Passing the FRCS(Ophth) exam has opened new avenues and prospects for providing a global platform. Being a fellow of the College does not just mean passing an examination. It means years of dedication, training and reflection."
Dr. Abhilasha Maheshwari
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Fellow
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